CSR Policy
Global population predicted to increase 9.7 billion by 2050 where food demand will also grow 70% by 2050 vs 2006. Land degradation, declining soil fertility, unsustainable water use, environmental degradation are all lessening the ability of the natural resource base to supply food. The food sector accounts for around 30 percent of the world’s total energy consumption and accounts for around 22 per cent of total Greenhouse Gas emissions. (Source: UN)
By offering alternatives like plant-based burgers, schnitzels and snacks, Schouten creates a huge impact on the environment compared to a meat businesses.
With a vision to be a market leader in innovation and production of plant-based protein products, we strive for social development as well to achieve equity and equality in the society.
In connection with UN global agenda and a social responsibility of a business, we have formulated our CSR policy to take appropriate initiatives regarding environmental, economic and social concerns of sustainable development while doing the business operations. This report provides information about our current business practices and our future CSR plan with set targets and goals for coming years.
CSR Goals
Improving availability of affordable & healthy plant-based protein products in our respective sales channels with zero-deforestation, reduction in CO2 footprints, and zero-poverty impact by:
- Responsible supply chain management.
- Minimizing impact on the environment by reduction of energy and water use.
- Maximum reuse, reduce and recycling of our waste.
- Considering life cycle of our products for developing them as sustainable as possible
- Responsible sourcing. Well-being of the communities where we operate.
- Dealing with employees in a responsible way.
- Building long-term relationships with our suppliers.
CSR Goals
Our sustainability strategy aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the stakeholders concerns about sustainable development. Our focus is on economic, social and evironmental goals.
We are integrating sustainability into our business to create greater impact across our value chain. We focus mitigating climate change, promoting natural environment, optimizing resources, professional growth and personal development of our employees and supporting communities.
Core Values
Core values of our company implying caring for people, animals and the environment, and the obligation to address the impact of our activities and decisions on the interests of stakeholders;
Our values are innovation, intergrity, reliability, quality, commitment, transparency and respect.
Stakeholders Interests
- Innovation in products
- Efficient and sustainable production chain
- Nutritional value and food security
- Integrity and authenticity
- Less packaging and less use of plastic
- Well-being of employees and good work conditions
- Efficient use of resources: energy and water
- Minimizing the impact of CO2
Contribution in Sustainable Development Goals
We support the following UN Goals. Click on the images below for more information about these goals.
Economic Performance
- Innovation in research and development
- Ensuring food safety and quality
- Providing authentic information to consumers
- Improving customer satisfaction
- Responsible sourcing by purchasing certified RTRS soy and certified RSPO palm oil
- Searching solutions for 100% recyclable packaging for our products.
- Building long-term relationships with our suppliers.
- Responsible supply chain management
- Fullfilment of legislations
Social
- Support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
- No acceptance of child labour
- No acceptance of forced labour
- Ensure employees health and safety
- Offer personal development and trainings to employees
- Providing equal opportunities to employees; equality regarding religion, belief, political health, race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation or marital status.
- No tolerance for discrimination and harassment against employees
Environment
- Reduce 20% water consumption by 2020.
- Reduce 20% waste by practicing Reduce, Reuse and Recycling our waste from business and production activities by 2020.
- Shift in green level energy label B or C by doing the possible actions by 2021.
- Support Amsterdam declaration for zero deforestation.
- Paying CO2 compensation by using travel cards.
- Working with transport companies who have commitment to save CO2 emissions and driving low-pollution delivery vehicles.
- Conservation of natural resources by buying certified raw material.
Community Development
This year Schouten established a Foundation to contribute in social development for vulnerable people around the world.
The purpose of the Foundation is to invest not only in the growth of our company, but also in a better life for those facing difficulties and fewer opportunities, locally and internationally.
For more details see: www.schoutenfoundation.com
At present, our foundation is sponsoring different projects such as;
- Skills trainings for women in India.
- Sponsoring children with a child sponsoring programme around the world.
- Supporting living and school education for orphans in India.
- Bible translations into local languages in Tanzania.