AAK sustainability report 2018

59 Local community involvement Our Neighbours achievements As a global company, AAK contributes to the develop- ment of the local communities in which it operates by creating jobs, paying taxes and doing business with local enterprises. However, it takes more than this to truly become part of the community in which the Group operates. Community engagement is based on diverse thinking, which leads to initiatives ranging from giving employees time off to engage in local activities and donating products and raw materials to providing used equipment and giving direct financial support. AAK is very much aware of the impact the company has on the community when entering, operating in AAK has long been an active member of the communi- ties in which it operates through sponsorship, or through direct participation in projects and activities. We see it as our responsibility and part of our social license to operate to maintain a good relationship with the or leaving an area. During 2018, no operations that required a special community impact assessment were established or terminated. The impact of existing operations is continuously monitored through dialogue, open house events, hosting visitors, participation in local events and councils, giving presentations and participating in interviews. Media monitoring also provides a picture of local attitudes towards AAK. Overall, AAK’s community involvement helps secure a social license to operate, which is essential for AAK as both a company and a player in local business life. communities where we operate and to contribute where it makes sense. In 2018, AAK engaged in a variety of local activities, some examples are presented in this section. AAK will continue to secure integration with its local communities in the future. 59