Established in 1892, Kwong Cheong Thye (also known as KCT) is a renowned sauce manufacturer with a household name, driven by their dedication to improve and innovate. Originally focusing on soya sauce, they have expanded to offer chili sauces, noodles, moon cakes and more. Trusted by over 90% of Singapore’s top hotels and restaurants, their products are also distributed in over 30 countries and celebrated for their exceptional taste and versatility. With over a century of heritage, Kwong Cheong Thye continues to set the standard for premium sauces worldwide.
We spoke with Alvin Choo, Co-owner and Marketing Lead at Kwong Cheong Thye, to learn more about their sustainability journey.
Sustainability with Heritage at Heart
Kwong Cheong Thye has long prioritized environmental and social responsibility. Led by the current generation of owners, including the sales and marketing representative interviewed, the company has been actively pursuing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives—focusing on reducing plastic use, minimizing carbon emissions, and future-proofing their business for the next generation.
However, one of the biggest challenges they faced was accurately calculating and managing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the company had already begun embracing sustainable practices, they lacked the tools to effectively measure their carbon footprint. A conversation with an industry contact eventually led them to a solution: Asuene.
Why Kwong Cheong Thye Chose Asuene
After evaluating multiple sustainability platforms, Kwong Cheong Thye selected Asuene for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and strong customer support. The team appreciated how intuitive the platform was—making carbon data management and emissions tracking accessible even to newcomers in the carbon accounting space.
Kwong Cheong Thye has now been using Asuene for over a year. Their assigned consultant regularly updates the platform with required data, ensuring everything stays on track. One of the standout features has been Asuene’s extensive carbon emissions database, which significantly streamlined the process compared to other tools they had reviewed.
The support from the APAC team also stood out—providing responsive, friendly guidance and helping the team quickly get up to speed on sustainability reporting and carbon accounting.
“Asuene helps us pinpoint high-emission areas across our operations, allowing us to take focused, strategic action in our decarbonization journey.”
Tackling Challenges in the Food Manufacturing Sector
Balancing cost efficiency with sustainability remains a major hurdle—not just for Kwong Cheong Thye but across the industry. While the company understands the importance of ESG, raising prices to offset sustainability investments isn’t always feasible, especially when product quality isn’t directly affected.
The reliance on imported raw materials adds complexity. Scope 3 emissions from upstream supply chains, transportation, and customer deliveries significantly affect the company’s overall emissions. While sourcing locally could reduce emissions, it often comes with increased costs and logistical challenges.
With Asuene, they can now gain visibility into these Scope 3 emissions and explore more sustainable sourcing strategies, optimize distribution, and track their footprint with greater accuracy—all while managing costs and staying aligned with their ESG goals.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Future Generations
As part of their long-term vision, Kwong Cheong Thye aims to deepen its sustainability efforts using data-driven insights provided by Asuene. They are exploring relevant certifications such as Carbon SG, and are actively encouraging broader awareness across the food manufacturing industry by supporting ESG seminars and community engagement.
Their hope is to see more manufacturers—especially in Singapore—take ownership of their sustainability journey. They believe that collaboration and shared knowledge are key to building a greener, more resilient manufacturing sector.
“Sustainability isn’t just about being green. It’s about staying competitive, compliant, and relevant in a fast-changing global landscape.”
Company Profile
Company name: Kwong Cheong Thye Pte Ltd
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Main Office & Factory: 12 Senoko Avenue Singapore 758302
Geylang Retail Store: 61 Lor 27 Geylang, Singapore 388186
Jewel Concept Store: 78 Airport Boulevard, Jewel, #01-K212, Singapore Changi Airport, 819666
With Asuene, KCT is proving that even the most traditional companies can innovate for a sustainable future, showing how technology and legacy can work hand in hand for a better tomorrow.
Challenge
– Difficulty in accurately calculating and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
– Limited visibility into Scope 3 emissions, especially from imported raw materials and logistics
– Balancing sustainability goals with cost efficiency in a competitive food manufacturing market
Solution
ASUENE – Decarbonization Platform
Impact
– Gained clear visibility into high-emission areas, enabling targeted decarbonization actions
– Improved decision-making on sourcing and distribution to reduce emissions
– Strengthened ESG credibility while aligning long-term sustainability goals with operational strategy
