Sustainability & Supply Chain Commitment

 

At Aalst, we have a commitment to sustainability and a connection with the communities in which we operate. It is a commitment driven by our founders and the people who work here. It is aligned with the expectations of those in the wider community and shareholders.

 

As a business, we have a long term focus and commitment that from the factory floor to our retail outlets, all standards have to be met with  measurable benchmarks. These measures are based around a socially responsible supply chain with the health and safety of our employees of utmost importance.

 

.As Aalst undertakes a global turnaround of operations, we have also begun to undertake a review of policies, relationships and approach to sustainability, supply chain and community engagement.

 

Our overall aim is to build on what has been achieved, avoid complacency and ensure a thriving culture that sees our brands drive demonstrable and positive change.

 

Listed below are some of the actions we have launched and the steps we are taking:

 

 

Sustainability

 

• Using cutting edge, 3-in-1 trigeneration system to reduce annual carbon dioxide emission by 20-30%

• Investing in green power system saving 30% less on energy bills

• Donor & sponsor of the International Women's Day to raise funds for indigenous women of the Pacific Islands, UN Women. Australia.

• Supporter of local children healthcare by hosting chocolate tasting and educational visits - Nanyang Primary School

• Supporter of kids with special needs by hosting chocolate tasting and making sessions for the Genesis School of Special Education

• Supporter of local community project with government agency, the SPRING Singapore, by hosting chocolate making sessions.

• Participant of international trade exchange in collaboration with government trade agency, IE Singapore, by hosting the U.S. Reverse Mission.

• Participant of Cross-border Health Authority Exchange with AVA Singapore and the Ministry of Health & Welfare Japan

• Participation of student visits with local university, the Singapore Management University, for factory tour  & chocolate tasting

• Participation of cultural and educational exchange with international university, the ESSEC Business School Paris-Singapore, for internship program and guest speaking at educational seminars.  

 

 

Supply Chain

 

For close to a decade, Aalst Chocolate has in place internationally recognised, independent and audited supply chain programs in place across its operations.

 

The company plans to build on this commitment through implementing a corporate social responsibility program under the principles below:

 

• Compliance with Laws and Workplace Regulation;

• Prohibition of Forced Labor;

• Prohibition of Child Labor;

• Prohibition of Harassment or Abuse;

• Compensation and Benefits;

• Hours of Work;

• Prohibition of Discrimination;

• Health and Safety;

• Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining;

• Environment;

• Customs Compliance; and

• Security.

 

The application of these principles throughout the company's international supply chain will enable a better understanding and management of the supply chain.

 

Prospective new suppliers will be subjected to these principles. Those who demonstrate no motivation or ability to move towards these guidelines will be denied entry to Aalst's supply chain. If a supplier submits to an audit by demonstrating workplace standards below those imposed by the principles, then a corrective action plan will be issued. The supplier then has to demonstrate an improvement or a commitment to improve standards required to ensure entry into the supply chain.

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