Bangkok, 11 August 2026 – TOPS, under Central Retail, is transforming packaging management in the food retail industry by developing Nature-Based Packaging from natural materials sourced from local farms and communities to reduce and replace single-use plastics, while adding value to locally sourced natural materials and agricultural produce through its Jing Jai Farmers’ Market initiative. Building on more than eight years of supporting Thai farmers in adopting natural-material packaging across 33 participating branches, TOPS currently uses natural packaging for more than 100 fresh vegetable products under the Jing Jai Farmers’ Market program. Annually, this initiative successfully reduces single-use plastic packaging across various types and sizes by approximately 900,000 to 1,000,000 pieces. The company is also further expanding this model by encouraging partner farmers to package fresh produce with natural materials at the source before delivering products to TOPS’ distribution hubs for nationwide rollout. This initiative reinforces TOPS’ position as a leading food retailer committed to driving business growth alongside community economic development and environmental sustainability under its “12 Missions to Sustainable Retail” strategy.
Mr. Thanawat Jirajariyavej, Managing Director, Central Food Retail under Central Retail said: “Today, sustainability has become one of the defining forces shaping the future of the global retail industry. At the same time, Thailand continues to face ongoing challenges in waste management. According to the Pollution Control Department’s Solid Waste Situation Report 2025–2026, the country generates approximately 28–29 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, of which 2.24–2.88 million tonnes are plastic waste. These figures highlight that reducing plastic consumption at the very beginning of the supply chain is one of the most effective ways to create lasting environmental impact. “ However, replacing plastic with natural materials in the retail sector presents significant challenges. Alternative materials must be able to meet commercial standards for product quality, storage, transportation, and operational efficiency. This is why TOPS has further expanded its Jing Jai Farmers’ Market initiative by developing Nature-Based Packaging while working closely with networks of farmers and local communities to co-design and improve natural-material packaging tailored to different types of produce. This collaborative approach has enabled natural packaging to be successfully adopted within the modern retail supply chain. Every year, this initiative successfully reduced single-use plastic packaging across various types and sizes by more than 900,000 – 1,000,000 pieces, while creating added value for locally sourced natural materials, generating additional income for farming communities, and reinforcing TOPS’ commitment to driving retail growth alongside shared value creation for the economy, society, and the environment.”
In addition, TOPS has elevated this initiative by strengthening its supply chain through collaboration with its network of farmers under the Jing Jai Farmers’ Market program across 30 provinces. The initiative empowers more than 12,500 farming households to participate in packaging management at the source by transforming locally available natural materials such as banana leaves, banana bark, areca palm sheaths, and bamboo baskets into packaging tailored to different types of fresh produce before products are delivered directly to TOPS’ distribution hubs for nationwide rollout. To ensure the packaging is suitable for modern retail operations, TOPS works closely with local communities to establish standards covering every stage of the process, from material selection and packaging design to logistics management. This collaborative model not only adds value to natural materials but also demonstrates how local wisdom can be harnessed to optimize the use of natural resources and foster global sustainability.
Over the past eight years, since the launch of the first ‘Jing Jai Farmers’ Market’ initiative in Udon Thani, the initiative has created economic opportunities and generated income for more than 12,500 farming households. It has also transformed locally sourced natural materials and local wisdom into Nature-Based Packaging, adding value to agricultural produce from the source, reducing the use of plastic packaging, and creating greater product differentiation within the modern retail sector, while enhancing community livelihoods and advancing long-term environmental sustainability. The initiative reflects circular economy principles by replacing conventional plastic packaging with renewable materials sourced from local communities, creating environmental and economic value simultaneously.
One of the initiative’s key strengths is its transformation of locally sourced natural materials into a new packaging solution for the modern retail industry. By carefully selecting and designing packaging to suit the characteristics of different types of fresh produce, TOPS maintains product quality, reduces plastic consumption, and creates added value for local resources. Today, Nature-Based Packaging incorporates a wide range of natural materials, including banana leaves, banana bark, areca palm sheaths, banana blossom sheaths, and bamboo baskets. Each material is matched with produce that best suits its properties. For example, banana leaves are used for leafy vegetables and local greens such as morning glory, Chinese kale, pak choi, lettuce, ivy gourd leaves, water mimosa, and climbing wattle. Banana bark is applied to produce such as limes, Thai eggplants, cucumbers, chilies, okra, agati flowers, and sesban flowers, while bamboo baskets are used to package tomatoes and garlic. This approach provides an environmentally friendly packaging alternative, tackling plastic waste right at the source, while showcasing the unique identity of locally grown produce and creating a more distinctive shopping experience for consumers.
“At TOPS, we believe that lasting change begins with taking action at every stage of the business. Guided by our ‘Small Acts Together’ philosophy, every small collaboration, from farmers, local communities, and business partners to consumers, has the power to create meaningful and lasting impact for both society and the environment. This commitment also reinforces our
’12 Missions to Sustainable Retail’ strategy, through which we continue to help drive Thailand’s retail industry toward a future that balances business growth with social and environmental sustainability,” Mr. Thanawat concluded
Jing Jai Farmers’ Market, commonly known simply as Jing Jai Market, is a new fresh market concept initiated by Central Group, led by Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited, and operated by TOPS, under Central Retail. The first Jing Jai Farmers’ Market was launched in 2018 at TOPS Market, Central Udon Thani, with the vision of creating a destination for safe, chemical-free fruits and vegetables, as well as locally renowned products from each province. The market brings together high-quality produce sourced directly from local farmers, with every product undergoing rigorous quality inspections before reaching consumers. Leveraging its expertise in food retail, retail know-how, strong human resources, and an omnichannel distribution network, TOPS shares knowledge and best practices with farmers and local communities to enhance their capabilities, create sustainable income opportunities, improve environmental stewardship, and support economic growth from the community level to the national economy. Today, Jing Jai Farmers’ Market operates at 33 TOPS locations nationwide, offering a diverse range of products from Thai farmers, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, processed foods, ready-to-eat products, provincial specialties, and handicrafts. To date, the initiative has supported more than 12,500 farming households across Thailand.
Support Thai farmers and be part of the movement to reduce plastic waste through the Jing Jai Farmers’ Market initiative. Discover high-quality fresh produce packaged in Nature-Based Packaging made from natural materials, reflecting TOPS’ commitment to creating shared value for consumers, local communities, and the environment. The products are now available at participating TOPS and TOPS Food Hall branches nationwide. For more information, please visit www.tops.co.th, follow Facebook: Tops Thailand, LINE Official: @TOPSTHAILAND, or shop via TOPS ONLINE
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