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Socfin Group's Vision for a Sustainable Future: Strategy 2026-2031

The Socfin Group, operating extensively in the production of natural rubber and palm oil across Africa and Asia, has recently announced its Sustainability Strategy for 2026-2031 alongside an updated Responsible Management Policy (RMP). This initiative is pivotal in guiding the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities over the next several years.

Establishing a Common Framework

Céline Schmitz, the Head of Sustainability at Socfin Group, highlighted the importance of these documents as they collectively outline the long-term direction for the group, focusing on priorities and a roadmap towards sustainable operations. The RMP is a vital counterpart that establishes the commitments and governance structures essential for the successful implementation of the Sustainability Strategy.

Five Key ESG Priorities

The newly launched Strategy rests on five fundamental pillars:
1. Strengthening Governance and Transparency: Socfin aims to enhance its governance structures to ensure accountability and foster transparency in all operations.
2. Protecting Nature and the Climate: Initiatives will be launched to mitigate environmental impacts, focusing on biodiversity and climate change mitigation.
3. Empowering People and Communities: Socfin seeks to uplift local communities through engagement, support, and empowerment initiatives.
4. Building Responsible and Traceable Supply Chains: The group will prioritize traceability in its supply chains to uphold ethical sourcing practices.
5. Driving ESG Performance: Continuous improvement in ESG performance will be monitored to align with best practices and international standards.

These priorities encapsulate a multifaceted approach that includes safeguarding biodiversity, adhering to human rights, ensuring supply chain traceability, enhancing ESG data reliability, and forging strategic partnerships to bolster societal ties.

Aligning with Global Standards

This updated RMP builds upon earlier principles introduced by the company in 2017 and refined in 2022, representing a commitment to align with globally recognized frameworks including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Principles and Criteria. This alignment ensures that Socfin's operations meet the expectations of various stakeholders while promoting sustainability.

A Three-Phase Roadmap until 2031

Implementing this strategy will occur through a structured three-phase roadmap:

• - 2026-2027: Compliance and structural strengthening.
• - 2028-2029: Full deployment of initiatives and consolidation of practices.
• - 2030-2031: Focused efforts on performance monitoring and continual improvement.

Through this structured approach, the Socfin Group aims to establish a solid foundation for its sustainability mission, effectively mapping out how the integration of these practices will be measured and improved upon over time.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Céline Schmitz emphasized that this strategy reflects the alignment of Socfin's environmental, social, and governance commitments under a common framework. She stated, "This Strategy gives us a clear direction for the next stage of our sustainability journey", underscoring its role in measuring progress and guiding effective implementation across the group’s diverse operations.

About Socfin

Established in 1905, Socfin is recognized as a leader in the agro-industrial sector with a focus on tropical agriculture, particularly the cultivation of natural rubber and palm oil. Operating across ten countries in Africa and Asia, Socfin draws on its extensive expertise to leverage sustainable agricultural practices and engage constructively with stakeholders. The company's commitment to progressive enhancement of environmental and social practices is evident in their ongoing efforts to align with international standards and engage in continuous improvement processes.

In conclusion, Socfin's new Sustainability Strategy and updated Responsible Management Policy signal a significant commitment to responsible management and sustainable practices that resonate with global standards and the needs of local communities. As the organization navigates this roadmap, stakeholders can expect enhanced transparency, accountability, and sustainable progress across its operations.