Apical fosters inclusivity through supply chain initiatives
The programmes reflect their purpose of improving lives by developing resources sustainably and their vision of being the most reliable integrated processor of sustainable products.
Leading vegetable oil processor Apical, a member of the RGE Group of companies, remains committed to a sustainable and deforestation-free supply chain. It believes that the integration of sustainability is key to the success of its business and this is reflected through sustainable practices adopted across its supply chain.
The company’s vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing make it an integral supplier that supports the food, oleochemicals and renewable fuel needs across industries. To date, with integrated assets in strategic locations across the globe, Apical operates numerous refineries, oleochemical plants, renewable fuel plants and kernel crushing plants.
Apical’s approach to working closely with suppliers to manage its value chain is grounded in its governance and compliance with regulatory standards and legislations, smallholder inclusivity, and supplier and stakeholder engagement. This award highlights the company’s commitment to driving inclusive partnerships across the supply chain to achieve alignment on its sustainability ambitions.
It has launched several initiatives to exemplify this philosophy.
Amongst these initiatives include the A-SIMPLE Framework that was launched in 2020. The framework was developed to ensure the effective implementation of Apical’s Sustainability Policy to align with its sustainable business practices throughout operations and the supply chain. Apical diligently ensures suppliers adhere to their policies, commitments, local laws and regulations.
Apical has also implemented its Supplier Anchor Programmes to perform a broad-based and deep engagement approach with suppliers and facilitate adherence to its frameworks, policies, traceability, deforestation-free efforts and No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) compliance.
In line with Apical’s commitment to achieving NDPE compliance across its operations, the company collaborated with industry stakeholders to develop the NDPE Implementation Reporting Framework (NDPE IRF), a reporting tool that enables companies to analyse and track their progress on their NDPE commitments.
Apical also fosters partnerships with suppliers and other stakeholders impacted by its supply chain. It has established partnerships through memberships with both national and international organisations and associations to collaborate on specific initiatives, including an active RSPO membership since 2011 and participation in the Palm Oil Collaboration Group
Bremen Yong, Director of Sustainability said “This award is a testament to our commitment to driving positive changes by fostering inclusivity along the supply chain. Collaborating with stakeholders and smallholders ensures inclusive progress as we continue to drive positive supply chain transformation through partnerships. Together with our stakeholders, we believe in shared responsibility in paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all. We remain resolute in our dedication to a sustainable and deforestation-free supply chain.”
All of these efforts have been motivated and guided by the company's 5Cs business philosophy of doing what is good for the community, country, climate, and customer and only then, will it be good for the company. It is empowered by its purpose of improving lives by developing resources sustainably and, its vision to be the most reliable integrated processor of sustainable vegetable oil and value-added downstream products.
Apical’s supply chain initiatives have been highlighted at the ESG Business Awards, as the company won the Sustainable Supply Chain Partnership Award for promoting an inclusive environment. The prestigious awards programme honours businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, as well as those leading the way in building a sustainable future.
The ESGBusiness Awards is presented by ESGBusiness. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].
