Vandemoortele is urging the European Commission to propose an ambitious law to address EU-driven global deforestation, in a statement released today with another 40+ European companies.
As a company committed to responsible supply chains, we firmly believe that effective EU legislation is urgently needed to tackle deforestation - establishing a level playing field for more sustainable commodities and products to be placed on the EU market.
Vandemoortele is joining the calls of progressive industry across the food retail, cosmetic, paper and finance sectors for ambitious legislation that can set clear rules for companies to tackle their environmental and human rights footprint. In particular, Vandemoortele calls for a clear legislative framework with mandatory requirements for due diligence, transparency and traceability, which is implemented and harmonized across the EU.
When it comes to health and climate issues, the food industry is on the front line
(Jean Vandemoortele - Chairman of the Board )
Since 2009, Vandemoortele has been working towards zero-deforestation, making sure raw materials in our products are grown and harvested sustainably. Examples include our NDPE policy for palm oil and our different sourcing charters for palm oil, eggs, soy, and paper & cardboard. Forests and natural ecosystems can and must coexist with farming, but only if we have strong criteria in place.
In addition, new rules must address both deforestation and the conversion and degradation of natural ecosystems, as the latter are also experiencing increasing pressures through agricultural activities and land investments.
Let’s shape a tasty future sustainably.
Click here to read the statement.