Sustainable sourcing

in all our supply chains of raw materials

Better sourcing

AAK is committed to sustainable sourcing, and we are well aware of the important role we play in the food value chain. Through Better Sourcing, we engage to transform and go the extra mile to implement continuous improvement programs.

We constantly engage with our suppliers to ensure that progress is made and that raw materials are produced in a sustainable way, protecting biodiversity and ecosystems and reducing our environmental impact, while safeguarding human rights and people’s livelihoods.

Together, we are Making Better Happen.

Commitments and ambitions

Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, reducing environmental impact

  • 100 percent verified deforestation-free and conversion-free palm and soy supply chains by 2025
  • 150,000 trees planted by 2025
  • In 2022, set science-based targets (SBTs) in line with FLAG* guidance (pending SBTi submission)
    *Scope 3: Embedding FLAG (Forest, Land, and Agriculture Science Based Target Setting Guidance). Required as from September 2022.

Empowering smallholders and women to improve livelihoods

Embedding the respect for human rights

  • Human rights due diligence embedded across all key raw materials by 2025

Key achievements 2022

Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, reducing environmental impact

  • 71 percent (+4,5 percent) verified deforestation-free and conversion-free palm and 20 percent (-3 percent) verified deforestation-free and conversion-free soy supply chains, 92 percent including sourcing in North America which is considered low risk.

  • In 2022 the total number of trees plant in the shea and coconut supply chains was almost 117,000 which was an increase of 30 percent since 2021.

  • Reducing absolute scope 3 raw material emissions by constantly encouraging increasing uptake of RSPO-Certified palm volumes. (36 percent, -3 percent compared to 2021)

Empowering smallholders and women to improve livelihoods

Embedding the respect for human rights

  • 100 percent of countries of origin risk-assessed and salient issues identified and due diligence approach defined

  • Action plan started for palm oil

  •  Launch of updated AAK Group Policy and Code of Conduct for responsible sourcing of plant-based oils

Our better sourcing approach

At AAK, we have the same better sustainable sourcing approach for all our raw materials. Our approach is built around deeply understanding our supply base, engaging with suppliers and farmers, driving impact beyond our supply base, and taking action.

Sustainability reports

AAK’s sustainability reports demonstrate how sustainability is firmly anchored within our organization and how we progress on our commitments and ambitions – from plant to brand. The aim is to provide insight and understanding of our efforts, impacts, and contribution to sustainable development.

Questions about our sustainability work?

More on our better sourcing of raw materials

Better sourcing of shea

AAK has been sourcing shea kernels from West Africa for more than 60 years. We source from traditional shea traders as well as women’s groups, to help improve their lives and livelihoods and to ensure good business practices throughout the supply chain.

Better sourcing of palm

As palm oil is the most produced and consumed plant-based oil in the world, it is an important raw material for AAK. With palm, responsible sourcing is crucial. Find out how we support the move towards full sustainability in the palm oil industry.

Better sourcing of coconut

Coconut oil is a key raw material for AAK. Indonesia, the Philippines, and India are the three biggest producers of coconuts, making up more than 70 percent of the global production. Find out more about AAK’s coconut supply chain here.

Better sourcing of rapeseed and sunflower

Rapeseed and sunflower are key soft oils for food production that bring important health benefits. Learn more about how we are engaging with suppliers and farmers in the supply chains and how we work to deeply understand our supply base.

Better sourcing of soy

Soybean oil is one of the most versatile commodities with a large number of applications ranging from margarine to solutions in Special Nutrition. Find out more about how AAK is driving progress on a fully verified deforestation-free and conversion-free soy supply chain.