A structured approach to progress

integrating sustainability in our way of working

Our better sustainable sourcing approach

At AAK, we have the same better sustainable sourcing approach for all our key raw materials. It is our aim to fully integrate sustainability in our way of working across the global teams that are responsible for sourcing raw materials, for shipping, logistics, and with customers. In this way, we help connect our customers’ brands to the plants which supply the raw materials.

Our model 

To maximize our impact on the raw material industries, and to work in a holistic way with the challenges we face, we engage with our supply chains by applying our better sustainable sourcing approach:

Deeply understanding our supply base

We are improving traceability and monitoring of our raw materials, linked to countries, regions, jurisdictions, and ultimately the production base and farmers. This is needed for risk assessment, which helps us to identify and prioritize the most important issues and the positive impact AAK can have.

Taking action

Our risk mitigation activities and priorities are defined in three-year roadmaps for all key raw materials. The plans describe in detail what we wish and need to focus on related to supplier engagement, farmer engagement (e.g. training and education) as well as the activities we plan to do beyond our supply base.

Engaging with suppliers and smallholders

We assess suppliers via supplier questionnaires and monitoring. We aim to increase suppliers’ and farmers’ understanding of and their current commitment to sustainable development. Suppliers must adhere to and sign the AAK Group Policy and Code of Conduct for the Responsible Sourcing of Plant-based oils.

Our focus is to progress from signing towards full implementation, including the roadmaps and action plans suppliers have in place and how we can help to make transformation happen. Furthermore, we are working with supplier score cards, which serve as a monitoring and engagement tool. 

Audits are conducted in the supply chain based on risk, performance and priority aligned with sourcing and trading. External audits are being conducted by the relevant auditing bodies related to specific certification standards (RSPO, Rainforest Alliance, ProTerra and ISCC).

Sustainability reports

AAK’s sustainability reports demonstrate how sustainability is firmly anchored within our organization and how we progress on our commitments and ambitions – from plant to brand. The aim is to provide insight and understanding of our efforts, impacts, and contribution to sustainable development.

Questions about our sustainability work?

Sustainability from plant to brand

Better sourcing

AAK is committed to sustainable sourcing, and we are well aware of the important role we play in the food value chain. Through Better Sourcing, we engage to transform and go the extra mile to implement continuous improvement programs.

Better operations

In AAK, we are committed to enabling the well-being of our people, minimizing our environmental impact, and being a better neighbor. Better Operations embodies the responsibility that comes with being a processing company.

Better solutions

Better Solutions reflects AAK’s aim to help customers improve the sustainability credentials of their brands, and to support them in driving consumer demand for product solutions that are better for people and the planet.