Resources and materials
Responsible sourcing and social compliance along the supply chain, assuring supply security for our customers through sound risk assessment and planning, business continuity, process and raw material efficiency
Our approach
Sustainable and responsible practices for sourcing resources and materials are important for any business, and the potential impact throughout the supply chain must be considered when making sourcing decisions. Various raw materials are needed for the manufacture of our products. Especially in the chemical industry, the sustainable use of raw materials is becoming more and more important, as it is key to keeping costs low and protecting the environment. Generally, the use of raw materials and resources has the potential to impact the environment, the economy and society. Ensuring sound and efficient management of raw materials can reduce the strain on natural resources. Sustainable management of raw materials also has an effect on economic growth by providing workplaces in the production, processing and disposal of raw materials.
Back integration of our raw material production (glucose syrup) makes our supply chain more sustainable by reducing transportation and energy use for production. Direct sourcing of corn and contracts with regional farmers increases the proximity to our raw material suppliers and enhances transparency regarding product quality. We have established long-term business partnerships with many suppliers, and we source many materials locally from around our production plants, where possible.
In addition, by-products from our production processes are mainly used in construction, agriculture or the feed industry, as well as for biogas manufacturing, which makes our production processes even more sustainable. Using fairly produced raw materials and interacting fairly with partners, suppliers and customers has a positive impact on our collaboration with stakeholders, our reputation and thus our business. This also further underlines our commitment to responsible corporate behaviour and compliance with laws and regulations. Maintaining a fair and ethical business environment is laid down in our core values. We have integrated a framework of guidelines and policies into our business which ensures proper interaction with all business partners. This framework is communicated to all employees and available on our intranet.
Full compliance with local laws and regulations is imperative and a prerequisite for any and all business transactions. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with regulations on financial accounting and reporting, competition law, employment law, anti-corruption regulations, export controls and trade restrictions.
Jungbunzlauer is committed to meeting its customers’ and other stakeholders’ expectations that we supply high-quality products which are sourced and manufactured in a fair, ethical and environmentally responsible way.
According to the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, compliance with labour standards and the fight against corruption are among the most important global challenges for businesses. While some sub-categories of these topics – such as human rights abuses, forced labour or child labour – are key challenges on a global scale, they are less relevant to Jungbunzlauer, since we employ all our staff in countries where working conditions are comprehensively regulated and where non-compliance with these laws will consistently result in legal action.
Our ambition
Issues with our supply security can harm not only the company’s assets, but also its reputation and brand. It is therefore essential for businesses such as ours to analyse potential risks that could compromise the security of our supply to customers. It is of the utmost importance to us at Jungbunzlauer that we are a reliable business partner able to guarantee secure supply of our products.
With our various policies and the supplier evaluation process described above, we aim to ensure fair and sustainable procurement of our raw materials and resources with regard to human rights.
Key measures and evaluation
Supplier compliance questionnaire
Targets 2022
Evaluation of supplier Implementation of evaluation questionnaire and process and preparation of implementation of a supplier questionnaire 2023 harmonised evaluation still ongoing process
Progress and achievements 2022
Implementation of evaluation process and preparation of supplier questionnaire 2023 still ongoing
SBTi supplier engagement target
Targets 2022
Jungbunzlauer International AG commits that 70% of its suppliers by emissions covering purchased goods and services will have science-based targets by 2026
Progress and achievements 2022
Evaluation of scope 3 emissions and their reduction in the supply chain was continued in 2022. For example, several discussions and meetings were organised with transportation companies to get a better understanding of transport emissions and how to minimise them in the future.
Outlook
Where necessary, we will continue to review and update our risk assessment and “Business Continuity Plan” on a regular basis. We will also remain in close contact with our business partners in order to manage future concerns, such as logistical issues or availability problems.
In 2023, an update of our supplier questionnaire is planned. We are in the process of implementing an online evaluation process for our suppliers.
Furthermore, the ESG performance of relevant suppliers will be evaluated based on their Sedex or Ecovadis rating or with the support of a questionnaire for relevant suppliers without ESG platform ratings. In compliance with the Swiss Code of Obligations, Jungbunzlauer will also perform due diligence to verify that globally purchased goods and services are in compliance with the above mentioned regulation. Jungbunzlauer does not fall under the due diligence requirements for minerals and metals from conflict areas as we are neither placing in free circulation nor processing concerned minerals and metals in Switzerland.
