Socfin Group

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 company has a sustainability department, managed by the 'Head of Sustainability' and his team.

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

The company reports that the board of directors has overall responsibility for sustainability.

5. Reports gender balance of senior management team?

6. Reports gender balance of board members?

0 (0%) - Out of the five board members, none are female. Data as of 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] IRSG, TFA and Earthworm Foundation.

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

The company reports that it has collaborated with the 'Earthworm Foundation' since 2017 to monitor the implementation of its responsible management policy within its subsidiaries. In addition, a subsidiary collaborated with CNRA in Côte d'Ivoire and IFC/CIRAD in France to improve rubber plants' yield and disease resistance. The company also reports that its subsidiaries Socapalm and Safacam entered into an ongoing partnership with the IECD (European Institute for Development Cooperation) in 2013 with a common objective to facilitate local socio-economic development through the creation of Agricultural Family Schools (AFS) aimed at educating youngsters from the region in professions and rural entrepreneurship (agricultural production, small livestock, crafts, processing, etc.).

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?

11. Climate risks assessment available?

12. Lists countries and operations?

Plantations (Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Cote D'ivoire, Cameroon, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo), processing (Liberia, Nigeria, Cote D'ivoire, Cameroon, Cambodia, and Indonesia).

13. Lists countries sourcing from?

The company sources natural rubber from Liberia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Cambodia, and Indonesia.

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

380066 - The figure includes both palm oil concessions and rubber concessions. Data as of 2023.

15. Total natural rubber planted area (ha)?

60392 - The company reports 60,392 ha of total natural rubber planted area. Data as of 2023.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not source from scheme/outgrower smallholder suppliers.

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

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

58 - The company reports a total of 58,405 ha of HCV areas in 2023.

19. Maps of estates/management units?

The concession maps (KMLfiles) for all the estates are available on the company's website, however, some estates have both palm oil and rubber planted areas but do not denote which areas are devoted to each commodity's cultivation. Some map files are over two 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?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not source from scheme/outgrower smallholder suppliers.

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

24. List of jurisdictions where sourcing from smallholders?

The company lists jurisdictions sourced from but information is kept in individual traceability reports for each factory. There is no centralised list, as the scoring criteria requires for full points.

25. Number of company owned natural rubber processing facilities?

8 - The company has eight natural rubber processing facilities as of 2023.

26. Maps of company owned natural rubber processing facilities?

The names and locations of all company owned natural rubber processing facilities are available on the company website.

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

5 - Five of the company's eight natural rubber facilities source from their own as well as 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?

As of 2023, 53.9% of the total natural rubber sourced by the company's processing facilities came from its own plantations and 46.1% was sourced from third parties.

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?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not have any third-party processing facility suppliers.

32. Maps of all third party supplying processing facilities?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not have any third-party processing facility suppliers.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not source from third-party industrial 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?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not source from third-party industrial plantations.

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?

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

37. Percentage of supply traceable to processing facility level?

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

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

The company has reported a commitment to achieve 100% traceability of its natural rubber supply from industrial plantations by 2024.

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

As of 2023, 95.8% of the company's natural rubber supply was traceable to the industrial plantation level (level 2).

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

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not have any third-party processing facility suppliers.

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

The company has reported a commitment to achieve 100% traceability to the jurisdictional level (level 3) of its natural rubber supply from smallholders by 2025.

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

As of 2023, 92.1%% of the company's natural rubber supply was traceable to the smallholder at jurisdictional level (level 3).

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

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not have any third-party processing facility suppliers.

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?

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

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not source from scheme/outgrower smallholder suppliers.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not source from scheme/outgrower smallholder suppliers.

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

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

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

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

The company has two valid PEFC FM certificates, however, the area certified under PEFC has not been disclosed.

52. Certified under voluntary sustainability certification scheme?

[Externally verified] The company has valid PEFC FM certifications available for two of its plantations. The company also reports that some of its natural rubber facilities are certified against ISO 14001 and the certificates are publicly available on its website.

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

The company reports a commitment to become 100% ISO 14001 certified by the end of 2024.

54. Commitment to zero conversion of natural ecosystems?

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

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 own 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 all suppliers to no deforestation in its own 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 also defines deforestation as the removal of HCV and HCS areas and specifies any deforestation/conversion past 2017 will not be accepted.

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 also defines deforestation for suppliers as the removal of HCV and HCS areas and specifies any deforestation/conversion past 2017 will not be accepted in supplier operations.

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

The company states to monitor deforestation in its concessions, it has been using Starling since 2023 to ensure continuous monitoring through very high-resolution satellite images. The Starling monitoring system is complemented by other satellite imagery platforms: GFW (Global Forest Watch) for all its concessions, and RSPO Firewatch System and NASA FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System) respectively for the oil palm and the rubber concessions. Through this tool, the company receives alerts that are verified in the field by its teams. Evidence is not externally verified.

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

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

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 commits to restore ecosystems in their own operations to their prior condition. The cut-off date beyond which deforestation/conversion is not accepted, and therefore will be restored, is March 2017.

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

The company commits suppliers to restore ecosystems to their prior condition in cases of conversion within their own operations. The cut-off date beyond which deforestation/conversion is not accepted, and therefore will be restored, is March 2017.

66. Implementing a landscape or jurisdictional level approach?

[Externally verified] Limited, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's PEFC FM certification (PEFC ST 1003:2018) as the requirements do not fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. The company also reports that it has created and regularly monitors the implementation of locally adapted action plans which include topics such as internal and external grievance management processes, supplier training and monitoring, community engagement and support. Evidence is externally verified by the Earthworm Foundation, however, the information is over two years old.

67. Biodiversity policy?

The company reports a biodiversity strategy to protect primary forests, areas of HCS, HCV, peatland, and critical habitats. However, a time-bound target was not found.

68. Biodiversity policy applies to all suppliers?

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

[Externally verified] An independent Carbon Stock Assessment of the company's concession in the western region of Ghana carried out by Proforest is available on the company website. This report includes information on the species of conservation concern identified referencing the IUCN red list.

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

[Externally verified] Comprehensive, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's PEFC FM certification (PEFC ST 1003:2018) as the requirements fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. Additional points have not been awarded as the percentage of the company's landbank certified by PEFC is not known.

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

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 protecting wildlife and rare, threatened, endangered and critically endangered species from poaching, hunting and habitat loss in areas under its management. However, a commitment to no hunting of all species or only sustainable hunting by local communities could not be found.

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

The company commits all suppliers to protect wildlife and rare, threatened, endangered and critically endangered species from poaching, hunting and habitat loss in areas under its management. However, a commitment to no hunting of all species or only sustainable hunting by local communities could not be found.

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 wildlife from poaching only.

75. Evidence of protecting forest areas from illegal activities?

[Externally verified] Comprehensive, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's PEFC FM certification (PEFC ST 1003:2018) as the requirements fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. Additional points have not been awarded as the percentage of the company's landbank certified by PEFC is not known.

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 conduct HCV assessments in its own 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 HCV assessments in its own reporting.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company reports to have not planted new rubber plantations since April 2019.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company reports to have not planted new rubber plantations since 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?

[Externally verified] HCS assessment reports of two concessions prepared by Proforest are available on the company website.

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?

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

[Externally verified] A few SEIAs prepared by HS+E Consulting Ghana Limited and STAR Consults are publicly available on the company website, however, the assessments are limited in detail and do not have detailed 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 suppliers to no planting on peat of any depth in its reporting.

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

1905 - The company reports that 1,905 ha is planted on peatland in its Socfindo subsidiary out of a total group landbank of 380,066 ha. Data as of 2023.

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

The company reported 1,905 planted areas on peat in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The reported area has not increased, however, the evidence is not externally verified.

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

The company commits to best management practices for soils and peat.

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

The company commits all suppliers to best management practices for soils and peat.

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

Limited, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's PEFC FM certification (PEFC ST 1003:2018) as the requirements do not fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. Additional points have not been awarded as the percentage of the company's landbank certified by PEFC is not known. The company's own reporting only reports examples of best management practices for soils, which include the use of nitrogen-fixing cover crops, contour planting and windrowing, structure improvement through encouragement of compost use, and applying organic fertilisers.

94. Commitment to best/sustainable tapping practices?

The company commits to sustainable tapping practices.

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

96. Evidence of best/sustainable tapping practices?

The company reports that it organises annual training on tapping practices to increase the efficiency and skills of tappers. However, the information is over two years old.

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?

[Externally verified] Comprehensive, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's PEFC FM certification (PEFC ST 1003:2018) as the requirements fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. Additional points have not been awarded as the percentage of the company's landbank certified by PEFC is not known.

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

264 - The company recorded 264 cases of fires due to internal or external causes in 2023.

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

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

103. GHG emissions?

The company reports GHG emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) for all its natural rubber processing facilities as 58,843,068 kg CO2e in 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 the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for all its natural rubber processing factories. However, the emissions for some facilities show an increase in 2023 as compared to 2022. Additionally, the evidence is not externally verified.

107. Methodology used to calculate GHG emissions?

The company uses the GHG Protocol's 'Product Lifecycle Accounting and Reporting Standard' methodology to calculate GHG emissions of natural rubber operations.

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

The company reports that the water consumption per ton of dry rubber is stable and consistent with the target set below 20 m3/T.

109. Water use intensity?

16.33 - The company reports the average water consumption per ton of dry rubber as 16.33 (m3/T) in 2023.

110. Progress towards commitment on water use intensity?

The company reports a decrease in its average water consumption intensity from 17.04 m3/T in 2022 to 16.33 m3/T in 2023. Evidence is not externally verified.

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

The company states that the discharge water from the ponds is regularly monitored to ensure that the BOD and COD values are within permitted levels (local regulations or IFC (International Finance Corporation) and/or RSPO standards, whichever applies). However, as of 2023, it is unclear if the BOD or COD levels are within legal limits.

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

113. Treatment of effluents from processing facilities?

The company reports that all rubber factories have been installed with water treatment facilities (anaerobic and aerobic effluent ponds) which treat effluent before discharging it into waterways. 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 only states that it has a strategy for the management of riparian buffer zones. However, an SOP or other detailed information is not disclosed.

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

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 only.

120. Commitment to no use of paraquat?

The company commits to not use paraquat.

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

The company commits all suppliers to not use paraquat.

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 publishes a list of chemicals used across all natural rubber operations. As of 2023, no toxic chemicals were used by the company in any of its operations.

127. Implementation of commitment to minimise inorganic fertiliser usage?

The company reports a reduction in the use of chemicals across its operations in 2023 as compared to 2022. The company also states using 778 m3 of organic fertilisers in 2023. Evidence is not externally verified.

128. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach?

[Externally verified] Comprehensive, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's PEFC FM certification (PEFC ST 1003:2018) as the requirements fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. Additional points have not been awarded as the percentage of the company's landbank certified by PEFC is not known. The company also reports that it uses an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, however, no details are provided.

129. Commitment to human 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 also commits to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

130. Commitment to human rights applies to all suppliers?

The company commits all suppliers to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

131. Progress on human rights commitment?

[Externally verified] The company reports it organises specific awareness campaigns on human rights with the various groups in charge of plantation security and states that the teams also receive specific training on respect for human rights, non-discrimination and zero tolerance of harassment. In 2021, the company's annual membership report with Earthworm Foundation stated that progress has been made in several areas of workers' rights which include the development of training plans, however, this information is over two years old now.

132. Commitment to respect Indigenous Peoples' and local communities' 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 also commits to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in its own reporting.

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

The company only commits all suppliers to respect indigenous and local communities' rights in relation to FPIC.

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 also commits to respect legal and customary land tenure rights in its own reporting.

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

The company only commits suppliers to respect legal and customary land tenure rights in relation to FPIC.

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 free, prior and informed consent (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?

139. Examples of local stakeholder engagement to prevent conflicts?

[Externally verified] The company reports participating in dialogue platforms organised to structure community relations. Further, in case of a conflict, it encourages dialogue between the stakeholders concerned at a local, national, and international level to resolve the situation. This online grievance management and monitoring platform, checked by EF, guarantees all stakeholders access to factual and transparent information. Further, the 'Earthworm Foundation' reports that in December 2021, a practical training session on participatory mapping was completed for SOCAPALM Dibombari, SOCAPALM Kienké and SOCAPALM Edea. However, the externally verified information is over two years old.

140. Details of process for addressing land conflicts available?

The company has a grievance management system procedure which has been used to record and respond to land conflict-related grievances.

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

The company reports that its subsidiary Okomu organised empowerment training aimed at strengthening and economically empowering women across its operations for years. The company also states that its flagship project, Toga (Tanaman Obat Keluarga-Family Medicinal Garden) was created to address the challenges faced by women in the plantation community, who struggle to find meaningful full-time jobs in larger cities. Over 170 women have been involved in the garden, developing skills such as trainer, tour guide, plant maintenance, and data administrator in this project. Evidence is not externally verified.

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 own reporting.

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

The company reports that its conservation garden in Indonesia is working to improve food security by focusing on food production and improving food security within its communities. The team has developed educational resources, including a book on 500 medicinal plants in Indonesia, a workshop booklet on establishing a medicinal garden, and a guide to identifying common medicinal plants. The company has also collaborated with 250 villages to strengthen the economic development of the local community through various training programs and the procurement of seedlings for all villages around its estates in Serdang Bedagai, Asahan, Labuhan Batu, Tapanuli Selatan, Batubara, Nagan Raya, and Aceh Tamiang Districts. From this collaboration, the community will gain knowledge and skills to develop additional revenue. Evidence is not externally verified.

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 community services and facilities in its own reporting.

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

The company reports that it provides electricity, water supply, and health facilities to village communities and also encourages the employment of members of neighbouring communities. Evidence is not externally verified.

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 GPSNR Policy Framework. Partial points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's alignment with GPSNR Policy Components. GPSNR does not reference all Fundamental ILO Conventions as amended in 2022 to include the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). The company also only commits to eight Fundamental ILO Conventions in its reporting.

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

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

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

[Externally verified] Comprehensive, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's PEFC FM certification (PEFC ST 1003:2018) as the requirements fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. Additional points have not been awarded as the percentage of the company's landbank certified by PEFC is not known. In 2021, the company's annual membership report with Earthworm Foundation stated that progress has been made in several areas of workers' rights which include the development of training plans, however, this information is over two years old now.

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

The company commits to prevent employment-related discrimination based on gender.

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

The company commits all suppliers to no discrimination. However, the commitment does not refer to employment and/or occupation-related discrimination based on gender specifically.

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

[Externally verified] The company reports that to avoid discrimination against women, its operational sites have in place, internal policies and it also organises workshops and awareness sessions on the topic. The company also has Gender Committees, that allow for discussion of these sensitive topics and encourage statements of vulnerable people who could have been victims of harassment from employees. In 2022, Earthworm Foundation trained members of the Gender Committee on gender, its concepts, its impacts on the company and the responsibilities of the gender committee. However, externally verified evidence is over two years old.

153. Reports gender balance of employees?

4787 - The company reports 4,787 temporary employees in 2023.

154. Percentage or number of women employees?

14367 (24.92%) - The company reports 14,367 females as a part of its workforce in 2023.

155. Commitment to pay a living wage?

The company commits to pay minimum wages to all workers. For the DLW, the company states that 'when Decent Living Wages (DLW) applicable to our operations have been established and validated by RSPO or GPSNR, they will be implemented'. A clear commitment that all workers are paid a living wage was not found.

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

The company commits suppliers to pay minimum wages to all workers. For the DLW, the company states that 'when Decent Living Wages (DLW) applicable to our operations have been established and validated by RSPO or GPSNR, they will be implemented'. A clear commitment that all workers are paid a living wage was not found.

157. Progress on commitment to pay a living wage?

158. Reporting of salary by gender?

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] Comprehensive, externally verified points have been awarded on the basis of the company's PEFC FM certification (PEFC ST 1003:2018) as the requirements fully meet the SPOTT indicator criteria. Additional points have not been awarded as the percentage of the company's landbank certified by PEFC is not known. The company's reporting states that for waste collection and handling, HSE guidelines are followed to ensure that PPE (personal protective equipment) is used.

162. Time lost due to work-based injuries?

7.5 - The company reports that it has an injury rate of 7.50 in 2023.

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

2 - The company reports two work-related fatalities 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 49% of rubber production comes from smallholders. Data as of 2023.

166. Programme to support scheme smallholders/outgrowers?

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not source from scheme/outgrower smallholder suppliers.

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

This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it does not source from scheme/outgrower smallholder suppliers.

168. Programme to support independent smallholders?

The company provides information on support provided to smallholders, which includes training sessions, technical assistance, agriculture advice, training its tappers in best sustainable harvesting practices, etc. Evidence is not externally verified.

169. Percentage of independent smallholders involved in programme?

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

The company ensures that all identified smallholder operations are in compliance with its policy and sustainability requirements. It has also been committed to the 'RubberWay' project since the very beginning, and the first evaluations took place on its Ivorian sites in 2018.

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

The company requires the percentage of smallholder suppliers audited on environmental and social practices per subsidiary for 2023.

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

The company has a third-party due diligence policy in place through which it evaluates its suppliers prior to engagement using a standardised evaluation questionnaire covering different criteria which include legal and regulatory compliance (including environmental, safety and data protection standards), financial performance, quality of services/products, ethics and social responsibility, information security, and reputation.

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

70.2% - The company reports that of the total 57 collectors, 70.2% have received training on environmental and social issues in 2023. Evidence is not externally verified.

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

The company makes this commitment through the PEFC International Chain of Custody Standard (PEFC ST 2002:2020). Partial points have been awarded as the requirements do not fully meet the SPOTT scoring criteria. The company states that in the event of non-conformity with the assessment criteria mentioned in its third-party due diligence policy, the suppliers will be informed immediately, and a deadline will be set to remedy the problems identified. If non-conformities persist, measures such as suspension or termination of the contract may be taken. However, the timeframes for actions are not reported.

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

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

177. Percentage of supply coming from agroforestry?

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 reports that in compliance with the code of conduct and business code (Sodimex), all employees must abstain from practices limiting competition. In March 2023, the company hired a Compliance officer at the group headquarters to strengthen anti-corruption training and prevention in all its subsidiaries. However, the details on the implementation of anti-corruption activities are not provided.

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

182. Whistleblowing procedure?

The company has a whistleblowing policy in place.

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

The company has a grievance management system open to all stakeholders.

184. Details of complaints and grievances disclosed?

The company provides details of complaints and grievances which include details on date, issue, actions taken (progress), and status. Only four details are disclosed.