AAK Annual Report 2019

13 13 high product functionality while reducing the majority of saturated fat solutions, believed to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Driving down costs At AAK, we are constantly striving to reduce raw mate- rials and processing costs, but never at the expense of our own high-quality standards. By finding new ways to operate more efficiently, we can help customers strengthen their bottom-line results. We see this as vital to help maintain their growth and development, espe- cially as we work in a highly competitive market where retailers continue to challenge food manufacturers. Sustainability as a foundation Sustainable growth is a cornerstone of our company. The foundation of our model for sustainable growth incorporates the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and our own policies and codes. Some of the industries we work with, for example Chocolate & Confectionery Fats and Plant-based Foods, have very ambitious sustainability commitments, and through our co-development approach we create solutions that help our customers live up to these commitments.