Doctor's Associates Inc.

Overall approach

2/10
- Overarching commitment on deforestation
  
  0/4
  
  Overall commitment
  
  Commodity-specific commitment - commitment that does not apply to all of the commodities the company is exposed to
  
  0/4
  
  Do they have a commitment for other non-Forest 500 commodities, if so which?: NA
  
  Which commodities does the commodity-specific commitment apply to?: Palm oil
  
  "Responsible Palm Oil Sourcing: Our Commitment To encourage practices that support sustainable palm oil including the growing, processing and transportation processes that will stop deforestation while continuing to support the communities which rely on its production including the palm oil used in our products will: Not come from areas cleared of natural forest after November 2005Be derived from plantations and farms operation in compliance with local legislation Not come from forests with endangered species Protect high conservation areas Support the free and informed consent of indigenous and local communities to activities on their land where the plantations are developed Protect peat land and forest areas of “high carbon” value Comply with RSPO principles and criteria"
  
  Open source document
- Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
  
  0/1
- Awareness of the value of forests
  
  1/1
  
  Awareness
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  "Reaching deeper into our supply chains, ending deforestation is our opportunity to reduce GHG emissions through our purchasing power."
  
  Open source document
- Deforestation as a business risk
  
  1/1
  
  Business risk
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  What revenue comes from industries relevant to each forest risk commodity?: NA
  
  What type of risk is recognised?: Operational
  
  What poportion of a company’s annual revenue depends on each forest risk commodity?: NA
  
  Type of risk if Other. Also add any relevant details: NA
  
  What proportion of revenue that comes from relevant industries is exposed to each forest risk commodity?: NA
  
  "Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design."
  
  Open source document
- High-level management of deforestion
  
  0/1
- Executive compensation linked to deforestation
  
  Executive compensation
  
  No
  
  0/0
  
  Does it disclose the percentage of pay at risk?: No
- Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
  
  0/1
- Reporting on emissions from land-use change
  
  0/1
- Disclosure of conservation activity
- Disclosure of reforestation activity
- Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
  
  Reduce emissions
  
  No
  
  0/0
  
  Type of climate target: N/A
  
  Is this target aligned with/verified by SBTi?: No
Commodity score

14/90
- Beef
  
  12/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    5/17
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      5/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Sustainability commitment/other
        
        1/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Sustainability commitment/other
        
        1/6
        
        When was this commitment set?: NA
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
      - Target date
        Current/achieved
        
        1/1
        
        Target date
        
        Current/achieved
        
        1/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: NA
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        Interim target date
        
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    6/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: NA
      
      Details of commitment: Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      "All Vendors must operate workplaces that adhere to the following minimum standards and practices: No person shall be employed at an age younger than 15 ; There shall not be any use of forced labor ; Nondiscrimination: Employ individuals solely on the basis of their ability to perform the job ; Harassment or Abuse: Every employee shall be treated with dignity and respect ;Freedom of Association: Recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association."
      
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: NA
      
      What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support
      
      "Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design.Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Ensure that this policy is implemented in such a way that supports the inclusion of smallholders in their supply chains."
      
      Open source document
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      1/2
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      0.5/2
      
      Doctors Associates state that gender-based discrimination is a violation of their employment practices policy - "Repeated discrimination on the individual level, as evidenced by two or more findings of individual probable cause of race, religious, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation, or other discrimination by the EEOC or any similar state or federal agency, or any other evidence sufficient to substantiate such discrimination."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      No
      
      0/3
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    2/56
    - Reporting volumes against commitments
      No disclosure
      
      0/3
    - Reporting is independently verified
      No
      
      0/2
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      No
      
      0/3
    - Deforestation cut off date
      No
      
      0/2
    - Collaborative actions
      No
      
      0/2
    - Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
      No
      
      0/2
    - Risk assessments for forest risk
      No
      
      0/2
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      No
      
      0/2
    - Accessible grievance mechanism
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Accessible grievance mechanism
      
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
      
      What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism
      
      "At Subway, our Report It hotline provides Corporate employees, as well as customers, Franchisee staff and Sandwich ArtistsTM, business partners, and others with a means to report potential violations of the Subway Business Code of Conduct, our policies, or applicable law. This hotline is an important part of our culture of ethics and compliance at Subway.Subway is committed to protecting the rights of those individuals who report issues. We prohibit retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports a suspected violation of the law or the Code of Conduct. Any instance of retaliation against an employee for reporting a concern in good faith is itself a serious violation of our Code of Conduct, and should be reported. Any employee found to have engaged in such retaliation will be subject to appropriate discipline.If you wish to report questionable behavior or a possible violation, please contact us through any of the following methods:Email: Send an email to the General Legal, Compliance, and Privacy Office at: reportit@subway.com with the subject heading of REPORT IT – Subway Code of ConductMail: Send a letter to the General Legal, Compliance and Privacy Office at Franchise World Headquarters, LLC, 325 Sub Way, Milford, CT 06461 with the attention line of REPORT IT – Subway Code of ConductWe will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible and will not tolerate any retribution or retaliation taken against any individual who has, in good faith, sought out advice or reported questionable behavior or a possible violation of this Code of Conduct."
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      No reporting
      
      0/3
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      No
      
      0/5
    - Compliance of company-owned operations
      No
      
      0/5
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      No engagement or exclusion
      
      0/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      No engagement or exclusion
      
      0/2
      
      Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: No
      
      Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No
      
      Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
- Palm oil
  
  20/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    8/17
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      8/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Zero-gross deforestation
        
        4/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Zero-gross deforestation
        
        4/6
        
        When was this commitment set?: NA
        
        Does the company have a commitment to the protection of other specific named ecosystems?: HCS; Peat
        
        Which certification schemes are used?: RSPO
        
        "Our Commitment To encourage practices that support sustainable palm oil including the growing, processing and transportation processes that will stop deforestation while continuing to support the communities which rely on its production including the palm oil used in our products will: Not come from areas cleared of natural forest after November 2005; Be derived from plantations and farms operation in compliance with local legislation Not come from forests with endangered species Protect high conservation areas Support the free and informed consent of indigenous and local communities to activities on their land where the plantations are developed Protect peat land and forest areas of “high carbon” value Comply with RSPO principles and criteria"[...]"We believe that best practice today is to source palm oil from RSPO members (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). We endorse the RSPO as the primary sustainability standard for palm oil products."
        
        Open source document
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        "Our Commitment To encourage practices that support sustainable palm oil including the growing, processing and transportation processes that will stop deforestation while continuing to support the communities which rely on its production including the palm oil used in our products will: Not come from areas cleared of natural forest after November 2005Be derived from plantations and farms operation in compliance with local legislation Not come from forests with endangered species Protect high conservation areas Support the free and informed consent of indigenous and local communities to activities on their land where the plantations are developed Protect peat land and forest areas of “high carbon” value Comply with RSPO principles and criteria"[...]"We believe that best practice today is to source palm oil from RSPO members (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). We endorse the RSPO as the primary sustainability standard for palm oil products."
        
        Open source document
      - Target date
        Current/achieved
        
        1/1
        
        Target date
        
        Current/achieved
        
        1/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: RSPO Certification
        
        "Our Commitment To encourage practices that support sustainable palm oil including the growing, processing and transportation processes that will stop deforestation while continuing to support the communities which rely on its production including the palm oil used in our products will: Not come from areas cleared of natural forest after November 2005Be derived from plantations and farms operation in compliance with local legislation Not come from forests with endangered species Protect high conservation areas Support the free and informed consent of indigenous and local communities to activities on their land where the plantations are developed Protect peat land and forest areas of “high carbon” value Comply with RSPO principles and criteria"[...]"We believe that best practice today is to source palm oil from RSPO members (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). We endorse the RSPO as the primary sustainability standard for palm oil products."
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        Interim target date
        
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
        
        "Our Commitment To encourage practices that support sustainable palm oil including the growing, processing and transportation processes that will stop deforestation while continuing to support the communities which rely on its production including the palm oil used in our products will: Not come from areas cleared of natural forest after November 2005Be derived from plantations and farms operation in compliance with local legislation Not come from forests with endangered species Protect high conservation areas Support the free and informed consent of indigenous and local communities to activities on their land where the plantations are developed Protect peat land and forest areas of “high carbon” value Comply with RSPO principles and criteria"[...]"We believe that best practice today is to source palm oil from RSPO members (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). We endorse the RSPO as the primary sustainability standard for palm oil products."
        
        Open source document
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    8/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces
      
      Details of commitment: Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      "All Vendors must operate workplaces that adhere to the following minimum standards and practices: No person shall be employed at an age younger than 15 ; There shall not be any use of forced labor ; Nondiscrimination: Employ individuals solely on the basis of their ability to perform the job ; Harassment or Abuse: Every employee shall be treated with dignity and respect ;Freedom of Association: Recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association."
      
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support
      
      How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: NA
      
      "Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design.Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Ensure that this policy is implemented in such a way that supports the inclusion of smallholders in their supply chains."
      
      Open source document
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      1/2
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      0.5/2
      
      Doctors Associates state that gender-based discrimination is a violation of their employment practices policy - "Repeated discrimination on the individual level, as evidenced by two or more findings of individual probable cause of race, religious, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation, or other discrimination by the EEOC or any similar state or federal agency, or any other evidence sufficient to substantiate such discrimination."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      "Our Commitment To encourage practices that support sustainable palm oil including the growing, processing and transportation processes that will stop deforestation while continuing to support the communities which rely on its production including the palm oil used in our products will: Support the free and informed consent of indigenous and local communities to activities on their land where the plantations are developed"
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    5/56
    - Reporting volumes against commitments
      No disclosure
      
      0/3
    - Reporting is independently verified
      No
      
      0/2
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      No
      
      0/3
    - Deforestation cut off date
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      Deforestation cut off date
      
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      What cut-off date is specified?: 2005
      
      "To encourage practices that support sustainable palm oil including the growing, processing and transportation processes that will stop deforestation while continuing to support the communities which rely on its production including the palm oil used in our products will:Not come from areas cleared of natural forest after November 2005"
      
      Open source document
    - Collaborative actions
      No
      
      0/2
    - Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
      No
      
      0/2
    - Risk assessments for forest risk
      No
      
      0/2
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      No
      
      0/2
    - Accessible grievance mechanism
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Accessible grievance mechanism
      
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
      
      What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism
      
      "At Subway, our Report It hotline provides Corporate employees, as well as customers, Franchisee staff and Sandwich ArtistsTM, business partners, and others with a means to report potential violations of the Subway Business Code of Conduct, our policies, or applicable law. This hotline is an important part of our culture of ethics and compliance at Subway.Subway is committed to protecting the rights of those individuals who report issues. We prohibit retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports a suspected violation of the law or the Code of Conduct. Any instance of retaliation against an employee for reporting a concern in good faith is itself a serious violation of our Code of Conduct, and should be reported. Any employee found to have engaged in such retaliation will be subject to appropriate discipline.If you wish to report questionable behavior or a possible violation, please contact us through any of the following methods:Email: Send an email to the General Legal, Compliance, and Privacy Office at: reportit@subway.com with the subject heading of REPORT IT – Subway Code of ConductMail: Send a letter to the General Legal, Compliance and Privacy Office at Franchise World Headquarters, LLC, 325 Sub Way, Milford, CT 06461 with the attention line of REPORT IT – Subway Code of ConductWe will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible and will not tolerate any retribution or retaliation taken against any individual who has, in good faith, sought out advice or reported questionable behavior or a possible violation of this Code of Conduct."
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      No reporting
      
      0/3
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      No
      
      0/5
    - Compliance of company-owned operations
      No
      
      0/5
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
      
      1/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
      
      1/2
      
      Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: No
      
      What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: NA
      
      What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Not specified
      
      Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No
      
      Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
      
      "While we believe we have made good progress in affecting responsible palm oil sourcing within our supply chain, we will continue to work with our approved suppliers to improve the sustainability of the palm oil used in our products."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
      
      Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
      
      Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: No
- Pulp & Paper
  
  12/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    5/17
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      5/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Sustainability commitment/other
        
        1/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Sustainability commitment/other
        
        1/6
        
        Type of sustainability commitment: Reduce the volume of virgin wood fibre used in paper and packaging products through usage of recycled content; Reduction of material inputs
        
        What paper/pulp product does their commitment apply to?: Paper products; Pulp; Packaging
        
        When was this commitment set?: NA
        
        If other certification, specify: NA
        
        "Deforestation...Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."[...]"Subway aspires to reduce our packaging footprint and influence the global packaging industry through the following principles: • Subway will eliminate unnecessary packaging wherever possible. • Subway will look for ways to increase the recycled content of our packaging materials and look for opportunities to sustainably source renewable raw materials where recycled content is not possible. • Subway will design our packaging to fit within the circular economy wherever feasible, designing packaging to be reusable, recyclable, industrially compostable, or fully biodegradable."
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
      - Target date
        Current/achieved
        
        1/1
        
        Target date
        
        Current/achieved
        
        1/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: NA
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        Interim target date
        
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    6/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: NA
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces
      
      Details of commitment: Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      "All Vendors must operate workplaces that adhere to the following minimum standards and practices: No person shall be employed at an age younger than 15 ; There shall not be any use of forced labor ; Nondiscrimination: Employ individuals solely on the basis of their ability to perform the job ; Harassment or Abuse: Every employee shall be treated with dignity and respect ;Freedom of Association: Recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association."
      
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: NA
      
      What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support
      
      "Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Ensure that this policy is implemented in such a way that supports the inclusion of smallholders in their supply chains."
      
      Open source document
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      1/2
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      0.5/2
      
      Doctors Associates state that gender-based discrimination is a violation of their employment practices policy - "Repeated discrimination on the individual level, as evidenced by two or more findings of individual probable cause of race, religious, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation, or other discrimination by the EEOC or any similar state or federal agency, or any other evidence sufficient to substantiate such discrimination."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      No
      
      0/3
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    2/56
    - Reporting volumes against commitments
      No disclosure
      
      0/3
    - Reporting is independently verified
      No
      
      0/2
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      No
      
      0/3
    - Deforestation cut off date
      No
      
      0/2
    - Collaborative actions
      No
      
      0/2
    - Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
      No
      
      0/2
    - Risk assessments for forest risk
      No
      
      0/2
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      No
      
      0/2
    - Accessible grievance mechanism
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Accessible grievance mechanism
      
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
      
      What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism
      
      "At Subway, our Report It hotline provides Corporate employees, as well as customers, Franchisee staff and Sandwich ArtistsTM, business partners, and others with a means to report potential violations of the Subway Business Code of Conduct, our policies, or applicable law. This hotline is an important part of our culture of ethics and compliance at Subway.Subway is committed to protecting the rights of those individuals who report issues. We prohibit retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports a suspected violation of the law or the Code of Conduct. Any instance of retaliation against an employee for reporting a concern in good faith is itself a serious violation of our Code of Conduct, and should be reported. Any employee found to have engaged in such retaliation will be subject to appropriate discipline.If you wish to report questionable behavior or a possible violation, please contact us through any of the following methods:Email: Send an email to the General Legal, Compliance, and Privacy Office at: reportit@subway.com with the subject heading of REPORT IT – Subway Code of ConductMail: Send a letter to the General Legal, Compliance and Privacy Office at Franchise World Headquarters, LLC, 325 Sub Way, Milford, CT 06461 with the attention line of REPORT IT – Subway Code of ConductWe will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible and will not tolerate any retribution or retaliation taken against any individual who has, in good faith, sought out advice or reported questionable behavior or a possible violation of this Code of Conduct."
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      No reporting
      
      0/3
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      No
      
      0/5
    - Compliance of company-owned operations
      No
      
      0/5
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      No engagement or exclusion
      
      0/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      No engagement or exclusion
      
      0/2
      
      Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: No
      
      Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
      
      Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
- Soy
  
  12/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    5/17
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      5/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Sustainability commitment/other
        
        1/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Sustainability commitment/other
        
        1/6
        
        When was this commitment set?: na
        
        Does the company commitment also explicitly apply to hidden/indirect soy?: No
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        
        Yes
        
        2/2
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
      - Target date
        Current/achieved
        
        1/1
        
        Target date
        
        Current/achieved
        
        1/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: NA
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        Interim target date
        
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
        
        "Deforestation Subway understands our ingredients and packaging depend upon a safe, high-quality, affordable supply of raw materials to support the expectations of our customers, Franchisees and other stakeholders. Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Use sustainable forest management practices in forests they own, lease, or manage to provide fiber, paper, timber, and other forest-based products. Leverage principles and implement sustainable agriculture practices that enable farmers to increase production on currently farmed land and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Preserve biodiversity and cultural values and optimize the social, environmental, and economic benefits of managed forests."
        
        Open source document
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    6/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: NA
      
      Details of commitment: Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      "All Vendors must operate workplaces that adhere to the following minimum standards and practices: No person shall be employed at an age younger than 15 ; There shall not be any use of forced labor ; Nondiscrimination: Employ individuals solely on the basis of their ability to perform the job ; Harassment or Abuse: Every employee shall be treated with dignity and respect ;Freedom of Association: Recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association."
      
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support
      
      How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: NA
      
      "Agriculture is a critical element of our value chain and it is linked to the health of the world’s forest system. Subway’s influence on forests is mainly through the sourcing of agricultural materials (palm oil, soy and beef value chains) and paper/wood-based products for disposable packaging and restaurant design. Subway aims to source from suppliers that strive to: Ensure that this policy is implemented in such a way that supports the inclusion of smallholders in their supply chains."
      
      Open source document
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      1/2
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      0.5/2
      
      Doctors Associates state that gender-based discrimination is a violation of their employment practices policy - "Repeated discrimination on the individual level, as evidenced by two or more findings of individual probable cause of race, religious, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation, or other discrimination by the EEOC or any similar state or federal agency, or any other evidence sufficient to substantiate such discrimination."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      No
      
      0/3
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    2/56
    - Reporting volumes against commitments
      No disclosure
      
      0/3
    - Reporting is independently verified
      No
      
      0/2
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      No
      
      0/3
    - Deforestation cut off date
      No
      
      0/2
    - Collaborative actions
      No
      
      0/2
    - Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
      No
      
      0/2
    - Risk assessments for forest risk
      No
      
      0/2
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      No
      
      0/2
    - Accessible grievance mechanism
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Accessible grievance mechanism
      
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
      
      What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism
      
      "At Subway, our Report It hotline provides Corporate employees, as well as customers, Franchisee staff and Sandwich ArtistsTM, business partners, and others with a means to report potential violations of the Subway Business Code of Conduct, our policies, or applicable law. This hotline is an important part of our culture of ethics and compliance at Subway.Subway is committed to protecting the rights of those individuals who report issues. We prohibit retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports a suspected violation of the law or the Code of Conduct. Any instance of retaliation against an employee for reporting a concern in good faith is itself a serious violation of our Code of Conduct, and should be reported. Any employee found to have engaged in such retaliation will be subject to appropriate discipline.If you wish to report questionable behavior or a possible violation, please contact us through any of the following methods:Email: Send an email to the General Legal, Compliance, and Privacy Office at: reportit@subway.com with the subject heading of REPORT IT – Subway Code of ConductMail: Send a letter to the General Legal, Compliance and Privacy Office at Franchise World Headquarters, LLC, 325 Sub Way, Milford, CT 06461 with the attention line of REPORT IT – Subway Code of ConductWe will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible and will not tolerate any retribution or retaliation taken against any individual who has, in good faith, sought out advice or reported questionable behavior or a possible violation of this Code of Conduct."
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      No reporting
      
      0/3
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      No
      
      0/5
    - Compliance of company-owned operations
      No
      
      0/5
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      No engagement or exclusion
      
      0/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      No engagement or exclusion
      
      0/2
      
      Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: No
      
      Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
      
      Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
Commitment strength

5/17

Avg. score
Implementation and Reporting

3/56

Avg. score
Associated Human Rights Abuses

6/17

Avg. score

Profile

Doctor’s Associates Inc. owns and operates the fast food sandwich chain Subway. Subway has more than 37,000 stores in over 100 countries around the world with the US and the UK as its largest markets. The company’s breads, fillings and snacks expose it to a number of forest risk commodities. It is among the top fast food restaurants in the world. Doctor's Associates Inc. is selected as a powerbroker for palm oil, soy, beef and paper packaging.

Sector

Industry sector

Food Retail, Paper Packaging

Segments

Retailer

United States

Company Type

Company type

Collective Commitments

Consumer Goods Forum member

New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Subway

How we assess the Forest 500

To ensure deforestation free supply chains, companies need to adopt and implement timebound and measurable policies for forest risk commodities.

All assessments use policies published on company websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Full corporate sector performance data Forest 500 assessment methodology

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Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.