Supplier Code of Conduct
Astra Sweets (Sustainability) Mission
We are recognized as the trusted partner in candy through our proactive leadership and innovation, with a strong customer focus and respect for people and society.
We take our social responsibility as on organization by consciously committing to a sustainability strategy where the 4Ps (People, Planet, Partners, Product) are central.
1: Introduction/governance
Conducting business with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with all applicable laws and public regulations is fundamental to Astra Sweets. Considering this and in line with our mission, values and long-term sustainability ambitions, we have translated our expectations towards our suppliers in a Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC).
This SCoC outlines minimum requirements to ensure that all our suppliers respect human rights, establish good labour conditions, ensure ethical business practices and continuously improve their environmental and health and safety performance in their operation and supply chains.
Astra Sweets will consider compliance with this code as part of the supplier selection process. The SCoC outlines a minimum standard of conduct. We expect that our suppliers always try to exercise good judgement, care and consideration by following both the requirements and the intentions of the SCoC. Astra Sweets recognizes that reaching the standards in this SCoC is a dynamic process and encourages suppliers to continuously improve their operations on governance, social and environmental topics. Furthermore, we expect our suppliers to be transparent and have an open dialogue with us about challenges which they encounter as part of their operations.
The SCoC is considered an integral part of all contractual discussions between Astra Sweets and our suppliers.
2: Legal requirements
Suppliers must conduct business in compliance with all applicable local and European laws, including those related to products, the environment and social issues.
3: Business ethics
Suppliers should be familiar with the Astra Sweets Code of Conduct – Global Business Principles (www.astrasweets.com).
As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, Astra Sweets expects all suppliers to implement strategies, policies and practices that are consistent with the ten principles of the UN Global Compact:
The 10 principles of the UN Global Compact:
Human rights
Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights;
Principle 2: ensure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labour
Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour;
Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment
Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Anti-Corruption
Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery
Suppliers must comply with applicable national and international laws and standards, including the Ethical Trading Initiative’s Base Code.
As a supplier, you agree to:
1: Employment is freely chosen
2: Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
3: Working conditions are safe and hygienic
4: Child labour shall not be used
5: Living wages are paid
6: Working hours are not excessive
7: No discrimination is practiced
8: Regular Employment is provided
9: No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
Astra Sweets recommends suppliers to become members of SEDEX (Supplier Data Exchange) and do a periodic SMETA 4-pillar audit.
4: Product and services
Astra Sweets is committed to producing high quality products that meet the highest food safety standards which requires working with suppliers that provide products, ingredients or services, in line with all applicable quality standards.
On top, as a product, packaging or ingredient supplier:
Product compliance: You must supply, produce, pack, handle, or store products, ingredients, and packaging in compliance with the requested product quality and food safety standards (GFSI) and specifications, and comply with all applicable food safety regulations.
Food safety: You shall demonstrate that you have robust food safety and quality management systems in place that follow Hazard Assessment and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.
You shall regularly train your staff in food safety, hygiene and quality management to ensure constant compliance with all relevant standards.
Risk management and crisis management: Full traceability system must be in place from source to finished product. You shall immediately report to Astra Sweets issues that could negatively affect the quality or food safety of the goods or services delivered, or that could negatively affect the public perception of an Astra Sweets product.
Communication and cooperation: You shall be open to cooperation and communication with Astra Sweets regarding any problems or changes that may affect product quality or food safety.
5: Planet
Astra Sweets is aware of its corporate responsibility for the environment and we are convinced of the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship. Astra Sweets expects suppliers to operate in a manner that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Suppliers must take the necessary steps to avoid environmental degradation, prevent deforestation, and protect biodiversity.
Suppliers are required to verify the country of origin of their raw materials.
Suppliers conduct or commit to perform within a period of one year a companywide recognized or certified carbon footprint analysis according to the GHG protocol for its scope 1, 2 & 3, giving insights in the carbon intensity of the activities and identifying the carbon emission hotspots. Results should be shared with Astra Sweets upon first request.
Suppliers report annually on their sustainability initiatives and carbon reductions.
6: Monitoring and compliance with this SCoC
Suppliers shall be prepared to verify compliance with the SCoC upon request. Astra Sweets reserves the right to conduct inspections to ensure compliance with this Code.
If the requirements set in this SCoC are not met by a supplier, the parties will discuss corrective actions through an open dialogue. In case the supplier fail to comply with the terms of this code and if improvements are not made within agreed time, Astra Sweets may terminate its business with the supplier.
If suppliers become aware of any action or condition not in compliance with the terms of this conduct Astra Sweets encourages suppliers to raise their concerns to Astra Sweets (ombuds@astrasweets.com).
