Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd
Palm oil assessment- Latest update: November 2024
- Next scheduled: November 2025
ESG scores:
The following scores are based on the totals of all environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators. Some indicators apply to more than one E, S or G issue.
Supply chain scores:
The following scores are based on ESG indicators relevant to specific segments of the palm oil supply chain.
Some indicators apply to multiple segments. Please refer to the scoring criteria for further details.
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Parent company:Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd
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Landbank (oil palm)38,911 hectares
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Market cap:352,200,000 USD
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Thomson Reuters ticker:HAPP.KL
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Bloomberg ticker:HAPL MK Equity
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Sedol:B28VNR6
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LEI:No LEI
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RSPO member?Yes
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Other initiatives:Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO), International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC)
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Activities:Oil palm cultivation, milling
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Locations:Malaysia (Sabah)
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Headquarters:Malaysia
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Parent website:
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Website:
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Media Monitor
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Company assessment: Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd – November 2024
Assessment date:
- Organisation: 28.5 / 32 89.1%
- Policy: 65.5 / 73 89.7%
- Practice: 44.2 / 53 83.3%
- Self-reported: 3.9 / 53 7.4%
- External: 25.3 / 53 47.6%
- Certified: 15 / 53 28.3%
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Sustainability policy and leadership
8.5 / 11 77.3%- Organisation: 5.5 / 6 91.7%
- Policy: 2 / 2 100%
- Practice: 1 / 3 33.3%
- Self-reported: 1 / 3 33.3%
- External: 0 / 3 0%
- Certified: 0 / 3 0%
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1. Sustainable palm oil policy or commitment for all its operations?
The company meets this indicator through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also has its own sustainable agriculture policy and sustainability statement.
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2. Sustainable palm oil policy or commitment applies to all suppliers?
The company has published a sustainable palm oil policy which applies to all suppliers.
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3. High-level position of responsibility for sustainability?
The company reports that its General Manager of Agronomy chairs the Environment & Sustainability Committee and is responsible for sustainability.
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4. One or more members within the board of the company have responsibility for sustainability?
The company has an environment and sustainability committee chaired by the Chief Executive, who is also a member of the board of directors.
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5. Reports gender balance of senior management team?
0 (0%) - The company reports that it has no female members of its senior management team.
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6. Reports gender balance of board members?
2 (20%) - The company reports that it has two (20%) women on the board of directors.
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0 / 1
7. Member of multiple industry schemes or other external initiatives to reduce negative environmental or social outcomes associated with palm oil production?
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8. Collaboration with stakeholders to reduce negative environmental or social outcomes associated with palm oil production?
The company reports that it engages with the government on riparian areas to protect waterways, collaborates with NGOs to assist smallholders in obtaining RSPO certification, and partners with Humana Child Aid Society to provide educational support to workers' children.
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9. Sustainability report published within last two years?
The company has published its latest sustainability report for 2023.
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10. Reports through standardised reporting systems?
The company's latest sustainability report for 2023 has been prepared in accordance with the GRI 1: Foundations 2021.
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11. Verification report on compliance with POIG Charter, if a POIG member?
This indicator is disabled as the company is not a POIG member.
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0 / 1
12. Climate risks assessment available?
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Landbank, maps and traceability
14 / 15 93.3%- Organisation: 11 / 12 91.7%
- Policy: 1 / 1 100%
- Practice: 2 / 2 100%
- Self-reported: 0 / 2 0%
- External: 0 / 2 0%
- Certified: 2 / 2 100%
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13. Lists countries and operations?
Plantations and mills - Malaysia (Sabah).
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14. Lists countries sourcing from?
The company reports that it has 11 suppliers, all situated in the Kinabatangan region of Sabah.
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15. Total land area managed/controlled for oil palm (ha)?
38910.8 - The company reports the total land area managed/controlled for oil palm as 38,910.83 ha in its RSPO ACOP 2023 and 39,103 ha in its own reporting.
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16. Total oil palm planted area (ha)?
34856 - The company reports that it has 34,856 ha of total oil palm planted area.
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17. Scheme smallholders planted area (ha)?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from scheme/plasma smallholders.
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18. Unplanted (areas designated for future planting) (ha)?
0 - The company reports its plantable reserve area as 36.80 ha in the sustainability report 2023 and 113 ha in the annual report 2023. Additionally, the RSPO ACOP 2023 states that the company has 0 ha of unplanted area. These contradictory figures differ by more than 5% for the same time period.
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19. Conservation set-aside area, including HCV area (ha)?
1402 - The company reports a conservation set-aside area of 1,402 ha, which includes a High Conservation Value (HCV) area.
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20. Maps of estates/management units?
The company reports that it has submitted all concession maps to RSPO and that no new concessions have been added and that no changes in ownership of concessions have occurred since the submission of maps to RSPO.
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21. Maps of all scheme smallholders?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from scheme/plasma smallholders.
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22. Maps of all third-party supplying plantations?
The company reports the coordinates and static maps of all 11 supplying plantations only.
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23. Number of company-owned mills?
4 - The company reports four mills in its sustainability report 2023 and the RSPO ACOP 2023.
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24. Names and locations of company-owned mills?
The company provides the names and coordinates of all four mills in its sustainability report 2023, and this information is also available on GFW.
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25. Number (or percentage) of company-owned mills that source from company-owned operations and third parties?
The company reports that all four mills source FFB from both own and third-party estates.
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26. Reports total volumes (or percentages) sourced by company-owned mills that come from company-owned operations and third-parties?
The company reports that 87% of FFB comes from its own plantations while the remaining 13% are from third parties.
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27. Number of third party supplying mills?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from third-party supplying mills.
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28. Names and locations of all third-party supplying mills?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from third-party supplying mills.
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29. Number (or percentage) of third party supplying mills that source from their own plantations and third party plantations?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from third-party supplying mills.
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30. Reports total volume (or percentages) sourced from third-party supplying mills that come from the supplying mills' own operations and third parties?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from third-party supplying mills.
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31. Total volume (or percentage) sourced for refineries that comes from intermediary traders and/or refiners rather than directly from mills?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not own refineries.
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32. Time-bound commitment to achieve 100% traceability to mill level?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from third-party supplying mills.
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33. Percentage of supply traceable to mill level?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from third-party supplying mills.
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34. Time-bound commitment to achieve 100% traceability to plantation level?
The company has already achieved 100% traceability to plantation level.
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35. Percentage of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) supply to own mills traceable to plantation level?
The company reports that 100% of FFB supplied to its own mills is traceable to the plantation level. Additional points are awarded due to Identity Preserved certification.
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36. Percentage of supply from third-party mills traceable to plantation level?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from third-party supplying mills.
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37. Publishes traceability data at refinery level?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not own refineries.
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38. Publishes traceability data at crusher level?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not own palm kernel crushing facilities.
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Certification standards/Sustainability initiatives
8.4 / 10 84%- Organisation: 1 / 1 100%
- Policy: 1 / 1 100%
- Practice: 6.4 / 8 80%
- Self-reported: 2.4 / 8 30%
- External: 4 / 8 50%
- Certified: 0 / 8 0%
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39. Member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)?
[Externally verified] 2005 - The company has been a member of RSPO since 2005.
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40. RSPO-certified within three years of joining the RSPO or by November 2010, for companies joining prior to finalisation of the RSPO certification systems in November 2007?
2012 - The company received its first certification in 2012.
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41. Submitted most recent RSPO Annual Communication of Progress (ACOP)?
The company has submitted its latest RSPO ACOP 2023.
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42. Percentage of area (ha) RSPO-certified?
81.31% - The company reports that 81.31% of its total area is RSPO-certified.
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43. Percentage of mills RSPO-certified?
[Externally verified] 100% - The company reports that all four palm oil mills are RSPO-certified.
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44. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% RSPO certification of estates and mills within 5 years?
2025 - The company commits to achieve 100% RSPO certification of estates and mills by 2025. This is within 5 years.
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45. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% RSPO certification of all palm product processing facilities within 5 years?
This indicator is disabled as the company is only a grower or miller.
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46. Percentage of scheme smallholders (ha) RSPO-certified?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from scheme/plasma smallholders.
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47. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% RSPO certification of scheme/associated smallholders and outgrowers within 5 years or target already achieved?
This indicator is disabled as the company has no scheme/plasma/associated smallholders or outgrowers.
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48. Percentage of FFB supply (tonnes) from independent smallholders/outgrowers/third-party FFB suppliers that is RSPO-certified?
65.17% - The company reports that 65.17% of the FFB supply from independent smallholders and outgrower FFB suppliers is RSPO-certified.
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49. Percentage of all palm oil and oil palm products handled/traded/processed (tonnes) that is RSPO-certified?
This indicator is disabled as the company is only a grower or miller.
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50. Sells RSPO-certified palm oil through Segregated or Identity Preserved supply chains?
The company sells 94.37% RSPO-certified palm oil through segregated or identity-preserved supply chains.
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51. Processes/trades RSPO-certified palm oil through Segregated or Identity Preserved supply chains?
This indicator is disabled as the company only reports a Grower ACOP.
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52. Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certified (100%)?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not operate in Indonesia.
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53. Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certified?
[Externally verified] The company reports that 100% of its estates and mills have been certified since 2018.
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54. Certified under voluntary sustainability certification scheme (e.g. ISCC, SAS, RSB)?
[Externally verified] The company is ISCC Certified.
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Deforestation and biodiversity
15.36 / 20 76.8%- Organisation: 1.5 / 2 75%
- Policy: 8 / 12 66.7%
- Practice: 5.9 / 6 97.7%
- Self-reported: 0 / 6 0%
- External: 4 / 6 66.7%
- Certified: 1.9 / 6 31%
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55. Commitment to zero conversion of natural ecosystems?
The company commits to zero conversion of all natural ecosystems.
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56. Commitment to zero conversion of natural ecosystems applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to zero conversion of natural ecosystems.
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57. Commitment to zero deforestation?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to zero deforestation in its own reporting. However, the commitment is made after 1st Jan 2020.
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58. Commitment to zero deforestation applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to zero deforestation. However, the commitment is made after 1st Jan 2020.
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59. Criteria and cut-off date for defining deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion?
The company commits to no land clearing damaging primary forests or areas required to protect or enhance HCVs since November 2005, and no land clearing damaging HCVs or HCS forest since November 2018, through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company has also specified criteria for defining deforestation in its own reporting. However, a cut-off date is not reported.
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60. Criteria and cut-off date for defining deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion in supplier operations?
The company defines deforestation for suppliers as the clearing of High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Stock (HCS) areas. However, a cut-off date is not specified.
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61. Evidence of monitoring deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company also reports that it monitors potential deforestation activity of its own estates on a monthly basis through Global Forest Watch.
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62. Evidence of monitoring deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion in supplier operations?
[Externally verified] The company reports monthly monitoring of potential deforestation within its supply chain and asserts no deforestation has been observed in areas supplying FFB to the mills. In December 2023 Control Union externally verifies that no deforestation was detected across all of the company's own 14 plantations and all 11 of its third party supplying plantations.
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63. Amount of deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion recorded in own operations since cut-off date?
0 - The company reports that no deforestation has been recorded within its boundaries since 2015.
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64. Amount of deforestation and/or ecosystem conversion recorded in supplier operations since cut-off date?
0 (0%) - The company reports that no deforestation has been recorded within its suppliers' operations since 2015. However, a cut-off date is not specified.
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65. Commitment to restoration of deforestation/conversion in own operations since cut-off date?
The company commits to applying the RSPO Remediation and Compensation Procedure where there has been land clearing without prior HCV assessment since November 2005, or without prior HCV-HCSA assessment since November 2018, through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. However, a commitment covering restoration of all non-compliant deforestation/conversion was not found. Partial points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to restore ecosystems to their prior condition in its own reporting. However, a cut-off date beyond which deforestation or conversion would not be accepted is not specified.
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66. Commitment to restoration of deforestation/conversion in supplier operations since cut-off date?
The company commits all suppliers to restore ecosystems to their prior condition in cases of conversion within their own operations. However, a cut-off date beyond which deforestation or conversion would not be accepted is not specified.
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67. Implementing a landscape or jurisdictional level approach?
[Externally verified] The company has launched a 'Digital Maker programme' with the aim to make a lasting impact on the education landscape in Sabah and increase access to digital literacy for all members of the community. This is externally verified by Control Union.
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68. Biodiversity policy?
The company has a biodiversity policy that mainly focuses on biodiversity within HCV/HCS/set-aside areas. It also does not include any time-bound targets.
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0 / 1
69. Biodiversity policy applies to all suppliers?
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70. Identified species of conservation concern, referencing international or national system of species classification?
Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company also reports protecting wildlife identified by the Sabah Wildlife Enactments and the IUCN Red List.
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71. Examples of species and/or habitat conservation management?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company also reports its conservation efforts for protected flora species like the Jelutong tree and Sepat.
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72. Commitment to no hunting or only sustainable hunting of species?
The company commits to no hunting of all species in its operations.
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73. Commitment to no hunting or only sustainable hunting of species applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to no hunting of all species in their operations.
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HCV, HCS and impact assessments
8 / 10 80%- Organisation: 0 / 0 0%
- Policy: 8 / 8 100%
- Practice: 0 / 2 0%
- Self-reported: 0 / 2 0%
- External: 0 / 2 0%
- Certified: 0 / 2 0%
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74. Commitment to conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also makes this commitment in its own reporting.
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75. Commitment to conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to conduct HCV assessments.
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0 / 1
76. High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments for planting undertaken prior to January 2015, and associated management and monitoring plans?
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77. High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments for all estates planted/planned planting since January 2015?
This indicator is disabled as the company has not undertaken any new planting since January 2015.
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78. High Conservation Value (HCV) or combined HCV/HCS management and monitoring plans for all estates planted/planned planting since January 2015?
This indicator is disabled as the company has not undertaken any new planting since January 2015.
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79. Commitment to only use licensed High Conservation Value (HCV) assessors accredited by the HCV Resource Network's Assessor Licensing Scheme (ALS)?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also makes this commitment in its own reporting.
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80. Commitment to only use licensed High Conservation Value (HCV) assessors accredited by the HCV Resource Network's Assessor Licensing Scheme (ALS) applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to only use licensed HCV assessors accredited by the HCV Resource Network's ALS.
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81. Satisfactory review of all High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments undertaken since January 2015 by the HCV ALS Quality Panel?
This indicator is disabled as the company has not undertaken any new planting since January 2015.
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82. Commitment to the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also makes this commitment in its own reporting.
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83. 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.
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84. High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments available?
This indicator is disabled as the company has not undertaken any new planting since January 2016.
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85. Peer review of all High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments undertaken since April 2015 by the HCSA Quality Assurance Process?
This indicator is disabled as the company has not undertaken any new planting since January 2016.
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86. Commitment to conduct social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs)?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to conducting social and environmental impact assessments in its own reporting.
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87. Commitment to conduct social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs) applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to conduct social and environmental impact assessments.
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0 / 1
88. Social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs) available, and associated management and monitoring plans?
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Soils, fire and GHG emissions
17.22 / 19 90.6%- Organisation: 4 / 5 80%
- Policy: 8 / 8 100%
- Practice: 5.2 / 6 87%
- Self-reported: 0.5 / 6 8.3%
- External: 1 / 6 16.7%
- Certified: 3.7 / 6 62%
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89. Commitment to no planting on peat of any depth?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to no planting on peat of any depth in its own reporting.
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90. Commitment to no planting on peat of any depth applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to no planting on peat of any depth.
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91. Landbank or planted area on peat (ha)?
0 (0%) - The company reports that it has 0 ha of landbank on peat. Data as of 2023.
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92. Implementation of commitment to no planting on peat of any depth?
This indicator is disabled as the producer clearly states that it has no operations on peatland for above indicator ("Landbank or planted area on peat (ha)").
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93. Commitment to best management practices for soils and peat?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to best management practices for soils and peat in its own reporting.
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94. 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.
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95. Evidence of best management practices for soils and peat?
Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company reports that it implements sustainable agricultural practices, including planting leguminous cover crops to prevent soil erosion and enhance crop quality, constructing earth terraces, silt pits, and bunds for water conservation, and preserving natural vegetation along palm avenues. Additionally, organic materials such as EFB, oil palm trunks, and fronds are utilised to maintain soil fertility at optimal levels.
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96. Commitment to zero burning?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to zero burning in its own reporting.
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97. Commitment to zero burning applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to zero burning.
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98. Evidence of fire monitoring and management?
Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company also reports that it employs the Global Forest Watch Fire Portal to monitor fires and fire hotspots. Additionally, a dedicated fire monitoring team conducts monthly patrols along the perimeter adjacent to the forest reserve.
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99. Details/number of hotspots/fires in company estates?
The company publishes its monthly fire hotspot monitoring reports on its webpage. In March 2024, no fires were detected.
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100. Details/number of hotspots/fires within surrounding landscape/smallholders?
0 - The company publishes monthly fire and hotspot reports for its neighbouring independent outgrowers/smallholders. In March 2024, no fires were detected.
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101. Time-bound commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity?
The company committed to maintain or reduce GHG emissions intensity to below 1.0 MT CO2 -e / MT CPO by the year 2025 and achieved this in 2022. This includes scope 1 and scope 2 emissions.
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102. GHG emissions intensity?
The company reports its GHG emissions intensity as 0.61 MT of CO2-e per MT of CPO for 2023. This includes scope 1 and scope 2 emissions.
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103. GHG emissions from land use change in company's own operations (scope 1)?
This indicator is disabled as the company has not undertaken any new planting since January 2015.
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0 / 1
104. GHG emissions from land use change in supplier operations (scope 3)?
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105. Progress towards commitment to reduce GHG emissions intensity?
[Externally verified] The company reports a reduction in GHG emissions intensity, including scope 1 and scope 2 emissions, from 0.68 MT CO2-e/MT CPO in 2022 to 0.61 MT CO2-e/MT CPO in 2023. This is externally verified by Control Union.
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106. Methodology used to calculate GHG emissions?
The RSPO requires companies to assess their GHG emissions through the Palm GHG calculator. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also reports that it uses RSPO Palm GHG Calculator to calculate GHG emissions.
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107. Percentage of mills with methane capture (100%)?
The company reports that three out of four (75%) company-owned mills have methane capture.
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Water, chemical and pest management
23.19 / 24 96.6%- Organisation: 2 / 2 100%
- Policy: 11 / 11 100%
- Practice: 10.2 / 11 92.6%
- Self-reported: 0 / 11 0%
- External: 2.8 / 11 25%
- Certified: 7.4 / 11 67.6%
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108. Time-bound commitment to improve water use intensity?
The company commits to maintain or reduce water use intensity to 1.5 m3 / MT FFB by the year 2025 from a 2023 baseline.
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109. Water use intensity?
1.28 - The company reports its water usage intensity as 1.28 m3/ MT FFB in 2023.
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110. Progress towards commitment on water use intensity?
[Externally verified] The company reports a reduction in water use intensity from 1.88 m³/MT FFB in 2022 to 1.28 m³/MT FFB in 2023. This is externally verified by Control Union.
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111. Time-bound commitment to improve water quality (BOD and COD)?
The company commits to reduce COD by 70% by the year 2023 from 2020.
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112. Progress towards commitment on water quality (BOD and COD)?
[Externally verified] The company reports a increase in the COD levels from 331 ppm in 2022 to 325 ppm in 2023. This is externally verified by Control Union.
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113. Treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME)?
Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company also reports that it applies BioTUBE desludging technology to remove solid waste from POME before it is discharged into water sources.
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114. Treatment of palm oil refinery effluent (PORE)?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not own refineries.
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115. Commitment to protect natural waterways through buffer zones?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company has also committed to protecting natural waterways in its own reporting.
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116. Implementation of commitment to protect natural waterways through buffer zones?
Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company reports that it has implemented monthly riparian monitoring to comply with the requirements of the Sabah Water Resources Enactment 1998. Additionally, it maintained a riparian buffer area of 1,056.74 ha in 2023.
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117. Commitment to minimise the use of chemicals, including pesticides and chemical fertilisers?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company has also committed to minimising the use of chemicals, including pesticides and chemical fertilisers in its own reporting.
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118. 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.
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119. Commitment to no use of paraquat?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company has also committed to no use of paraquat in its own reporting.
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120. Commitment to no use of paraquat applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to not use paraquat.
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121. Commitment to no use of World Health Organisation (WHO) Class 1A and 1B pesticides?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to this in its own reporting.
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122. 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.
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123. Commitment to no use of chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to this in its own reporting.
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124. Commitment to no use of chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention applies to all suppliers?
The company commits suppliers to not use Stockholm and Rotterdam Convention chemicals.
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125. Chemical usage per ha or list of chemicals used?
The company reports toxicity units per ha for both herbicides and fertilisers.
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126. Implementation of commitment to minimise inorganic fertiliser use?
Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company reports a reduction in total fertiliser usage from 1.12 MT / /Ha in 2022 to 1.03 MT / /Ha in 2023.
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127. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach?
Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company has planted trees such as Tunera subulata, Antigonon leptopus, and Cassia cobanensis to control nettle caterpillar growth. It has also introduced the parasitic fungus Beauveria bassiana to target various arthropods and uses pheromones to reduce populations of Apogonia beetles, rhinoceros beetles, cockchafers, and Odoratus.
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128. Waste management system in place to avoid negative impacts?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company has implemented waste management programs to collect plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper, and aluminium. It also monitors scheduled waste management on a monthly basis and provides training to workers to help them understand the value of waste recycling.
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Community, land and labour rights
32.75 / 34 96.3%- Organisation: 3.5 / 4 87.5%
- Policy: 20.5 / 21 97.6%
- Practice: 8.8 / 9 97.2%
- Self-reported: 0 / 9 0%
- External: 8.8 / 9 97.2%
- Certified: 0 / 9 0%
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129. Commitment to human rights?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to human rights in its own reporting.
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130. Commitment to human rights applies to all suppliers?
The company commits suppliers to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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131. Progress on human rights commitment?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank.
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132. Commitment to respect Indigenous Peoples' and local communities' rights?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to respecting Indigenous and local communities rights in its own reporting.
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133. Commitment to respect Indigenous Peoples' and local communities' rights applies to all suppliers?
The company commits suppliers to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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134. Commitment to respect legal and customary land tenure rights?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to respect legal and customary land tenure rights in its own reporting.
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135. Commitment to respect legal and customary land rights applies to all suppliers?
The company commits suppliers to respect legal and customary land tenure rights.
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136. Commitment to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to FPIC in its own reporting.
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137. Commitment to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to respect FPIC.
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138. Details of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) process available?
The RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018 contain guidance and requirements on the process to conduct free, prior and informed consent (FPIC). Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years.
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139. Examples of local stakeholder engagement to prevent conflicts?
[Externally verified] The company reports that it engages with stakeholders through a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) which meets every two years. Only one examples is mentioned. This is externally verified by Control Union.
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140. Details of process for addressing land conflicts available?
The RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018 contain requirements for addressing land conflicts. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company has also published the land dispute resolution mechanism on its website.
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141. Supports the inclusion of women across palm oil operations, including addressing barriers faced?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company reports that spraying crews are required to attend a health check every three months, with particular emphasis on the health of women workers. It also reports that pregnant workers are assigned lower-risk tasks, such as general work and are given maternity leave after delivery.
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142. Commitment to mitigate impacts on food security?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also reports to maintain certification for both HALAL and HACCP in its own reporting.
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143. Progress on commitment to mitigate impacts on food security?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company has provided training on HACCP, HALAL, and MeSTI to educate executives and staff on food safety practices. Additionally, at the end of each month, the company organises a two-day bazaar to facilitate the trading and sale of locally-produced food items.
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144. Commitment to provide essential community services and facilities?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years.
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145. Progress on commitment to provide essential community services and facilities?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company has also provided various facilities like schools, clinics, roads, ambulances and shops to nearby local communities.
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146. Commitment to provide business/work opportunities for local communities?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to provide work opportunities for local communities in its own reporting.
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147. Commitment to Fundamental ILO Conventions or Free and Fair Labour Principles?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to Free and Fair Labour Principles in its own reporting.
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148. Commitment to Fundamental ILO Conventions or Free and Fair Labour Principles applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to Free and Fair Labour Principles.
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149. Progress on commitment to respect all workers' rights?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank.
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150. Commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to this in its own reporting.
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151. Commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to prevent employment-related discrimination based on gender.
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152. Progress on commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank.
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153. Percentage or number of temporary employees?
This indicator is disabled as the company has no temporary employees.
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154. Reports gender balance of employees?
2628 (32.66%) - The company reports that 2,628 (32.66%) employees are women. Data as of 2023.
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155. Commitment to pay a living wage?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to paying the legal minimum wage in its own reporting.
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156. Commitment to pay a living wage applies to all suppliers?
The company commits all suppliers to pay a minimum wage to all workers.
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157. Progress on commitment to pay a living wage?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company also reports that all its workers are paid the required state minimum wage as defined by the minimum wages order 2022.
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158. Reporting of salary by gender?
The company provides a breakdown of salary ratios between men and women across various job titles. However, it is unclear if this data covers all employees and does not adhere to GRI reporting standards.
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159. Commitment to address occupational health and safety?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to addressing occupational health and safety in its own reporting.
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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.
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161. Provision of personal protective equipment and related training?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company ensures all workers are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and collaborates with external health trainers such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and BOMBA for Authorised Entrant and Standby Person (AESP) competency training, alongside PPE fit test training.
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162. Time lost due to work-based injuries?
0.48 - The company recorded a lost time incident rate (LTIR) of 0.48 in 2023. Calculated as recordable incidents x 200,000/total working hours.
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163. Number of fatalities as a result of work-based accidents?
0 - The company reported zero fatalities in 2023.
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Smallholders and suppliers
5.75 / 8 71.9%- Organisation: 0 / 0 0%
- Policy: 2 / 4 50%
- Practice: 3.8 / 4 93.8%
- Self-reported: 0 / 4 0%
- External: 3.8 / 4 93.8%
- Certified: 0 / 4 0%
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164. Commitment to support smallholders?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to this in its own reporting.
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165. Programme to support scheme smallholders?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from scheme/plasma smallholders.
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166. Percentage of scheme smallholders involved in programme?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from scheme/plasma smallholders.
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167. Programme to support independent smallholders?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company also reports actively assisting 11 independent smallholders and outgrowers in pursuing sustainability certifications.
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168. Percentage of independent smallholders/outgrowers involved in programme?
[Externally verified] 9 (82%) - The company reports that nine out of its 11 independent local outgrowers and smallholders have participated in obtaining RSPO and MSPO certifications, no other support programmes beyond technical support for certification. This is externally verified by Control Union.
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169. Process used to prioritise, assess and/or engage suppliers on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?
The company reports conducting independent internal audits of its local outgrowers and smallholders twice a year to assess their compliance with its policies. However, limited details about the assessment methods were provided.
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170. Number or percentage of suppliers assessed and/or engaged on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?
[Externally verified] 9 (82%) - The company reports that nine out of its 11 suppliers have agreed to comply with its policies. This is externally verified by Control Union.
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0 / 1
171. Suspension or exclusion criteria for suppliers?
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172. Time-bound action plans (including Key Performance Indicators) for suppliers to be in compliance with palm oil sourcing commitments?
The company only reports a target of 10 out of 11 suppliers to receive MSPO/RSPO certification. However, no KPIs or action plans beyond certification are reported.
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173. Proportion of supply from suppliers that is verified as deforestation- and/or conversion-free (DCF)?
[Externally verified] The company reports that 100% (s 147,138.05 MT) of supply is DCF as per the NDPE IRF methodology. This is externally verified by Control Union.
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174. Time-bound plan to engage with all high risk mills within 3 years?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from mills.
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175. Programme to support high risk mills to become compliant with sourcing policies?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from mills.
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176. Regularly engages with a subset of high risk mills?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from mills.
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177. Procedures in place to assess all own and third party supplying palm oil mills for risk level?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from mills.
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178. Regularly assesses and categorises the risk level of all their own and third party supplying mills?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from mills.
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179. Regularly reports the risk level of all own and third party supplying mills identified in its supply chain?
This indicator is disabled as the company does not source from mills.
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Governance and grievances
5 / 7 71.4%- Organisation: 0 / 0 0%
- Policy: 4 / 5 80%
- Practice: 1 / 2 50%
- Self-reported: 0 / 2 0%
- External: 1 / 2 50%
- Certified: 0 / 2 0%
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180. Commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?
The company makes this commitment through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also commits to ethical conduct and the prohibition of corruption in its own reporting.
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181. 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.
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182. Progress on commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?
[Externally verified] Points for external verification have been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank. The company has established a whistleblowing policy to encourage employees to report instances of fraud, corruption, serious financial misappropriation, and abuse of power. Additionally, no cases of corruption, extortion, or bribery were reported in 2023.
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0 / 1
183. Disclosure of the company's management approach to tax and payments to governments?
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184. Whistleblowing procedure?
The RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018 contain guidance and requirements on whistleblowing procedures. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company also has its own whistleblower procedure.
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185. Own grievance or complaints system open to all stakeholders?
The company adheres to this criteria through the RSPO Principles and Criteria 2018. Full points have therefore been awarded on the basis of the company's RSPO-certified landbank (>75%) and a further commitment to be 100% certified within 5 years. The company has also published its grievance procedure with a detailed process (flow chart).
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0 / 1
186. Details of complaints and grievances disclosed?
SPOTT scores are based on the presence of external evidence made available by the company or third-parties.
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No date
Certified Companies (Principles and Criteria) - RSPO - WEBPAGE
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No date
Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd 2023 RSPO ACOP
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2023
Sustainability Statement
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August 2023
Sustainable Agriculture Policy
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2023
Sustainability Report 2023
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No date
Board of Directors - Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd - WEBPAGE
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2023
Annual Report 2023
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January 2024
Monthly Summary Report of Fire Hotspot and Fire Alert
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No date
Universal Mill List - GFW - WEBPAGE
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No date
MSPO - Hap Seng Plantation Holdings Bhd - WEBPAGE
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2024
MSPO Certificate - Hap Seng Plantations (Kota Marudu) Sdn Bhd Pelipikan Estate
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November 2023
ISCC Certificate - Hap Seng Plantations (River Estates) Sdn Bhd - Bukit Mas Palm Oil Mill
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No date
ISCC EU - Hap Seng Plantation Holdings Bhd - WEBPAGE
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2024
Biodiversity Policy
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2024
External Verification of Sustainability Policy Transparency Toolkit (SPOTT) Palm Oil Assessment 2024
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March 2024
Monthly Summary Report of Fire Hotspot and Fire Alert
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December 2020
Land Dispute Management
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May 2023
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
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2022
Sustainability Report 2022
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2020
Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
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2020
Grievance Procedure
Media monitor: Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd
SPOTT monitors global media sources for coverage of assessed companies. The media monitor gathers reports about specific activities related to the assessment indicator categories. ZSL does not assess or score the validity of media coverage, but users can explore the media monitor to provide context on implementation, and infer risks associated with reported operations on the ground. The media monitor undergoes a full update at the time of publishing an assessment round, with ad-hoc updates throughout the year. This is not an exhaustive list of all media reports relevant to the company.
July 2016
Are You Invested in Exploitation? Why US investment firms should quit financing conflict palm oil and commit to human rights
May 2016
RSPO Complaint filed Nov 2015 - Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd (Status D: Complaint Legitimate)
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Media monitor: Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd
SPOTT monitors global media sources for coverage of assessed companies. The media monitor gathers reports about specific activities related to the assessment indicator categories. ZSL does not assess or score the validity of media coverage, but users can explore the media monitor to provide context on implementation, and infer risks associated with reported operations on the ground.

