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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020 01 02 03 04 05 06
Working with Suppliers

WORKING WITH
SUPPLIERS

We provide detailed guidance on the development Traceability Outreach Programme (TOP)
of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and
sustainability management systems. After the PSEP TOP was launched in 2017 to provide knowledge
visits, we proactively maintain working relationships and simplified solutions for suppling mills on
with the suppliers to ensure recommended aspects including the collection and management
action plans are implemented. Where necessary, of traceability data of their FFB suppliers.
Apical provides assistance and guidance for
other social and environmental matters. Since the The programme uses an ‘outside-in’ approach as
introduction of PSEP in 2015, our sustainability we view suppliers as co-contributors to improving
team has visited 45 mills. Due to ongoing COVID-19 traceability of the palm oil industry. The TOP seeks
pandemic, Apical introduced CARE as a temporary to verify and incorporate the data collected to build
replacement for PSEP. an interactive mapping platform to assist suppliers
in identifying and managing landscape level issues
Conducted 45 PSEP visits based on the location of their FFBs source.
since 2015 to improve compliance with 412
our policy requirements
supplying mills engaged through TOP in 2020
Collaborative Action through Remote
Engagement (CARE) Shared Value Programme (SVP)
Through CARE, selected suppliers are required to Apical’s SVP was designed in partnership with
perform a self-assessment verification to determine Earthworm Foundation, Proforest and Daemeter.
their compliance risks in the supply chain. Our SVP strives to support continuous improvement
among our priority suppliers through the delivery of
The verification process is conducted through an
online platform which allows our sustainability workshops. The workshops cover issues specific
to our suppliers’ location, latest market trends, and
team to conduct desktop analysis before engaging benefits of international certification schemes such
with the selected suppliers remotely. Following the
verification process, Apical develops action plans as RSPO and ISCC.
for suppliers with gaps in sustainability practices, SVP participants gain insights into the importance
including aligning with our NDPE commitments. of palm oil traceability, responsible sourcing from
14 smallholders, Indonesia’s regulatory updates on
peat, mill operations and plantations, HCV and

suppliers engaged through CARE in 2020 HCS requirements, environmental management
and monitoring, as well as issues on labour rights.

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