AAK Annual Report 2019

32 Our Customers Our Customers covers all areas in which we interact with customers. It includes products, product development, food safety, product information, and market communication. Interaction with customers is based on sound business ethics and a deep understanding of the company’s respon- sibility for safeguarding customer brands. Five sustainability focus areas We have defined five sustainability focus areas – the “pillars” – that are important to our business. They provide an overview and guide us in setting objectives and focus our resources. The five focus areas are: Our Customers, Our Suppliers, Our Planet, Our People, and Our Neighbours. Our Suppliers This area covers activities related to the sourcing of raw materials that we use. Sustainable sourcing is the backbone of AAK’s business and a key element in our strategy. To obtain the right raw materials is essential but we place equal emphasis on how they are produced. For this reason, we have implemented a Code of Conduct for Suppliers of Raw Materials that applies to all actors in the supply chain. Our Planet Our Planet covers our impact on the envi- ronment in terms of resource consumption and emissions from our production plants. It is a top priority for us to minimize our use of natural resources and emissions per processed product even though our stronger focus on more refined products drives a higher degree of processing. All production sites are required to continuously work to improve their respective environmental footprints as well as get new acquired plants on track with AAK standards. Our People This focus area is about working life at AAK – how to remain an attractive workplace and assure a healthy, equal and safe workplace. Our employees are our most important resource. AAK is a diverse company with employees from many parts of the world and with many different job functions. Common to every employee is our values and our Group Code of Conduct. These govern the way our business is conducted and how employees interact with each other and AAK’s stakeholders. Our Neighbours This focus area covers activities that we initiate and engage in – be they local, regional, national or international – to be a part of and act responsibly in society. Contributing to and being part of the communities in which we operate are essential for maintaining a positive rela- tionship with neighbours, politicians and authorities. Through a commitment to community causes, AAK is also instrumental in creating a workplace with highly motivated employees who are proud of representing a company that makes a noticeable difference.