Halcyon Agri

1. Sustainable natural rubber policy or commitment for all its operations?

The company has published a sustainable natural rubber policy that aligns with the GPSNR Policy Components.

2. Sustainable natural rubber policy or commitment applies to all suppliers?

The company has published a sustainable natural rubber policy which applies to all suppliers.

3. High-level position of responsibility for sustainability?

The managing director of 'Halcyon Rubber Company' has a high-level position of responsibility for sustainability.

4. One or more members within the board of the company have responsibility for sustainability?

The company reports its board of directors hold the highest responsibility for sustainability governance.

5. Reports gender balance of senior management team?

7.06% - The company reported 7.06% of women in the senior management team in 2023.

6. Reports gender balance of board members?

2 (25%) - The company reports two females as a part of its board in 2023.

7. Member of multiple industry schemes or other external initiatives to reduce negative environmental or social outcomes associated with natural rubber production?

[Externally verified] The company is a member of the IRSG and its subsidiary Corrie Maccoll is a member of Fair Rubber.

8. Collaboration with stakeholders to reduce negative environmental or social outcomes associated with natural rubber production?

The company reports its rubber plantation in Cameroon, in collaboration with the Campo Ma'an National Park Conservation Department and the Niété Forestry and Hunting Control Station, organised an environmental awareness campaign focused on highlighting threats to local biodiversity. The company has also developed a robust social programme that addresses the specific requests of 40 local and Indigenous communities neighbouring its Cameroon plantations through initial consultations led by NGOs APIFED and APED together with freely elected community representatives.

9. Sustainability report published within last two years?

The company's latest sustainability report was published in 2024, covering the year 2023.

10. Reports through standardised reporting systems?

The company reports that its latest sustainability report has been prepared in accordance with GRI 1: Foundation 2021 requirements.

11. Climate risks assessment available?

The company has conducted and published an assessment of climate-related risks. Evidence is not externally verified.

12. Lists countries and operations?

Plantations (Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Malaysia), processing (China, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand).

13. Lists countries sourcing from?

Asia (Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam), Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria), South America (Guatemala).

14. Total land area managed/controlled for natural rubber (ha)?

109 - The company reports that it has 109,027 ha of total land area managed/controlled for natural rubber. Data as of 2023.

15. Total natural rubber planted area (ha)?

39500 - The company has 39,500 ha of total natural rubber planted area in 2022. However, this information is over two years old now. In 2023, the company reports 36,419 ha of rubber planted land, however, this figure only covers the company's operations in Malaysia and Cameroon. The company also has plantations in Ivory Coast.

16. Scheme smallholders/outgrowers planted area (ha)?

17. Unplanted area (areas designated for future planting) (ha)?

0 - The company reports that it has no land designated for future planting. Data as of 2023.

18. Conservation set-aside area, including HCV area (ha)?

67 - The company reports that it has 67,595.5 ha (62%) of conservation set-aside area, including the HCV area in 2023.

19. Maps of estates/management units?

The company provides maps for all estates, however not all maps have legible coordinates or clearly outline concession boundaries. Some maps are over two and five years old.

20. Management plans for natural rubber production are available for all estates/management units?

21. Monitoring of management plan implementation available for all estates/management units?

22. Maps of all scheme/outgrower smallholders?

The company only reports one coordinate for scheme smallholders.

23. Maps of all third-party supplying industrial estates/management units?

24. List of jurisdictions where sourcing from smallholders?

Cameroon (Ocean, Dja-Et-Lobo), China (Hainan, Yunnan), Cote d'Ivoire (Agboville, Dabou, Gagnoa, Grand-Lahou, Issia, Sikensi, Yabayo), Indonesia (South Sumatera, North Sumatra, Riau, Jambi and West Kalimantan), Malaysia (Kedah, Kelantan, Perak), Thailand (Chiang Rai, Surat Thani, Narathiwat, Yasothon, Pattani, Ubon Ratchathani, Yala).

25. Number of company owned natural rubber processing facilities?

37 - The company reports it operates 37 natural rubber processing facilities as of 2023.

26. Maps of company owned natural rubber processing facilities?

The names, locations and coordinates of all-natural rubber processing facilities are available.

27. Number (or percentage) of company-owned processing facilities that source from company-owned operations and third parties?

The company reports that two Cameroon factories source rubber from their own plantations while the remaining factories source from third-party plantations. Data as of 2023.

28. Reports total volumes (or percentages) sourced by company-owned processing facilities that come from company's own operations and third-parties?

The company reports that 3% of rubber sourced by company-owned processing facilities comes from its own operations while the remaining 97% comes from third parties. Data as of 2023.

29. Number of company owned natural rubber manufacturing facilities?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not operate manufacturing facilities.

30. Maps of manufacturing facilities?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not operate manufacturing facilities.

31. Number of third party supplying processing facilities?

32. Maps of all third party supplying processing facilities?

33. Number (or percentage) of third party supplying processing facilities that source from their own plantations and third party plantations?

34. Reports total volume (or percentages) sourced from third-party supplying processing facilities that come from the supplying facilities' own operations and third parties?

35. Total volume (or percentage) sourced for manufacturing that comes from intermediary traders rather than directly from processing facilities?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not operate manufacturing facilities.

36. Time-bound commitment to achieve 100% traceability to processing facility level?

37. Percentage of supply traceable to processing facility level?

38. Time-bound commitment to achieve 100% traceability to industrial plantation level?

The company reports contradictory information. It states that it achieved 100% traceability to its industrial plantations and also mentions that 78% of supply from its Corrie MacColl plantations is traceable to industrial plantation level.

39. Percentage of supply from own processing facilities traceable to industrial plantation level?

The company's subsidiary reports that 78% of its supply is traceable to industrial plantation level, however, no figure covering the whole company could be found.

40. Percentage of supply from third-party processing facilities traceable to industrial plantation level?

41. Time-bound commitment to achieve 100% traceability to jurisdictional level for smallholders?

The company states it will achieve 100% end-to-end traceability at the district level to its Asian factories only, by 2025 (26 factories). However, this information does not cover all operations of the company.

42. Percentage of supply from own processing facilities traceable to smallholder at jurisdictional level?

43. Percentage of supply from third party processing facilities traceable to smallholders at jurisdictional level?

44. Member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR)?

[Externally verified] The company is a member of GPSNR. This has been verified via the GPSNR website.

45. Percentage area (ha) FSC certified?

46. Time-bound plan for achieving FSC FM certification of estates/management units?

The company states that 69.5% of planted land at its Hevecam plantation is in the process of being certified by FSC FM by Q4 of 2024.

47. Percentage of scheme/outgrower smallholders (ha) FSC-certified?

48. Time-bound plan for achieving FSC certification of scheme/outgrower smallholders?

49. Percentage of natural rubber supply (tonnes) from independent smallholders/outgrowers/third-party natural rubber suppliers that is FSC-certified?

The company reports that 1% of the supply from independent smallholders, outgrowers and third-party natural rubber suppliers is FSC-certified as of 2023.

50. Percentage of all natural rubber products handled/traded/processed (tonnes) that is FSC-certified?

The company reports that 1% of the natural rubber products that it handles and trades are FSC-certified. Data as of 2023.

51. Percentage area (ha) PEFC certified (excluding FSC certified area)?

52. Certified under voluntary sustainability certification scheme?

[Externally verified] A majority of the company's processing facilities are ISO 14001 certified and certificates of few facilities are publicly available.

53. Commitment to become 100% certified under voluntary sustainability certification scheme?

The company only reports a target to meet ISO14001:2015 environmental management system requirements for its factories by 2025.

54. Commitment to zero conversion of natural ecosystems?

The company only commits to supporting the long-term protection of natural forests and other ecosystems and their conservation values. A clear commitment to zero conversion of all natural ecosystems is not reported.

55. Commitment to zero conversion of natural ecosystems applies to all suppliers?

The company only commits all suppliers to support the long-term protection of natural forests and other ecosystems and their conservation values. A clear commitment to zero conversion of all natural ecosystems is not reported.

56. Commitment to zero deforestation?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to no deforestation in its reporting.

57. Commitment to zero deforestation applies to all suppliers?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits suppliers to no deforestation in its reporting.

58. Criteria and cut-off date for defining deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. GPSNR defines natural rubber sourced from deforested areas (previously primary forest, HCV or HCS) or where HCVs have been degraded after 1 April 2019 to be non-conformant with its policy. The company's own reporting also defines deforestation as the degradation of HCV areas and states the cut-off date as 1 April 2019.

59. Criteria and cut-off date for defining deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion in supplier operations?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. GPSNR defines natural rubber sourced from deforested areas or where HCVs have been degraded after 1 April 2019 to be non-conformant with its policy. The company's reporting also defines deforestation for suppliers as the degradation of HCV areas and states the cut-off date as 1 April 2019.

60. Evidence of monitoring deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion?

[Externally verified] The company reports that it uses satellite imagery from MapHubs to verify the no deforestation status annually in its Hevecam, Sudcam and JFL estates. Evidence is externally verified by the statement of the CEO of MapHubs. However, the external verification is over two years old now.

61. Evidence of monitoring deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion in supplier operations?

The company reports that satellite imagery from MapHubs covers its out-grower programme. Images from December 2018 are compared to images at the time of onboarding and then re-assessed every five years. Monitoring covers the total land area included in the programme, which is 150 ha. However, the information is from February 2023 and is over two years old now and is also not externally verified.

62. Amount of deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion recorded in own operations since cut-off date?

The company states that comparing the maps of 2019 and 2021 shows that it is compliant with its no-deforestation policy, however, it also mentions that there was some smallholder deforestation within its estates. This indicator scores on all deforestation within estates, regardless of the source. A total area affected by deforestation since the cut-off date (April 2019) has not been reported.

63. Amount of deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion recorded in supplier operations since cut-off date?

64. Commitment to restoration of deforestation/conversion in own operations since cut-off date?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Partial points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that do not fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to restoring deforested or degraded areas in its own reporting, however, the company does not clearly mention restoring deforestation committed by the company, contractors or third parties after the cut-off date for deforestation stated as April 2019.

65. Commitment to restoration of deforestation/conversion in supplier operations since cut-off date?

The company commits suppliers to support the restoration of deforested and degraded rubber landscapes, however, the company does not clearly commit the suppliers to restore all deforestation committed by them after the cut-off date for deforestation stated as April 2019.

66. Implementing a landscape or jurisdictional level approach?

67. Biodiversity policy?

68. Biodiversity policy applies to all suppliers?

69. Identified species of conservation concern, referencing international or national system of species classification?

The company has identified species of conservation concern, referencing the IUCN Red List system of species classification. Evidence is not externally verified.

70. Examples of species and/or habitat conservation management?

[Externally verified] In 2022, the company renewed a five-year agreement to fight poaching in the Dja reserve with patrols, training and community engagement to protect endangered species. Evidence is externally verified by a document stamped by the Dja Reserve authority, however, details of the agreement's implementation are not available.

71. Commitment to no hunting or only sustainable hunting of species?

The company commits to only allow sustainable hunting of species by local communities for subsistence purposes in its operations.

72. Commitment to no hunting or only sustainable hunting of species applies to all suppliers?

The company commits suppliers to protect forest areas from 'over-hunting' which implies sustainable hunting is permitted. However, it is unclear who is allowed to hunt (employees or local communities) or if only forests are protected and hunting within plantations is permissible.

73. Commitment to protect areas from illegal activities?

The company commits to protect the natural ecosystems and plantations under its management from illegal activities.

74. Commitment to protect forest areas from illegal activities applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to protect the natural ecosystems and plantations under their management from illegal activities.

75. Evidence of protecting forest areas from illegal activities?

The company reports that it regularly conducts patrols and employee awareness meetings as well as establishes buffer zones to protect concessions against illegal activities. Evidence is not externally verified.

76. Commitment to conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to conducting High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments in its reporting.

77. Commitment to conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments applies to all suppliers?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits suppliers to conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments in its reporting.

78. High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments available for all new plantings since 1st April 2019?

79. High Conservation Value (HCV) management and monitoring plans available for all new plantings since 1st April 2019?

80. Commitment to the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach?

The company commits to apply the HCS Approach, as defined by the HCS Approach Toolkit.

81. Commitment to the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to apply the HCS Approach, as defined by the HCS Approach Toolkit.

82. High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments available?

83. Peer review of all High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments undertaken since April 2015 by the HCSA Quality Assurance Process?

84. Commitment to conduct social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs)?

The company commits to conduct SEIAs for all its operations.

85. Commitment to conduct social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs) applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to conduct SEIAs.

86. Social and environmental impact assessment (SEIAs) undertaken, and associated management and monitoring plans?

87. Commitment to no planting on peat of any depth?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to no planting on peat of any depth in its reporting.

88. Commitment to no planting on peat of any depth applies to all suppliers?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits all suppliers to no planting on peat of any depth in its reporting.

89. Landbank or planted area on peat (ha)?

0 - The company reports that it has no planted area on peat. Data as of 2023.

90. Implementation of commitment to no planting on peat of any depth?

This indicator is disabled as the company has reported in the last two years that it has no peat in its operations.

91. Commitment to best management practices for soils and peat?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Partial points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that do not fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also only commits to 'appropriate agricultural practices' for soil in its own reporting. It does not mention 'Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or Best Management Practices (BMP)' in its commitment and the commitment does not cover BMPs for peat.

92. Commitment to best management practices for soils and peat applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to 'appropriate agricultural practices' for soil. However, it does not mention 'Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or Best Management Practices (BMP)' in its commitment and the commitment does not cover BMPs for peat.

93. Evidence of best management practices for soils and peat?

The company reports it has no landbank on peat as of 2023. For soil, the company states that it applies appropriate agricultural practices that protect soil quality against erosion, nutrient degradation, subsidence, and contamination. This includes soil analysis to monitor the macronutrients and micronutrients in the top and bottom soil levels and planting of Vetiver grass and Mucuna bracteate which protects land from soil erosion in steep areas and water catchment areas. Evidence is not externally verified.

94. Commitment to best/sustainable tapping practices?

The company commits to best tapping practices.

95. Commitment to best/sustainable tapping practices applies to all suppliers?

96. Evidence of best/sustainable tapping practices?

The company provides multiple examples of best-tapping practice implementation which includes providing theory and practical training processes to employees. In 2023, 220 employees were trained in tapping practices. Evidence is not externally verified.

97. Commitment to zero burning?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to no burning in its reporting.

98. Commitment to zero burning applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to no burning.

99. Evidence of fire monitoring and management?

The company reports that its plantations have firefighting teams on the ground to monitor fire incidents on a daily basis. Further, it has also installed a weather station at the Hevecam plantation for close monitoring of weather and conducts firefighting training activities to maintain the preparedness of its team against fires. Evidence is not externally verified.

100. Details/number of hotspots/fires in company estates/management units?

14 - In 2023, the company recorded 14 fire incidents in its plantations.

101. Details/number of hotspots/fires in suppliers operations/jurisdictions?

23 - Company plantations recorded 14 fire incidents in 2023.

102. Time-bound commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?

The company states that it is committed to long-term emission reduction and is on track to establish a net zero target by 2025. However, a time-bound target to reduce GHG emissions or to reach net-zero emissions is not reported.

103. GHG emissions?

The company reports its GHG emissions intensity (Scope 1 and Scope 2) as 0.193 tCO2e/tonne of product for factories and 0.381 tCO2e/ha of cultivated area for plantations. The total group emissions intensity is reported as 0.054 tCO2e/US$?000 per year. Data as of 2023.

104. GHG emissions from land use change in company's own operations (scope 1)?

105. GHG emissions from land use change in supplier operations (scope 3)?

106. Progress towards commitment to reduce GHG emissions?

The company reports a decrease in its GHG emissions intensity (Scope 1 and Scope 2- tCO2e/tonne of product) for factories from 0.198 in 2022 to 0.193 in 2023. The GHG emissions intensity (Scope 1 and Scope 2- tCO2e/ha of cultivated area) for the company's plantations has increased from 0.257 in 2022 to 0.381 in 2023. However, the group's total emissions intensity (tCO2e/US$?000 per year) reflects a decrease from 0.064 in 2022 to 0.054 in 2023. Evidence is not externally verified.

107. Methodology used to calculate GHG emissions?

The company uses the GHG Protocol to calculate GHG emissions.

108. Time-bound commitment to improve water use intensity?

The company commits to reducing its water use intensity (freshwater withdrawals) to 9.02m3/mT by 2025 vs a 2021 baseline of 9.49m3/mT. This translates to approximately 5% absolute reduction in freshwater requirements by the Asian factories. However, this commitment only includes the company's 26 factories in Asia.

109. Water use intensity?

The company reports the water consumption intensity for its factories as 8.1 '000 m3/mT of product and for plantations as 37.2 m3/ha of cultivated area in 2023.

110. Progress towards commitment on water use intensity?

The company reports an improvement in its water withdrawal intensity for factories from 10.1(?000 m3/mT of product) in 2022 to 8.1 (?000 m3/mT of product) in 2023. Evidence is not externally verified.

111. Time-bound commitment to improve water quality (BOD or COD)?

The company commits to be 5% below local legal limits regarding both BOD and COD. However, this commitment is not time-bound and it is unclear if the BOD and COD levels are already below legal limits.

112. Progress towards commitment on water quality (BOD or COD)?

113. Treatment of effluents from processing facilities?

The company reports that it treats effluents from natural rubber processing facilities. Evidence is not externally verified.

114. Treatment of effluents from manufacturing facilities?

This indicator is disabled as the company does not operate manufacturing facilities.

115. Commitment to protect natural waterways through buffer zones?

The company commits to protect natural waterways through buffer zones.

116. Implementation of commitment to protect natural waterways through buffer zones?

The company reports that it protects the natural waterways of Cameroon and Malaysian plantations through buffer zones. In its Cameroon plantations, buffer zones have at least 30-meter width while in Malaysia it varies between 5 and 50 meters depending on watercourse size. Evidence is not externally verified.

117. Reducing odours from natural rubber processing or manufacuring facilities?

The company reports it has a wet line scrubber system to mitigate the cause of odour from its factory operations in China and also states using biofilter technology in its Thailand operations to eliminate odour. However, the information reported is from 2022 and is over two years old now.

118. Commitment to minimise the use of chemicals, including pesticides and chemical fertilisers?

The company commits to minimise the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

119. Commitment to minimise the use of chemicals, including pesticides and chemical fertilisers, applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to minimise the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

120. Commitment to no use of paraquat?

121. Commitment to no use of paraquat applies to all suppliers?

122. Commitment to no use of World Health Organisation (WHO) Class 1A and 1B pesticides?

The company commits to not use World Health Organisation (WHO) Class 1A and 1B pesticides.

123. Commitment to no use of World Health Organisation (WHO) Class 1A and 1B pesticides applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to not use World Health Organisation (WHO) Class 1A and 1B pesticides.

124. Commitment to no use of chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention?

The company commits to not use Stockholm and Rotterdam Convention chemicals.

125. Commitment to no use of chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to not use Stockholm and Rotterdam Convention chemicals.

126. Chemical usage per ha or list of chemicals used?

The company provides a list of pesticides used in plantations in 2023. The chemical usage or list of chemical fertilisers used by the company is not reported.

127. Implementation of commitment to minimise inorganic fertiliser usage?

The company reports that it is making efforts to reduce the use of chemical fertiliser through a reduction in application, as well as precision agriculture and targeted soil and leaf analysis to optimise yield. Limited details are reported.

128. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach?

The company reports that it uses an integrated pest management approach, which includes harnessing cover crops such as Pueraria javanica and Centosema pubescens, whose flowers attract beneficial insects like wasps that help control insect pest populations, and the introduction of Turnera subulate and Antigonom leptopus plants that prevent invasion of beetles and caterpillars. Evidence is not externally verified.

129. Commitment to human rights?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0) and the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC certification/membership and alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in its own reporting.

130. Commitment to human rights applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

131. Progress on human rights commitment?

[Externally verified] The company has established a global grievance resolution mechanism to address issues related to human rights. Evidence is externally verified by Mighty Earth in a progress report. However, the information is from 2020 and is over two years old now.

132. Commitment to respect Indigenous Peoples' and local communities' rights?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0) and the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC certification/membership and alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (no. 169) in its own reporting.

133. Commitment to Indigenous Peoples' and local communities' rights applies to all suppliers?

The company commits suppliers to the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (no. 169).

134. Commitment to respect legal and customary land tenure rights?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company only commits to respect customary land tenure rights in its own reporting.

135. Commitment to legal and customary land rights applies to all suppliers?

The company only commits all suppliers to respect customary land tenure rights. A commitment to respect legal land rights could not be found.

136. Commitment to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to respect FPIC in its own reporting.

137. Commitment to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to respect FPIC.

138. Details on Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) process available?

The company commits to the FPIC process in accordance with UN-REDD.

139. Examples of local stakeholder engagement to prevent conflicts?

[Externally verified] The company reports that it is working with NGOs APIFED and APED on a five-year social action plan to support local communities and develop a framework to incorporate community concerns. Evidence is externally verified via quotes from the director at this NGO.

140. Details of process for addressing land conflicts available?

Land conflicts are included in the company's grievance process. A separate process for addressing land conflicts is not available.

141. Supports the inclusion of women across natural rubber operations, including addressing barriers faced?

The company reports that to highlight its commitment to supporting the inclusion of women across natural rubber operations it has actively worked to address barriers faced by women in the workplace and empower them to thrive in their roles through targeted initiatives and policies. In 2023, the company held a seminar for its female workers to commemorate International Women's Day 2023 which focused on professional leadership, innovation and technology. However, limited details are reported on the examples of implementation.

142. Commitment to mitigate impacts on food security?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to ensuring food security for local communities in its reporting.

143. Progress on commitment to mitigate impacts on food security?

[Externally verified] The company reports it prioritises addressing food security through multifaceted approaches that benefit both the local community and the environment. One key aspect involves identifying and meeting the training needs of smallholders to enhance agricultural productivity. The company also tackles challenges such as limited access to quality seeds and fertilisers by providing necessary resources and support. A company programme supplying maize seeds and phytosanitary equipment to communities has been externally verified by the NGO APIFED, however, details are limited.

144. Commitment to provide essential community services and facilities?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to providing essential services and facilities to communities in its reporting.

145. Progress on commitment to provide essential community services and facilities?

[Externally verified] The company reports that it has supported the maintenance of roads and bridges, the construction of religious places and community buildings and the improvement of building infrastructure of schools. Brickmaking presses have been donated to communities, this information is externally verified by the NGO APIFED, however, details are limited.

146. Commitment to provide business/work opportunities for local communities?

The company commits to provide business opportunities for local communities.

147. Commitment to Fundamental ILO Conventions or Free and Fair Labour Principles?

The company makes this commitment through the the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0) and the GPSNR Policy Framework. Both policies do not reference the 2022 amendments to the ILO Conventions, therefore partial points have been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC certification/membership and alignment with GPSNR Policy Components. The company only commits to eight fundamental ILO Conventions in its own reporting.

148. Commitment to Fundamental ILO Conventions or Free and Fair Labour Principles applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to only eight fundamental ILO Conventions.

149. Progress on commitment to respect all workers' rights?

[Externally verified] Limited, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's PEFC CoC certification (PEFC ST 2002:2020). Partial points have been awarded as the requirements do not fully meet the SPOTT scoring criteria. The company states that the HeveaPro Social Responsibility Standard internal audit is carried out to check and ensure that workers' rights in accordance with the laws and regulations have been granted to workers by each member. To ensure this right is closely safeguarded, CSR Coordinators help the factories to enhance existing procedures, and address any gaps identified from internal audits. Evidence is not externally verified.

150. Commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment?

The company commits to respect ILO Convention 111 Discrimination (Employment and Occupation).

151. Commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to respect ILO Convention 111 Discrimination (Employment and Occupation).

152. Progress on commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment?

The company reports that it commits to implementing gender policies through an anti-discrimination policy and regular employee training sessions on tackling practices that discriminate against women. However, the details of implementation are not reported.

153. Reports gender balance of employees?

1403 (8.86%) - The company reports 1,403 (8.86%) temporary employees as a part of its workforce in 2023.

154. Percentage or number of women employees?

3704 (23.4%) - The company reports 3,704 female employees as a part of its workforce in 2023.

155. Commitment to pay a living wage?

The company mentions a living wage but only reports a commitment to pay at least minimum wage.

156. Commitment to pay a living wage applies to all suppliers?

The company only commits suppliers to pay at least minimum wage to all workers.

157. Progress on commitment to pay a living wage?

[Externally verified] In 2021 and 2020 the company reported a 1:1 ratio on employee entry wage with legislated minimum wage. The information from 2020 is externally verified via assurance from TÜV SÜD, however, it is over two years old.

158. Reporting of salary by gender?

In 2020, the company reported that the ratio of entry-level wages for male and female staff was 1:1. However, the information is not split by each employee category, by significant locations of operation (in line with GRI reporting) and is over two years old.

159. Commitment to address occupational health and safety?

The company commits to address health and safety at work for all workers.

160. Commitment to address occupational health and safety applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to address health and safety at work for all workers.

161. Provision of personal protective equipment and related training?

[Externally verified] Limited, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's FSC Chain of Custody certification (FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1) as the requirements do not fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also only reports to provide suitable PPE according to identified workplace hazards.

162. Time lost due to work-based injuries?

10.32 - The company reports the rate of recordable work-related injuries as 10.32 in 2023. Calculated as the number of recordable work-related injury/Number of hours worked x 1,000,000 = Rate of recordable work-related injury.

163. Number of fatalities as a result of work-based accidents?

1 - The company reported one fatality in 2023.

164. Commitment to support smallholders?

The company makes this commitment through the GPSNR Policy Framework. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components that fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also commits to support smallholders in its own reporting.

165. Percentage of supply from smallholders?

The company reports that it sources approximately 76% of natural rubber raw materials from smallholder farmers. An approximate percentage is reported.

166. Programme to support scheme smallholders/outgrowers?

The company reports it launched a capacity-building program with smallholder farmers in Jambi, Indonesia in 2022 to support traceability and livelihoods. However, no further details are reported.

167. Percentage of scheme smallholders/outgrowers involved in programme?

168. Programme to support independent smallholders?

[Externally verified] The company has an 'Outgrower Programme' to support smallholders in Cameroon. The programme allows smallholder farmers to incorporate agroforestry in addition to rubber planting. The programme is called an 'Outgrower Programme' in name only, as all smallholders remain independent. Information is externally verified by Proforest but is now over two years old.

169. Percentage of independent smallholders involved in programme?

467 - The company reports that 467 smallholders have been onboarded onto the programme as of January 2023. Evidence is not externally verified.

170. Process used to engage smallholder suppliers on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?

The company reports that its sites largely communicated policies verbally with suppliers and smallholders and records keeping was not consistently practised. Further details on the process used were not disclosed.

171. Number or percentage of smallholder suppliers engaged on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?

467 - The company reports that 467 smallholders have been assessed on compliance with social and environmental criteria to take part in the company's smallholder programme. Evidence is not externally verified.

172. Process used to prioritise, assess and/or engage non-smallholder suppliers on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?

The suppliers are required to report compliance with the company's sustainable sourcing policy on an annual basis, however, this only applies to the company's subsidiary.

173. Number or percentage of non-smallholder suppliers assessed and/or engaged on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?

129 - The company reports that 129 suppliers have shown compliance with the company's policy. Evidence is not externally verified.

174. Suspension or exclusion criteria for non-smallholder suppliers?

The company makes this commitment through the FSC Chain of Custody Certification Standard (FSC-STD-40-004 V3-1). Partial points have been awarded as the requirements do not full meet the SPOTT scoring criteria. The company's reporting also states that those suppliers who show non-compliance with its sustainable sourcing policy or refuse to set a recovery plan for this will be terminated or excluded from the business relationship, however, it does not give timeframes for the implementation of corrective action plans.

175. Time-bound action plans (including Key Performance Indicators) for suppliers to be in compliance with natural rubber sourcing commitments?

The company has time-bound action plans to ensure compliance from suppliers with its sustainable sourcing policy, but does not include KPIs and compliance is based on self-assessment from suppliers only. Plans only cover the company's suppliers in Africa.

176. Proportion of supply from suppliers that is verified as deforestation- and/or conversion-free (DCF)?

177. Percentage of supply coming from agroforestry?

0 - The company reports that its supply contained no rubber from agroforestry in 2020. Evidence is over two years old.

178. Commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?

The company commits to ethical conduct and the prohibition of corruption.

179. Commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to ethical conduct and the prohibition of corruption.

180. Progress on commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?

The company has established a grievance mechanism to report misconduct related to fraud, bribery and corruption and has not received any cases of bribery or corruption in 2023. Policies are made available to employees and third-party audits are regularly carried out to ensure the availability of policies and handbooks, including ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption. Evidence is not externally verified.

181. Disclosure of the company's management approach to tax and payments to governments?

The company provides limited details on tax management but discloses that the Chief Financial Officer has overall responsibility in managing this area.

182. Whistleblowing procedure?

The company has a whistleblowing procedure including how whistleblowers can report unethical conduct and how they are protected.

183. Own grievance or complaints system open to all stakeholders?

The company has its own grievance system that is open to all stakeholders.

184. Details of complaints and grievances disclosed?

The company has reported the details of grievances such as date, category, progress, stakeholder's name and status.