Olam International Ltd https://www.spott.org/timber-pulp/olam-international-ltd/
Established in 1989, Singapore based commodity producer and trader Olam International operates forestry concessions in... Read more.
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Landbank (timber/pulp):2,200,000 hectares
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Palm cultivation revenue:3359540000%
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Market cap:4,659,893,427 USD
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Thomson Reuters ticker:OLAM.SI
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Bloomberg ticker:OLAM:SP
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ISIN:SG1Q75923504
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Activities:Timber production, timber processing and manufacturing, trading and distribution
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Locations:Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Myanmar
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Headquarters:Singapore
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Website:
Company assessment: Olam International Ltd – July 2019
SPOTT assesses companies against over 100 indicators across ten categories. Click on the icons or bars below to expand each category for further details, scoring and links to reports and sources.
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Sustainability policy and leadership
9 / 11
81.8%
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Companies should publish sustainability policies or similar commitments covering their entire supply chain — including third party suppliers — implemented and enforced through high-level leadership that engages with wider industry schemes.
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1 / 1Source1. Sustainable forestry policy or commitment for all its operations?
The company has a Living Landscapes Policy, as well as a Plantations, Concessions and Farms Code that applies to upstream operations and joint ventures, and an Environmental Sustainability Policy. It has a separate Supplier Code that applies to any entity that sell goods or services to the company
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1 / 1Source
2. Sustainability policy or commitment applies to all sourcing?
The company's Living Landscape Policy applies to all the company's agricultural commodity businesses, including upstream production and third-party sourcing.
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1 / 1Source
3. High-level position of responsibility for sustainability?
Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
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1 / 1Source
4. One or more board members have responsibility for sustainability?
Four members of the Board are part of the company's Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Committee
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1 / 1Source
5. Percentage or number of women board members?
10%
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0.5 / 1Source6. Percentage or number of women in senior management team?
0 (0%) - The company does not explicitly report number or percentage of women in senior management team
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1 / 1Source
7. Sustainability report published within last two years?
Sustainability sections included in 2018 annual report. Stand alone sustainability report last published in 2015
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1 / 1Source
8. Member of multiple industry schemes or other external initiatives to improve forest management or transparency?
FSC, PEFC, UNGC, Natural Capital Coalition, CDP, GRI, ATIBT, Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP), European Coalition for Sustainable Tropical Timber (STTC), WBCSD, TFA 2020, HCVRN
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1 / 1Source
9. Activities with government, NGOs or academic institutions to improve the sustainability of forest products?
The company has a REDD+ partnership with the Republic of Congo government in the Congo Basin
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0 / 1Source10. Climate risks assessment available?
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0.5 / 1Source
11. Natural capital assessment available?
The company has published a natural capital assessment but it does not follow the Natural Capital Protocol
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Landbank, mills and traceability
17 / 19
89.5%
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Companies should publicly report figures on their total landbank and details of different areas under their management. They should also disclose maps of their forest management units and provide forest management plans, as well as details on mills.
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1 / 1Source
12. Lists countries and operations?
Republic of Congo (forest concessions and production facilities), Myanmar (production facility)
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1 / 1Source
13. Total area of natural forest designated for wood/wood fibre production (ha)?
2,200,000 - This is an approximate figure excluding area preserved under REED+ program
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-No source
14. Total area of forest plantation (ha)?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests
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-No source
15. Area of plantation/natural forest within outgrower schemes (ha)?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't use outgrower schemes for wood/wood fibre production
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-No source
16. Unplanted (areas designated for future development as plantation forest) (ha)?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests
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0.5 / 1Source
17. Conservation set-aside and/or HCV area (ha)?
433,699 - The company publishes the area for conservation (serie de conservation, total of 47,253 ha) and for protection (série de protection, total of 386,446 ha) for each FMU in the summaries of the management plans. However, only one of these documents is dated. Half a point has been awarded for the area covered by this document (93,300 ha)
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0.5 / 1Source
18. Area of Intact Forest Landscape (ha)?
177,000 - Partial points on the basis of IFL assessment for one FMU Mimbeli Ibenga
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1 / 1Source
19. Number of Forest Management Units (FMUs)?
4
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1 / 1Source
20. Maps of forest management units (FMUs)?
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1 / 1Source
21. Forest management plans available for all FMUs?
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0 / 1Source
22. Monitoring of forest management plan implementation?
Monitoring results of the implementation of Kabo, Pokola and Loundoungou Forest Management Plans are only publicly available upon request
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1 / 1Source
23. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on use rights (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?
100% - Score of CIB in this OTP category.
Please note: Company scores on Open Timber Portal are updated daily. Visit the OTP website to review the company's current performance by clicking on the source link -
1 / 1Source
24. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on forest management (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?
93.3% - Score of CIB in this OTP category.
Please note: Company scores on Open Timber Portal are updated daily. Visit the OTP website to review the company's current performance by clicking on the source link -
1 / 1Source
25. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on timber harvesting (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?
50% - Score of CIB in this OTP category.
Please note: Company scores on Open Timber Portal are updated daily. Visit the OTP website to review the company's current performance by clicking on the source link -
-No source
26. Number of company owned pulp and paper mills?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't own pulp or paper mills
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-No source
27. Maps or addresses of company owned pulp and paper mills?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't own pulp or paper mills
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1 / 1Source
28. Number of company owned sawmills?
5 - The company owns and operates four sawmills in the Republic of Congo and one in Myanmar
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1 / 1Source
29. Maps or addresses of company owned sawmills?
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-Source
30. Number of supplier mills?
This indicator is disabled as the company only sources from one supplier which does not have mills
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-No source
31. Maps or addresses of supplier mills?
This indicator is disabled as the company only sources from one supplier which does not have mills
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1 / 1Source
32. Procedures to trace raw materials to country of harvest?
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1 / 1Source
33. Procedures to trace raw materials to FMU level?
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2 / 2Source
34. Percentage of supply traceable to country level (above 80%)?
100%
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2 / 2Source
35. Percentage of supply traceable to FMU level (above 75%)?
100%
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Deforestation and biodiversity
10.5 / 11
95.5%
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Companies should commit to address deforestation and to set aside areas for conservation. They should report on any activities to manage or restore habitat in their conservation areas, or monitor deforestation in their supply chains. They should also provide evidence of biodiversity conservation and species or habitat management.
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1 / 1Source
36. Commitment to zero conversion of natural forest?
The company states that it will allow no conversion or degradation of critical habitats such as High Conservation Value (HCV) areas and other nationally-recognised conservation priorities; plus no conversion or degradation of other natural habitats with high levels of organic carbon such as High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests. These committments are to be fulfilled in a time-bound manner
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1 / 1Source
37. Zero conversion commitment applies to all sourcing?
The company states that its requirements for eliminating unacceptable land use practices applies to all of its suppliers
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1 / 1Source
38. Commitment to minimise the impact of logging roads?
The company details how it minimises the impact of logging roads in all forest management plans and in the company's approach to HCVF
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1 / 1Source
39. Commitment to protect forest areas from illegal activities?
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1 / 1Source
40. Evidence of monitoring deforestation?
The monitoring of forest extent and condition is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 1,251,050 ha (61% of total operational area)
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0.5 / 1Source
41. Amount of deforestation recorded?
1.25% - The company only reports the amount of deforestation resulting from road construction (1.25% of the company's operational area)
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1 / 1Source
42. Commitment to biodiversity conservation?
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1 / 1Source
43. Examples of species and/or habitat conservation management?
The management and restoration of habitat is covered by FSC Principles and Criteria (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN). Full points have therefore been awarded for this indicator on the basis of the company's FSC certified landbank, which stands at 1,251,050 ha (57% of total operational area)
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1 / 1Source
44. Implementing a landscape-level approach to biodiversity conservation?
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1 / 1Source
45. Identified species of conservation concern referencing international or national system of species classification?
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1 / 1Source
46. Commitment to sustainably manage the use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs)?
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-No source
47. Commitment not to use genetically modified organisms?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests
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HCV, HCS and impact assessments
7 / 7
100%
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Companies should commit to the High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Stock (HCS) approaches, and to conduct social and environmental impact assessments (SEIA). They should develop and publish summaries of assessments and monitoring and management plans.
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1 / 1Source
48. Commitment to conduct High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments?
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1 / 1Source
49. HCV commitment applies to all sourcing?
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-No source
50. Commitment to only use licensed High Conservation Value (HCV) assessors accredited by the HCV Resource Network's Assessor Licensing Scheme (ALS)?
This indicator is disabled until sufficient number of HCV ALS licensed assessors are available for the location where the company operates
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1 / 1Source
51. High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments available?
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1 / 1Source
52. High Conservation Value (HCV) management and monitoring plans available?
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-No source
53. Commitment to the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests
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-No source
54. High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments available?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests
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1 / 1Source
55. Commitment to conduct social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs)?
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1 / 1Source
56. Social and environmental impact assessments (SEIAs) available?
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1 / 1Source
57. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on impact assessments (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?
90% - Score of CIB in this OTP category.
Please note: Company scores on Open Timber Portal are updated daily. Visit the OTP website to review the company's current performance by clicking on the source link
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Water, chemical and waste management
4.5 / 9
50%
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Companies should commit to protect peatland and undertake best management practices for soils and peat, as well as commit to reduced impact logging. They should also have policies on zero burning and to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Companies should report their GHG emissions, as well as details on any fires that occurred in or around their estates, along with evidence for managing and monitoring fires.
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0 / 1Source
72. Time-bound commitment to improve water quality (BOD and COD)?
The company only has a target to achieve 100% compliance with wastewater discharge limits by 2020
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0 / 1No source
73. Progress towards commitment on water quality (BOD and COD)?
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1 / 1Source
74. Commitment to protection of natural waterways through buffer zones?
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-No source
75. Evidence of treatment of pulp and paper mill effluent?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't own pulp or paper mills
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0 / 1No source
76. Evidence of sawmill run-off containment and wastewater treatment?
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-Source
77. Time-bound commitment to improve water use intensity?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't own pulp or paper mills
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-No source
78. Progress towards commitment on water use intensity?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't own pulp or paper mills
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-No source
79. Commitment to eliminate chlorine and chlorine compounds for bleaching?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't own pulp or paper mills
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1 / 1Source
80. Commitment to minimise the use of chemicals, including pesticides and chemical fertilisers?
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1 / 1Source
81. No use of World Health Organisation (WHO) Class 1A and 1B pesticides?
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0 / 1No source
82. No use of chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention?
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0.5 / 1Source
83. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach?
The company mentions integrated pest management training but unclear if using IPM within forestry operations
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1 / 1Source
84. Chemical usage per ha or list of chemicals used?
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Soils, fire and GHGs
7.5 / 8
93.8%
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Companies should commit to managing water use and water quality, providing evidence through time-bound reduction plans, policies on toxic chemical use, waste management and treatment of wastewater and mill effluents.
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1 / 1Source
58. Commitment to best management practices for soils and/or peat?
The company states that it takes measures to minimise the risk of erosion and soil degradation, and to maintain or enhance soil fertility and that it follows international best practice to identify and conserve forests and other natural habitats with high levels of biomass or organic carbon
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1 / 1Source
59. Commitment to reduced impact logging?
The company commits to reduced impact logging techniques within the forest management plans of all its FMUs
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-No source
60. Commitment to no planting on peat of any depth?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests and that it does not have landbank on peat
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-No source
61. Commitment on peatland planting applies to all sourcing?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests
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-No source
62. Landbank or planted area on peat (ha)?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't have landbank on peat
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1 / 1Source
63. Evidence of best management practices for soils and/or peat?
The conservation of soils including soil health, erosion control, water regulation, soil fertility is covered by a Living Landscape Policy and the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't have landbank on peat
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-No source
64. Commitment to zero burning?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests
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-No source
65. Commitment to zero burning applies to all sourcing?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests
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1 / 1Source
66. Evidence of management and monitoring fires?
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0.5 / 1Source
67. Details/number of hotspots/fires in FMUs controlled by the company?
The company published information on the risks and potential causes of fire within their concessions but the total number of fires over a specified time frame is not specified. Half a point has been awarded
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1 / 1Source
68. Time-bound commitment to reduce GHG emissions intensity?
2,030 (50%) - The company had a target to achieve a 10% reduction in GHG intensity (MTCO2e/MT) by 2020 that it has already met. The company has set a new target to reduce GHGs by 50% by 2030 both in its own operations and in its supply chain
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1 / 1Source
69. Progress towards reducing GHG emission intensity?
The company achieved its original target of a 10% reduction in GHG intensity by 2020
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-No source
70. Report GHG emissions from land use change?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it only produces wood/wood fibre from natural forests
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1 / 1Source
71. Methodology used to calculate GHG emissions?
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Community, land and labour rights
21 / 24
87.5%
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Companies should commit to respect human rights, including those of indigenous peoples and local communities, and free, prior and informed consent (FPIC). Companies should respect the rights of workers, report relevant workforce data, and address with health and safety issues.
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1 / 1Source
85. Commitment to human rights, referencing the UN Declaration on Human Rights or UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights?
The company has committed to not be directly or indirectly involved in the violation of human rights in forestry operations. This commitment is made through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN), which defines human rights as those established through the UN Declaration of Human Rights
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1 / 1Source
86. Commitment to human rights applies to all sourcing?
The company has committed to not be directly or indirectly involved in the violation of human rights in forestry operations. This commitment is made through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN), which defines human rights as those established through the UN Declaration of Human Rights
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1 / 1Source
87. Commitment to respect indigenous and local communities' rights?
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1 / 1Source
88. Commitment to respect legal and customary property rights?
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1 / 1Source
89. Commitment to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)?
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1 / 1Source
90. FPIC commitment applies to independent suppliers?
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0.5 / 1Source
91. Details of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) process available?
The company states it follows the UN REDD FPIC guidelines but no details provided on how these guidelines are implemented
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0 / 1Source
92. Examples of local stakeholder engagement to prevent conflicts?
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1 / 1Source
93. Details of process for addressing land conflicts available?
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1 / 1Source
94. Commitment to support the inclusion of women across forestry operations, including addressing barriers faced?
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1 / 1Source
95. Commitment to provide essential community services and facilities?
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1 / 1Source
96. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on population rights (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?
60% - Score of CIB in this OTP category.
Please note: Company scores on Open Timber Portal are updated daily. Visit the OTP website to review the company's current performance by clicking on the source link -
1 / 1Source
97. Commitment to respect all workers' rights?
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1 / 1Source
98. Reference to Fundamental ILO Conventions?
The company has committed to not be directly or indirectly involved in the violation of any of the ILO Core Conventions. This commitment is made through the FSC Policy for Association (FSC-POL-01-004 V2-0 EN)
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1 / 1Source
99. Commitment to eliminate gender related discrimination with regards to employment and occupation?
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1 / 1Source
100. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on labour regulations (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?
71.43% - Score of CIB in this OTP category.
Please note: Company scores on Open Timber Portal are updated daily. Visit the OTP website to review the company's current performance by clicking on the source link -
1 / 1Source
101. Percentage or number of temporary employees?
36,500 (48.99%) - The company refers to seasonal, casual and temporary, and all contract workers
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1 / 1Source
102. Percentage or number of women employees?
29% - The company reports that 29% of its workforce are women
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1 / 1Source
103. Payment of minimum wage?
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0 / 1No source
104. Reporting of salary by gender?
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0.5 / 1Source
105. Commitment to address occupational health and safety, referencing the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work?
The ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work is not referenced
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1 / 1Source
106. Time lost due to work-based injuries?
0.29 - Lost Time Injury Frequency rate
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1 / 1Source
107. Number of fatalities as a result of work-based accidents?
12
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1 / 1Source
108. Provision of personal protective equipment and related training?
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Certification standards
3.5 / 12
29.2%
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Companies should be certified by credible certification standards, or have time-bound commitments to achieve 100% certification of forest management units. They should also ensure that their supply is verified as being in legal compliance and commit to sourcing certified wood/wood fibre.
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0 / 1Source
109. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% third-party legality verification of FMUs or achieved?
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0 / 1No source
110. Time-bound plan to source only wood/wood fibre that is in legal compliance verified by a third party?
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1 / 1Source
111. Percentage area (ha) verified as being in legal compliance by a third party?
1,920,640 (87%) - FSC certified
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1 / 1Source
112. Percentage of all wood/wood fibre supply traded/processed verified as being in legal compliance by a third party?
100% - The company only has one supplier in Myanmar.
Legality verification standard: Myanmar timber legal assurance system (MTLAS) -
0 / 1No source
113. Time-bound plan for achieving 100% FSC FM certification of FMUs or achieved 100% FSC-certification of FMUs?
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0 / 1No source
114. Commitment to source only wood/wood fibre that meets FSC Controlled Wood requirements?
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1.5 / 2Source
115. Percentage area (ha) FSC FM certified?
1,251,050 (57%) - 1,251,050 ha (57%)
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0 / 2No source
116. Percentage of wood/wood fibre supply from outgrower scheme and/or independent suppliers that is FSC FM certified?
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0 / 2No source
117. Percentage of all wood/wood fibre supply traded/processed that are FSC certified (above 75%)?
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-No source
118. Percentage area (ha) PEFC certified (excluding FSC certified area)?
This indicator is disabled as the company reports that it doesn't operate in a country with a PEFC-endorsed SFM standard
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Smallholders and suppliers
1.5 / 4
37.5%
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Companies should report details of any programmes or schemes to support outgrower scheme smallholders, as well as criteria to assess suppliers on compliance with company policies, and in what cases suppliers should be suspended or excluded due to non-compliance.
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-No source
119. Programme to support outgrower scheme smallholders?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't use outgrower schemes for wood/wood fibre production
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-No source
120. Percentage of outgrower scheme smallholders involved in programme?
This indicator is disabled as the company has informed ZSL that it doesn't use outgrower schemes for wood/wood fibre production
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1 / 1Source
121. Process used to prioritise, assess and/or engage suppliers on compliance with company's policy and/or legal requirements?
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0.5 / 1Source
122. The company has a Due Diligence System (DDS)?
Company states to have a DDS for sourcing timber but no details given
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0 / 1Source
123. Suspension or exclusion criteria for suppliers?
The company is developing a mechanism for addressing non-compliance but no further details are given
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0 / 1No source
124. Percentage of suppliers assessed and/or engaged on compliance with company requirements?
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Governance and grievances
7 / 8
87.5%
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Companies should operate in an ethical manner at all levels, providing accessible channels and clear procedures for both employees and external stakeholders to raise any grievance or complaint with the company, as well as allowing for whistleblowing.
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1 / 1Source
125. Commitment to ethical conduct and prohibition of corruption?
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1 / 1Source
126. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on legal registration (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?
100% - Score of CIB in this OTP category.
Please note: Company scores on Open Timber Portal are updated daily. Visit the OTP website to review the company's current performance by clicking on the source link -
0 / 1No source
127. Disclosure of the company's management approach to tax and payments to governments?
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1 / 1Source
128. Company has provided valid legal documents to Open Timber Portal on taxes, fees and royalties (at the time of SPOTT assessments)?
92.31% - Score of CIB in this OTP category.
Please note: Company scores on Open Timber Portal are updated daily. Visit the OTP website to review the company's current performance by clicking on the source link -
1 / 1Source
129. Whistleblowing procedure?
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1 / 1Source
130. Own grievance or complaints system open to all stakeholders?
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2 / 2Source
131. Details of grievances disclosed?
The company published a grievance log covering four grievances received between 2011 and 2019 and including the date, issue, source, action taken, and status
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Media monitor: Olam International Ltd
SPOTT gathers reports and stories from global media sources, covering specific company activities related to the assessment indicator categories. ZSL does not assess the validity of these reports.
August 2018
愛知目標 - FSC在非洲熱帶雨林推動遇挫 永續林業認證要求更高透明度 (Aichi Target - FSC promotes the success of forestry certification in Africa's tropical rain forest)
April 2018
Report into deaths in Epena district, Likouala Department, Republic of Congo
January 2018
Olam CEO appointed World Business Council for Sustainable Development chair
October 2017
Cut from Congo: Industrial logging and the loss of intact forest landscapes in the Congo Basin
September 2017
57 mostly indigenous children who died in the forest concession IPC-OLAM after opening a forest road.
February 2017
Olam and Mighty Earth agree to collaborate on Forest Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture in Highly Forested Countries
December 2016
Olam International's response to Mighty Earth and Brainforest report
December 2016
Palm Oil's Black Box: How agribusiness giant Olam's emergence as a major palm oil trader is putting forests in Southeast Asia and Gabon at risk
February 2016
Republic of Congo awards two million hectares of timber concessions
December 2015
FSC's flagship African logger, CIB-Olam, needs World Bank subsidy – to start farming in its concessions
April 2015
Congolaise Industrielle Des Bois (CIB) Confirms Reinstatement Of FSC Certification For Its Pokola And Kabo Forest Management Units In The Republic Of Congo
October 2014
Statement from Congolaise Industrielle des Bois (CIB) regarding FSC certification
August 2014
