Responsible sourcing of raw materials
Risk assessments across our raw material inputs have allowed us to prioritise the next level of investigation to ensure responsible sourcing of our raw materials. This includes respecting human rights and labour rights, workers’ health and safety as well as improving traceability to understand potential environmental risks within our global supply chain.
There is increasing demand for greater transparency about the possible links that a wide range of consumer products have on deforestation. When we procure environmentally sensitive materials we’ll always consider sustainable alternatives as part of our buying-decisions and address deforestation risks along our supply chain. We have programmes for the sustainable management and use of natural resources in manufacturing and sourcing processes (SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production: target 12.2), covering materials such as palm oil and soya.
Creating a fair supply chain
We have a responsibility to create our products fairly and responsibly, not only when we are directly handling them in our factories but how we source and transport raw materials before they reach us. We operate in accordance with relevant legislation in the UK and Germany, to protect human rights and sustainable production in our supply chains. Where national legislation is not yet in force, we work to ensure these same high standards are in place across all of ABFI.
Our memberships and alliances
We have businesses that have SEDEX membership and require suppliers to engage and share their approach to social, environmental, and ethical business practices. Independent audits follow supplier self-assessments, with observations or non-compliances addressed to the satisfaction of the independent audit body.
Our position on palm oil
Across our businesses, we source a small amount of palm related raw materials. We do so responsibly as part of our Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) membership. We are committed to sourcing sustainable palm by one of the four recognised RSPO sustainable supply chains: identity-preserved, segregated, mass balance, or RSPO credits.
ABITEC has been RSPO certified since 2016 for their mass balance supply chain model. They’ve committed to supporting sustainable initiatives, investing in sustainable supply, and being part of the solution to find better options in the future.