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Search The Consumer Goods Forum’s SSCI begins public process to finalise sustainability benchmarking criteria
PARIS, 27th July 2018 – The Consumer Goods Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) has opened the global public consultation of its first set of benchmarking criteria. As part of its commitment to providing transparency, the SSCI team invites all stakeholders to participate in this public consultation ahead of the official launch later this year.
The initial call for input covers the benchmark for social compliance schemes that audit processing / manufacturing facilities in the food and non-food sector. The benchmark consists of two parts, the Social Criteria and the Scheme Management Criteria:
- Social Criteria: Criteria that are typically found in codes of conduct (e.g. child labour, forced labour, working hours, discrimination, etc.). The criteria are based on international reference frameworks, notably ILO Conventions and Recommendations and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as well as the CGF Priority Industry Principles.
- Scheme Management Criteria: Criteria that ensure the robust performance of schemes and the effective implementation of the schemes’ procedures and policies (e.g. governance, standard-setting mechanism, relationship with audit firms, etc.). The criteria are mainly based on the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Scheme Management Criteria and the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) Governance and Operational Management criteria.
The SSCI was created earlier this year by members of The Consumer Goods Forum to support the development of socially and environmentally responsible supply chains around the world. Under the leadership of a high-level Steering Committee, co-chaired by Ahold Delhaize and Nestlé, the CGF is currently building the SSCI into a robust programme to benchmark and recognise sustainability standards. Through this initial social compliance scope, SSCI will streamline benchmarking processes across the CGF by replicating the successful approach of its Global Food Safety Initiative.
Chris Tyas, Global Head Supply Chain, Nestlé SA, and Co-Chair of the SSCI Steering Committee, said, “This is an important milestone for the SSCI. The initiative will provide buyers and suppliers with clear guidance on which third-party auditing and certification schemes cover key sustainability requirements and apply robust verification practices. We need the public consultation phase to help provide an opportunity for all our global stakeholders to share their feedback on the initial benchmarking criteria”.
Hugo Byrnes, Vice President Product Integrity, Ahold Delhaize, and Co-Chair of SSCI Steering Committee, said, “As we look to replicate the success of the CGF’s Global Food Safety Initiative, today marks an essential stage in the development of harmonised sustainability standards globally. It is important for our sustainability partners and stakeholders to take advantage of this opportunity to have their say and help shape the future of sustainability benchmarking in our industry”.
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About The Consumer Goods Forum
The Consumer Goods Forum (“CGF”) is a global, parity-based industry network that is driven by its members to encourage the global adoption of practices and standards that serves the consumer goods industry worldwide. It brings together the CEOs and senior management of some 400 retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders across 70 countries, and it reflects the diversity of the industry in geography, size, product category and format. Its member companies have combined sales of EUR 3.5 trillion and directly employ nearly 10 million people, with a further 90 million related jobs estimated along the value chain. It is governed by its Board of Directors, which comprises more than 50 manufacturer and retailer CEOs. For more information, please visit: www.theconsumergoodsforum.com
For more information, please contact:
Sonja Schmid
Manager, SSCI
The Consumer Goods Forum
[email protected]
Louise Chester
Communications Officer
The Consumer Goods Forum
[email protected]
