#Switzerland #Palm Oil #Socfin Group #Fribourg #natural rubber

Socfin's Commitment to Sustainability

In an effort to solidify its commitment to sustainable practices, Socfin Group has officially released its Sustainability Strategy, covering the period from 2026 to 2031. This agribusiness enterprise, known for its production of natural rubber and palm oil in Africa and Asia, outlines five essential priorities aimed at bolstering its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) profile.

Key Priorities of the Sustainability Strategy

1. Strengthening Governance and Transparency
Socfin aims to enhance corporate governance and transparency in its operations. By ensuring that their practices are openly communicated, they hope to gain greater trust from stakeholders and local communities.

2. Protecting Nature and Climate
The need for environmental protection is paramount. Socfin is dedicated to implementing practices that safeguard biodiversity and address climate change, recognizing that their agricultural activities can have significant ecological impacts.

3. Empowering People and Communities
A core aspect of Socfin's strategy is to empower local communities. This includes providing education and resources to enhance their livelihoods, thus fostering a more inclusive growth model.

4. Establishing Responsible and Traceable Supply Chains
Traceability in supply chains is a critical step toward ensuring ethical sourcing of materials. Socfin is focused on enabling traceable supply chains that adhere to high ethical standards, aligning with consumers' growing demand for transparency.

5. Improving ESG Performance
The company is committed to enhancing its ESG performance metrics, utilizing data to reinforce its sustainability initiatives and improve overall corporate responsibility.

Overview of the Updated Responsible Management Policy (RMP)

Along with the Sustainability Strategy, Socfin has updated its Responsible Management Policy (RMP). This new iteration retains foundational principles initially introduced in 2017, with revisions made in 2022 to align with international standards.

The RMP conforms with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and the Policy Framework of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR). Through these compliance measures, Socfin ensures its operations respect human rights and environmental standards.

Implementation and Roadmap

The pathway for implementing this strategy extends over three phases leading up to 2031:

• - In 2026-2027, the focus will be on compliance, structuring, and reinforcing commitments.
• - 2028-2029 marks a transitional phase for deployment and consolidation of these initiatives.
• - From 2030-2031, there will be a heightened focus on performance monitoring and continuous improvement to ensure accountability.

Céline Schmitz, Head of Sustainability at Socfin Group, emphasized the importance of this strategy, stating: "This strategy provides us with clear guidance for the next stage of our sustainability journey. It aligns our environmental, social, and governance priorities within a unified roadmap and strengthens the link between our commitments, their execution, and how we measure progress across our entity."

About Socfin Group

Founded in 1905, Socfin is engaged in tropical agriculture primarily focusing on natural rubber and palm oil production. With operations spanning ten countries in Africa and Asia, Socfin is well-versed in managing sustainable agricultural practices. The company relies on constructive dialogue with stakeholders and a commitment to continuous improvement in environmental and social standards.

In summary, Socfin Group's forward-looking strategy encapsulates its aspirations to lead in sustainability within the agro-industrial sector, by integrating responsible practices across its supply chains, enhancing community welfare, and prioritizing transparency -- all while aiming to mitigate environmental impact.