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  • Overall approach
    4/16
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      0/6
      Deforestation commitment
      Commodity-specific commitment
      0/6
      Commodities (if applicable): Palm oil
      "The Hershey Company is now working closely with its suppliers and industry experts as it strives to ensure its palm oil supply comes from fully traceable and responsible sources. In addition to adhering to the RSPO standards, our suppliers will be required to provide palm oil that is sourced from a supply chain that also adheres to the following requirements: 1. Does not contribute to deforestation, including protection and conservation of High Conservation Values2 and High Carbon Stock forests3 ."
      Open source document
      Open source document
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      1/1
      Signatory
      Yes
      1/1
      Which initiatives?: UN Global Compact
      Hershey is member of the UN Global Compact
      Open source document
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Awareness
      Yes
      1/1
      "DeforestationForests are critical parts of our natural ecosystem, serving as important reservoirs of greenhouse gases that would otherwise contribute to climate change. Forests also provide habitat for key plant and animal species, and contribute countless other ecosystem services such as preventing soil erosion that play a big role in our daily lives and global economy."
      Open source document
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      1/1
      Business risk
      Yes
      1/1
      Does the company recognise the risk as financial, operational, competition, reputational, or other? Please detail.: Operational
      "Climate change, water scarcity, natural resource depletion and biodiversity degradation pose an increasing threat to our planet, to communities and to individuals around the world. They also threaten the sustainability of our business. These issues often disproportionately impact the most vulnerable who lack resilience and resources to adapt to changing environments. A strong and healthy planet is critical for the ingredients and commodities we rely on to make our products. It is also necessary for maintaining thriving communities where we live and work whether they are farmers who grow the ingredients for our products, our employees who make them, or consumers who are delighted by our delicious treats and snacks."
      Open source document
    • High-level management of deforestion
      1/1
      High-level management
      Yes
      1/1
      Which commodities does it apply to?: Palm oil; Pulp & Paper

      How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: Annually
      "Our sustainability governance model includes a multi-level operating structure to ensure we are aligned on the most important issues facing the company and equipped with the right resources to drive progress. Accountability for managing sustainability across the enterprise sits with the Vice President of Corporate Communications and Global Sustainability who reports to our Chief Supply Chain Officer. " [...] "Briefed at least once annually on our Shared Goodness Promise progress and apprised of the most important emerging sustainability trends, risks and opportunities."
      Open source document
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
    • Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
      0/3
    • Reporting on emissions from land-use change
      0/3
    • Disclosure of conservation activity
    • Disclosure of reforestation activity
      Yes
      0/0
      How many hectares of reforestation or restoration are being or have been conducted or facilitated by the company?: 6,081 ha
      "7 cocoa communities with active forest restoration and protection program covering 6,081 ha under Community Based Natural Resource Management."
      Open source document
  • Commodity score
    33/84
    • Palm oil
      56/84
      • Commitment Strength
        26/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          10/12
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8


            Which certification schemes are used?: RSPO
            "in 2013, we announced our commitment to sourcing 100% traceable and responsible palm oil to achieve visibility into the sources of palm oil products within our supply chain" [...] "By 2020, achieve 100% RSPO-certified mass balance palm oil and 100% traceability"
            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
            "in 2013, we announced our commitment to sourcing 100% traceable and responsible palm oil to achieve visibility into the sources of palm oil products within our supply chain" [...] "By 2020, achieve 100% RSPO-certified mass balance palm oil and 100% traceability"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            "in 2013, we announced our commitment to sourcing 100% traceable and responsible palm oil to achieve visibility into the sources of palm oil products within our supply chain" [...] "By 2020, achieve 100% RSPO-certified mass balance palm oil and 100% traceability"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            "in 2013, we announced our commitment to sourcing 100% traceable and responsible palm oil to achieve visibility into the sources of palm oil products within our supply chain" [...] "By 2020, achieve 100% RSPO-certified mass balance palm oil and 100% traceability"
            Open source document
            Open source document
        • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
          8/8
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            4/4
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            4/4
            Type of commitment: HCS; Peat
            "By 2020, achieve 100% RSPO-certified mass balance palm oil and 100% traceability" [...] "The Hershey Company is now working closely with its suppliers and industry experts as it strives to ensure its palm oil supply comes from fully traceable and responsible sources. In addition to adhering to the RSPO standards, our suppliers will be required to provide palm oil that is sourced from a supply chain that also adheres to the following requirements: 1. Does not contribute to deforestation, including protection and conservation of High Conservation Values2 and High Carbon Stock forests3 . 2. No new developments on peat4, regardless of the depth."
            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
            "By 2020, achieve 100% RSPO-certified mass balance palm oil and 100% traceability" [...] "The Hershey Company is now working closely with its suppliers and industry experts as it strives to ensure its palm oil supply comes from fully traceable and responsible sources. In addition to adhering to the RSPO standards, our suppliers will be required to provide palm oil that is sourced from a supply chain that also adheres to the following requirements: 1. Does not contribute to deforestation, including protection and conservation of High Conservation Values2 and High Carbon Stock forests3 . 2. No new developments on peat4, regardless of the depth."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            "By 2020, achieve 100% RSPO-certified mass balance palm oil and 100% traceability" [...] "The Hershey Company is now working closely with its suppliers and industry experts as it strives to ensure its palm oil supply comes from fully traceable and responsible sources. In addition to adhering to the RSPO standards, our suppliers will be required to provide palm oil that is sourced from a supply chain that also adheres to the following requirements: 1. Does not contribute to deforestation, including protection and conservation of High Conservation Values2 and High Carbon Stock forests3 . 2. No new developments on peat4, regardless of the depth."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            "By 2020, achieve 100% RSPO-certified mass balance palm oil and 100% traceability" [...] "The Hershey Company is now working closely with its suppliers and industry experts as it strives to ensure its palm oil supply comes from fully traceable and responsible sources. In addition to adhering to the RSPO standards, our suppliers will be required to provide palm oil that is sourced from a supply chain that also adheres to the following requirements: 1. Does not contribute to deforestation, including protection and conservation of High Conservation Values2 and High Carbon Stock forests3 . 2. No new developments on peat4, regardless of the depth."
            Open source document
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          8/8
          • Commitment details
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            "We work with the Earthworm Foundation (formerly The Forest Trust) to trace our palm oil and palm kernel oil supply chain to the mill and to the plantation level." "We remain deeply committed to pushing all stakeholders to accelerate traceability and bring full transparency to this supply chain. We remain fully committed to achieving supply chain traceability to the plantation level by the end of 2020." " For the full year of 2019, we maintained 99.8 percent palm oil and palm kernel oil to the mill." "During the second half of 2019, we increased our percentage of palm oil and palm kernel oil traceable to the plantation to 52.3 percent. We improved our plantation traceability by reallocating volume to suppliers more committed to traceability."
            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
            "We work with the Earthworm Foundation (formerly The Forest Trust) to trace our palm oil and palm kernel oil supply chain to the mill and to the plantation level." "We remain deeply committed to pushing all stakeholders to accelerate traceability and bring full transparency to this supply chain. We remain fully committed to achieving supply chain traceability to the plantation level by the end of 2020." " For the full year of 2019, we maintained 99.8 percent palm oil and palm kernel oil to the mill." "During the second half of 2019, we increased our percentage of palm oil and palm kernel oil traceable to the plantation to 52.3 percent. We improved our plantation traceability by reallocating volume to suppliers more committed to traceability."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            "We work with the Earthworm Foundation (formerly The Forest Trust) to trace our palm oil and palm kernel oil supply chain to the mill and to the plantation level." "We remain deeply committed to pushing all stakeholders to accelerate traceability and bring full transparency to this supply chain. We remain fully committed to achieving supply chain traceability to the plantation level by the end of 2020." " For the full year of 2019, we maintained 99.8 percent palm oil and palm kernel oil to the mill." "During the second half of 2019, we increased our percentage of palm oil and palm kernel oil traceable to the plantation to 52.3 percent. We improved our plantation traceability by reallocating volume to suppliers more committed to traceability."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            What date is given for the interim milestone(s)?: 2020
            "We work with the Earthworm Foundation (formerly The Forest Trust) to trace our palm oil and palm kernel oil supply chain to the mill and to the plantation level." "We remain deeply committed to pushing all stakeholders to accelerate traceability and bring full transparency to this supply chain. We remain fully committed to achieving supply chain traceability to the plantation level by the end of 2020." " For the full year of 2019, we maintained 99.8 percent palm oil and palm kernel oil to the mill." "During the second half of 2019, we increased our percentage of palm oil and palm kernel oil traceable to the plantation to 52.3 percent. We improved our plantation traceability by reallocating volume to suppliers more committed to traceability."
            Open source document
      • Social Considerations
        7/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "We require all Suppliers and business partners to comply with this Supplier Code. The Supplier Code is aligned with the International Bill of Human Rights, The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          "Hershey does not tolerate any form of discrimination in the workplace. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in the work environment. • Discrimination in the workplace that is based on the grounds of an individual’s race; color; gender;"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: Current
          "Hershey is committed to following the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples for property or land negotiations. • All forms of land grabbing are prohibited. Adherence to the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent of Indigenous Peoples is required in all negotiations for property or land, including the use of and transfers of it. • Land rights of individuals, indigenous people and local communities affected by sourcing practices, supply chains and operations are respected."
          Open source document
      • Reporting and Implementation
        23/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          6/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            "In 2019, we remained committed to purchasing 100 percent RSPO, mass balance palm oil. For all palm oil and palm kernel oil purchased in 2019, we maintained 99.8 percent traceability to the mill year over year and increased traceability to the plantation to 47.4 percent."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            2/2
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            In their 2019 RSPO ACOP, Hershey Company reported that all of their palm oil was certified.
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Yes
            2/2
            "We work with the Earthworm Foundation (formerly The Forest Trust) to trace our palm oil and palm kernel oil supply chain to the mill and to the plantation level." "We remain deeply committed to pushing all stakeholders to accelerate traceability and bring full transparency to this supply chain. We remain fully committed to achieving supply chain traceability to the plantation level by the end of 2020." " For the full year of 2019, we maintained 99.8 percent palm oil and palm kernel oil to the mill." "During the second half of 2019, we increased our percentage of palm oil and palm kernel oil traceable to the plantation to 52.3 percent. We improved our plantation traceability by reallocating volume to suppliers more committed to traceability."
            Open source document
        • Reporting is independently verified
          3/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Company reports annually in their sustainability report as well as within their latest ACOP report - "In 2019, we remained committed to purchasing 100 percent RSPO, mass balance palm oil. For all palm oil and palm kernel oil purchased in 2019, we maintained 99.8 percent traceability to the mill year over year and increased traceability to the plantation to 47.4 percent."
            Open source document
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: RSPO Certification
            In their 2019 RSPO ACOP, Hershey Company reported that all of their palm oil was certified.
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What initiatives does the company participate in?: Partnering with Earthworm Foundation

          What is the nature of that participation?: Providing support/advice/experience/expertise; Providing financial support
          "Partnering with Earthworm Foundation to support our palm oil supply chain, including co-sponsoring the Areas for Priority Transformation project in Southern Aceh and Aceh Tamiang landscapes to support capacity building of palm producing communities around topics of labor exploitation, opportunities for supplementary livelihoods, and deforestation."
          Open source document
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Hershey is committed to reducing our environmental impact across our supply chain and to supporting sustainable operational and agricultural production practices [...] • Operations fully comply with all federal and local environmental laws and regulations [...] The Hershey Company reserves the right to verify compliance with this Supplier Code through internal and external assessment mechanisms, such as self-assessment questionnaires, announced and unannounced on-site independent third party audits, and worker well-being surveys. Such audits may inspect Suppliers’ facilities, operations, books and records, and supplier-provided housing, and may include confidential worker interviews. If non-compliances are observed, the supplier will be required to take corrective actions."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of the mechanism: Social; Environmental

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: Yes

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, focused on social issues, focused on environmental issues, etc.)?: Phone and website
          Hershey expects Suppliers to provide grievance mechanisms that are transparent, responsive, anonymous, unbiased and confidential to workers and other parties across the value chain. [...] The Hershey Company is notified if any concerns or violations are reported through the grievance mechanism that are in direct violation of this Supplier Code. Violations and concerns may also be reported directly to The Hershey Company’s Concern Line1, a third-party monitored, independent service available 24/7 in 10 languages via phone and internet to employees, business partners and other parties." [...] "Operated by an independent reporting service, you may contact the Concern Line anytime, via phone or Web, to speak up with questions or allegations of violations of our Code, our policies, our procedures or the law. You may submit a report confidentially."
          Open source document
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          Which certification schemes are used?: RSPO

          What is the certified volume?: 28,387.12 tonnes

          What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 28,387.12 tonnes
          As reported within the 2019 ACOP report - "Total 28,387.12 tonnes of palm oil, 100% Certified through mass balance and RSPO credits"
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers; Yes report indirect suppliers
          4/4
          Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers; Yes report indirect suppliers
          4/4
          "Additionally, this mill list contains the names of all palm oil mills collected from Hershey’s suppliers engaged during the reporting period via our traceability exercise. As a result, the list represents all mills connected to Hershey’s suppliers during the reporting period and likely includes mills whose product was not specifically sold to Hershey. This list of mills, therefore, goes beyond Hershey’s physical supply chain."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers production or primary processing operations in its supply chains
          4/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers production or primary processing operations in its supply chains
          4/4
          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Bi-Annually

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: 100%

          What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 100%

          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems
          "We expect all of our palm oil sourcing partners to be compliant to our Supplier Code of Conduct, uphold our Responsible Palm Oil Sourcing Policy and remain compliant to our No Deforestation, No Peatland Development, No Exploitation (NDPE) position. [...] Failure of our direct suppliers or other supply chain actors to uphold our commitments could lead to their removal or suspension from our supply chain in accordance with our sourcing policy. We have done this a number of times in the past and will do so as we uncover any linkage or ties to NDPE violators.[...] Through Hershey’s bi-annual mapping of our palm oil supply chain (please see the “Palm Oil Supply Chain Traceability” section for more details), we monitor and ensure these suspensions are effectively implemented."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers with a time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers with a time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/2
          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: "We continue to encourage our suppliers to remain engaged with these suspended parties to push for meaningful and decisive correction action plans and establishment of a timeline and progress report"

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: Yes

          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Not disclosed
          "Failure of our direct suppliers or other supply chain actors to uphold our commitments could lead to their removal or suspension from our supply chain in accordance with our sourcing policy. We have done this a number of times in the past and will do so as we uncover any linkage or ties to NDPE violators." "These suspensions will remain in place until we see acceptable, timebound corrective action plans with proven progress that leads to a resolution. We continue to encourage our suppliers to remain engaged with these suspended parties to push for meaningful and decisive correction action plans and establishment of a timeline and progress report."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          Yes (engaged)
          1/2
          Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          Yes (engaged)
          1/2
          Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: no
          Hersheys provides examples on it's main website as well as detailed grievance logs within updates published quarterly. "This log records grievances Hershey receives that are in direct violation of our Responsible Palm Oil Sourcing Policy and occur in our palm oil supply chain. The log will be updated on our website at the end of each quarter. The grievances listed are reported based on Hershey’s awareness at the time of publication."
          Open source document
          Open source document
    • Pulp & Paper
      30/84
      • Commitment Strength
        11/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          6/12
          • Commitment details
            Protects priority forests
            4/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Protects priority forests
            4/8
            "All the virgin fiber in the pulp and paper we source will meet the following criteria by 2017: • Are legal sources that are verified through a globally recognized, 3rd-party certified, due-diligence system* • Do not engage in deforestation of primary forest or areas of high conservation value • Do not develop in high carbon stock forest areas • Do not develop on peat lands, regardless of depth". "Looking ahead, in 2020, we plan to update our pulp and paper policy to include our global operations beyond the U.S. and Canada."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            "All the virgin fiber in the pulp and paper we source will meet the following criteria by 2017: • Are legal sources that are verified through a globally recognized, 3rd-party certified, due-diligence system* • Do not engage in deforestation of primary forest or areas of high conservation value • Do not develop in high carbon stock forest areas • Do not develop on peat lands, regardless of depth". "Looking ahead, in 2020, we plan to update our pulp and paper policy to include our global operations beyond the U.S. and Canada."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            "All the virgin fiber in the pulp and paper we source will meet the following criteria by 2017: • Are legal sources that are verified through a globally recognized, 3rd-party certified, due-diligence system* • Do not engage in deforestation of primary forest or areas of high conservation value • Do not develop in high carbon stock forest areas • Do not develop on peat lands, regardless of depth". "Looking ahead, in 2020, we plan to update our pulp and paper policy to include our global operations beyond the U.S. and Canada."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            "All the virgin fiber in the pulp and paper we source will meet the following criteria by 2017: • Are legal sources that are verified through a globally recognized, 3rd-party certified, due-diligence system* • Do not engage in deforestation of primary forest or areas of high conservation value • Do not develop in high carbon stock forest areas • Do not develop on peat lands, regardless of depth". "Looking ahead, in 2020, we plan to update our pulp and paper policy to include our global operations beyond the U.S. and Canada."
            Open source document
            Open source document
        • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
          5/8
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            4/4
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            4/4
            Type of commitment: Recycled content; Reduction of material inputs
            "We will continue to work to reduce the impact of our packaging footprint through packaging reduction projects and maintaining our commitment to use at least 80% recyclable materials (by weight) in our packaging. [...] All the virgin fiber in the pulp and paper we source will meet the following criteria by 2017 [...] To reduce our use of virgin fiber, we will maintain a preference for recycled fiber where feasible, taking into account quality and food safety requirements as well as product specifications, with special attention given to the increased use of Post-Consumer Recycled materials in our paper packaging materials." [...] "Looking ahead, in 2020, we plan to update our pulp and paper policy to include our global operations beyond the U.S. and Canada."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            "We will continue to work to reduce the impact of our packaging footprint through packaging reduction projects and maintaining our commitment to use at least 80% recyclable materials (by weight) in our packaging. [...] All the virgin fiber in the pulp and paper we source will meet the following criteria by 2017 [...] To reduce our use of virgin fiber, we will maintain a preference for recycled fiber where feasible, taking into account quality and food safety requirements as well as product specifications, with special attention given to the increased use of Post-Consumer Recycled materials in our paper packaging materials." [...] "Looking ahead, in 2020, we plan to update our pulp and paper policy to include our global operations beyond the U.S. and Canada."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/1.3
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            "We will continue to work to reduce the impact of our packaging footprint through packaging reduction projects and maintaining our commitment to use at least 80% recyclable materials (by weight) in our packaging. [...] All the virgin fiber in the pulp and paper we source will meet the following criteria by 2017 [...] To reduce our use of virgin fiber, we will maintain a preference for recycled fiber where feasible, taking into account quality and food safety requirements as well as product specifications, with special attention given to the increased use of Post-Consumer Recycled materials in our paper packaging materials." [...] "Looking ahead, in 2020, we plan to update our pulp and paper policy to include our global operations beyond the U.S. and Canada."
            Open source document
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/8
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/1.3
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.7
      • Social Considerations
        7/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "We require all Suppliers and business partners to comply with this Supplier Code. The Supplier Code is aligned with the International Bill of Human Rights, The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          "Hershey does not tolerate any form of discrimination in the workplace. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in the work environment. • Discrimination in the workplace that is based on the grounds of an individual’s race; color; gender;"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: Current
          "Hershey is committed to following the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples for property or land negotiations. • All forms of land grabbing are prohibited. Adherence to the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent of Indigenous Peoples is required in all negotiations for property or land, including the use of and transfers of it. • Land rights of individuals, indigenous people and local communities affected by sourcing practices, supply chains and operations are respected."
          Open source document
      • Reporting and Implementation
        12/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          4/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            Hershey reported in their 2019 report their that they had achieved their target of "By 2020, source 100% virgin fiber pulp and paper products in the U.S. and Canada from third party-certified suppliers (Forest Stewardship Council, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification or Sustainable Forestry Initiative)".
            Open source document
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            2/2
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            "Presently, 80 percent of our product packaging by weight is recyclable. We have also saved 23,612,000 pounds of packaging cumulatively since 2015, putting us at approximately 94 percent of our 2025 goal"
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2
        • Reporting is independently verified
          1/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Hershey reported in their 2019 report their that they had achieved their target of "By 2020, source 100% virgin fiber pulp and paper products in the U.S. and Canada from third party-certified suppliers (Forest Stewardship Council, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification or Sustainable Forestry Initiative)".
            Open source document
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            No
            0/1.3
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Hershey is committed to reducing our environmental impact across our supply chain and to supporting sustainable operational and agricultural production practices [...] • Operations fully comply with all federal and local environmental laws and regulations [...] The Hershey Company reserves the right to verify compliance with this Supplier Code through internal and external assessment mechanisms, such as self-assessment questionnaires, announced and unannounced on-site independent thirdparty audits, and worker well-being surveys. Such audits may inspect Suppliers’ facilities, operations, books and records, and supplier-provided housing, and may include confidential worker interviews. If non-compliances are observed, the supplier will be required to take corrective actions."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: yes

          Details of the mechanism: Social; Environmental

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, focused on social issues, focused on environmental issues, etc.)?: Phone and website
          Hershey expects Suppliers to provide grievance mechanisms that are transparent, responsive, anonymous, unbiased and confidential to workers and other parties across the value chain. [...] The Hershey Company is notified if any concerns or violations are reported through the grievance mechanism that are in direct violation of this Supplier Code. Violations and concerns may also be reported directly to The Hershey Company’s Concern Line1, a third-party monitored, independent service available 24/7 in 10 languages via phone and internet to employees, business partners and other parties." [...] "Operated by an independent reporting service, you may contact the Concern Line anytime, via phone or Web, to speak up with questions or allegations of violations of our Code, our policies, our procedures or the law. You may submit a report confidentially."
          Open source document
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/4
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers; Yes report indirect suppliers
          4/4
          Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers; Yes report indirect suppliers
          4/4
          From what country(ies) does the company source material?: USA, Canada, China, Mexico
          "During the period of November 2018 to October 2019, The Hershey Company sourced pulp and paper materials from 26 suppliers serving our routine U.S. and Canada business operations. " "The following list of mill groups was self-reported by Hershey’s direct U.S. and Canada pulp and paper suppliers. All mills and locations included are tied to Hershey’s business during the period of November 2018 to October 2019."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Soy
      13/84
      • Commitment Strength
        0/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          0/17
          • Commitment details
            No commitment
            0/10.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            No commitment
            0/10.7
            (For downstream soy companies only) Does the company commitment also apply to hidden/indirect soy?: No
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/3
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/2
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/1
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/11
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/3
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/2
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/1
      • Social Considerations
        7/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "We require all Suppliers and business partners to comply with this Supplier Code. The Supplier Code is aligned with the International Bill of Human Rights, The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Discrimination/Gender Rights/Harassment
          1/4
          "Hershey does not tolerate any form of discrimination in the workplace. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in the work environment. • Discrimination in the workplace that is based on the grounds of an individual’s race; color; gender;"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: Current
          "Hershey is committed to following the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples for property or land negotiations. • All forms of land grabbing are prohibited. Adherence to the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent of Indigenous Peoples is required in all negotiations for property or land, including the use of and transfers of it. • Land rights of individuals, indigenous people and local communities affected by sourcing practices, supply chains and operations are respected."
          Open source document
      • Reporting and Implementation
        6/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          0/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/3
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/3
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/2
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Hershey is committed to reducing our environmental impact across our supply chain and to supporting sustainable operational and agricultural production practices [...] • Operations fully comply with all federal and local environmental laws and regulations [...] The Hershey Company reserves the right to verify compliance with this Supplier Code through internal and external assessment mechanisms, such as self-assessment questionnaires, announced and unannounced on-site independent thirdparty audits, and worker well-being surveys. Such audits may inspect Suppliers’ facilities, operations, books and records, and supplier-provided housing, and may include confidential worker interviews. If non-compliances are observed, the supplier will be required to take corrective actions."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, focused on social issues, focused on environmental issues, etc.)?: Phone and website

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: yes

          Details of the mechanism: Social; Environmental
          Hershey expects Suppliers to provide grievance mechanisms that are transparent, responsive, anonymous, unbiased and confidential to workers and other parties across the value chain. [...] The Hershey Company is notified if any concerns or violations are reported through the grievance mechanism that are in direct violation of this Supplier Code. Violations and concerns may also be reported directly to The Hershey Company’s Concern Line1, a third-party monitored, independent service available 24/7 in 10 languages via phone and internet to employees, business partners and other parties." [...] "Operated by an independent reporting service, you may contact the Concern Line anytime, via phone or Web, to speak up with questions or allegations of violations of our Code, our policies, our procedures or the law. You may submit a report confidentially."
          Open source document
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/4
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
  • Commitment strength
    12/28
    Avg. score
  • Reporting and Implementation
    14/38
    Avg. score
  • Social considerations
    7/18
    Avg. score

Profile

Hershey is an American chocolate manufacturer. Hershey has many well-known brands, including Kit Kat, Reese’s, ROLO, and Twizzlers. The company have operations in more than 70 countries, and is one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in North America. Hershey is exposed to palm oil and soy as ingredients and to soy hidden in the animal feed for dairy products. Hershey Co. is selected as a powerbroker for palm oil, soy and paper packaging.

Sector
Industry sector 
Packaged food
Segments
Manufacturer
HQ
HQ 
United States
Company Type
Company type 
Public listed
Collective Commitments
Consumer Goods Forum member
New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Hersheys, Reeses, KitKat, Rolo, Jolly rancher, Twizzlers, Icebreakers

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.