Sustainability

We recognize that the health of our planet is intertwined with the success of our business and for both to thrive, we must not only have our business partners in mind, but also our business partners’ surroundings. As a food ingredients supplier, we aim to feed the world with the natural ingredients provided by the planet itself. Therefore, it is important to contribute to its’ well-being and have the most positive impact possible throughout our supply chain.

In line with our Royal Ingredients Group B.V. mission to create long-term and sustainable value in the supply chain of international marketing of food and non-food industrial ingredients, our ambition is to consciously contribute to respect human and environmental rights in our supply chain.

Our Sustainability Direction

We aim to do our due diligence by mapping our supply chain to identify the most important risks. This will not serve as a basis for disengaging or excluding suppliers. Rather, it will enable us to make more targeted efforts to reduce risks by engaging with suppliers and identify the best approach to prevent, mitigate and remediate such risks.

International Standards

Royal Ingredients Group B.V. is committed to conducting its business in accordance with the International Bill of Human Rights, which includes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We also take into account the United Nations Framework and Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, as well as the International Labor Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Inherent Risks

The agriculture sector is characterized by inherent human rights and environmental risks. As a company that has a worldwide production network, while we may not be directly involved in the cultivation and processing of our products, we are aware that such risks may exist in our supply chain and we aim to set sustainability ambitions accordingly. For instance, depending on the commodity and sourcing country, these risks could include:

Diminished air, water & soil quality

Threats to biodiversity

Waste

Greenhouse gas emissions

Child/forced labor

Infringement of local communities’ rights

Discrimination

Lack of health & safety policies

Our Key Ambitions

Based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We recognize the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations Member States. We developed our key sustainability ambitions in consideration of the inherent risks in agriculture, our company values and our company size. Every ambition relates to one or more SDG.

Good health and well-being

Continue to create, monitor and, if needed, adapt initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of employees.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to support the advancement of human rights in our supply chain.

Gender equality

Continue to create, monitor and, if needed, adapt initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of employees.

Decent work and economic growth

Collaborate with key stakeholders to support the advancement of human rights in our supply chain.
Continue to create, monitor and, if needed, adapt initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of employees.

Reduced inequalities

Collaborate with key stakeholders to support the advancement of human rights in our supply chain.
Continue to create, monitor and, if needed, adapt initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of employees.

Responsible consumption and production

Map our supply chain for our most traded products and identify environmental and human rights risks.
Seek to develop and strengthen relationships with suppliers who are committed to act in accordance with our code of conduct.
By 2025, assess the improvements needed to be made to our code of conduct, and subsequently develop a methodology to ensure compliance.

Climate action

Find ways to reduce scope 3 emissions while maintaining alignment with business objectives.
Minimize waste, increase recycling and reuse in the office, and promote sustainable transport.
Map our supply chain for our most traded products and identify environmental and human rights risks.

Partnerships for the goals

Seek to develop and strengthen relationships with suppliers who are committed to act in accordance with our code of conduct.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to support the advancement of human rights in our supply chain.
Explore possibilities of partnerships with stakeholders to initiate projects intended to improve the livelihoods of local communities, especially in sourcing countries.

Engagement with Stakeholders

As we improve our due diligence process and work towards fulfilling our sustainability ambitions, we recognize the importance of stakeholder engagement. We aim to maintain an open and collaborative dialogue with key stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, NGOs and governmental organizations, seeking valuable insights to inform our ongoing sustainability efforts.

Continuous Improvement

Embracing a culture of ongoing learning and adaptation, at Royal Ingredients Group B.V., we are committed to gradual improvements in our sustainability practices. Through regular assessments, thoughtful and prudent practices and open communication with stakeholders, we aim to make steady progress, ensuring a positive impact on communities and the environment within our supply chain.

Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is recognized as one of the most widely used social audit frameworks globally. Sedex, as a membership organization, offers a leading online platform that enables businesses to manage and enhance working conditions across their global supply chains. The key areas Sedex addresses include labor standards, health and safety, environmental impact, and business ethics.

Royal Ingredients has been a proud B member of Sedex since 2021. In alignment with our commitment to ethical practices, we have completed Sedex’s Self Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). If you wish to link with Royal Ingredients on Sedex, please reach out to our sustainability team.