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  • Overall approach
    4/10
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      0/4
      Overall commitment
      No overarching deforestation commitment
      0/4
      Do they have a commitment for other non-Forest 500 commodities, if so which?: Cocoa
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      1/1
      Signatory
      Yes
      1/1
      If Other Initiative, specify: RSPO, World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), The Earthworm Foundation, Cocoa & Forests Initiative

      Which initiatives?: UN Global Compact
      "Lindt & Sprüngli is a member of the UN Global Compact. As such, Lindt & Sprüngli reports yearly on the progress made regarding the principles of the UN Global Compact.""Lindt & Sprüngli is a member of RSPO and thereby contributes to the increase of sustainable palm oil. The Group reports yearly on the progress made.""Lindt & Sprüngli is a member of WCF since 2015, and regularly supports specific projects and initiatives of the organization. These projects are for example the Climate Smart Cocoa Initiative, the Covid-19 Response and the Cocoa & Forest Initiative." "In 2015, Lindt & Sprüngli started working with Earthworm Foundation as external assessment partner and became an official member in June 2016. At least once a year, Earthworm Foundation visits and evaluates each of the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Programs for cocoa beans. Progress is regularly communicated on the Earthworm Foundation Transparency Hub." "Lindt & Sprüngli is a signatory of the Cocoa & Forests Initiative and has published multi-year targets for its sustainable sourcing programs in Ghana & Côte d’Ivoire, including for example the target to plant 2.7 million shade trees until 2022. As active member of the CFI, Lindt & Sprüngli reports on progress on an annual basis"
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Awareness
      Yes
      1/1
      "Tropical biodiverse forests provide critical ecosystem support for neighbouring agricultural production: they absorb carbon dioxide — helping to stabilize the climate — and regulate the water cycle by contributing to local rainfall. They also protect farmers against floods, drought, and soil erosion which greatly reduce the productivity of cocoa farms. Despite increased awareness of deforestation and multi-stakeholder action to address it, global deforestation rates remain at record highs."
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      1/1
      Business risk
      Yes
      1/1
      What poportion of a company’s annual revenue depends on each forest risk commodity?: NA

      What revenue comes from industries relevant to each forest risk commodity?: NA

      What type of risk is recognised?: Operational; Reputational
      "Agroforestry – the deliberate inclusion of shade trees in cropping systems – can increase the sustainability of cocoa production by supporting high levels of biodiversity, buffering cocoa from climate changes, mitigating future climate change through carbon sequestration, and encouraging agricultural intensification without deforestation. Because of these advantages, and in response to supply-chain and reputational risks, chocolate producing companies are increasingly engaging in efforts to implement cocoa agroforestry in major producing countries."
    • High-level management of deforestion
      1/1
      High-level management
      Yes
      1/1
      Which commodities does it apply to?: Palm oil; Soy; Pulp & paper

      How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: As often as required and at least once a year
      "At Lindt & Sprüngli, all issues related to sustainability are dealt with by the highest level of management. Our Corporate Sustainability Committee consists of three members of the Board of Directors. It supports the Board of Directors in setting the strategic course for company activities, while promoting comprehensive sustainability management. The Committee is responsible for the development and adoption of all globally valid corporate policies in this area, as well as for compliance monitoring. It meets as often as required, but at least once a year
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
    • 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
      Reforestation disclosure
      Yes
      0/0
      How many hectares of reforestation or restoration are being or have been conducted or facilitated by the company?: 6,455 hectares
      "Establish and/or support Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programs for forest restoration and protection: 6,455 hectares"
    • Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
  • Commodity score
    24/90
    • Palm oil
      23/90
      • Commitment Strength
        6/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          6/9.5
          • Commitment details
            Credible certification scheme
            2/6
            Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
            Credible certification scheme
            2/6
            Which certification schemes are used?: RSPO

            When was this commitment set?: NA
            "Palm oil 100% of palm oil/palm kernel oil is sourced RSPO certified by 2015...Since 2015, Lindt&Sprüngli has sourced 100% of our palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions with RSPO certification and, for all our products produced in Europe, 100% under the “Segregated” traceability model. RSPO’s Segregated traceability level (> see traceability models, p. 19), means that certified palm oil is kept separate from conventional palm oil throughout the supply chain. Our US subsidiaries are an exception, where due to availability reasons, a mix of “Segregated” and “Mass Balance” palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions is used but kept separate in bookkeeping"
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Palm oil 100% of palm oil/palm kernel oil is sourced RSPO certified by 2015...Since 2015, Lindt&Sprüngli has sourced 100% of our palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions with RSPO certification and, for all our products produced in Europe, 100% under the “Segregated” traceability model. RSPO’s Segregated traceability level (> see traceability models, p. 19), means that certified palm oil is kept separate from conventional palm oil throughout the supply chain. Our US subsidiaries are an exception, where due to availability reasons, a mix of “Segregated” and “Mass Balance” palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions is used but kept separate in bookkeeping"
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: Obtain RSPO Certification
            "Palm oil 100% of palm oil/palm kernel oil is sourced RSPO certified by 2015...Since 2015, Lindt&Sprüngli has sourced 100% of our palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions with RSPO certification and, for all our products produced in Europe, 100% under the “Segregated” traceability model. RSPO’s Segregated traceability level (> see traceability models, p. 19), means that certified palm oil is kept separate from conventional palm oil throughout the supply chain. Our US subsidiaries are an exception, where due to availability reasons, a mix of “Segregated” and “Mass Balance” palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions is used but kept separate in bookkeeping"
          • 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
            "Palm oil 100% of palm oil/palm kernel oil is sourced RSPO certified by 2015...Since 2015, Lindt&Sprüngli has sourced 100% of our palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions with RSPO certification and, for all our products produced in Europe, 100% under the “Segregated” traceability model. RSPO’s Segregated traceability level (> see traceability models, p. 19), means that certified palm oil is kept separate from conventional palm oil throughout the supply chain. Our US subsidiaries are an exception, where due to availability reasons, a mix of “Segregated” and “Mass Balance” palm oil, palm kernel oil, and their fractions is used but kept separate in bookkeeping"
        • 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
        4/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Details of commitment: ILO; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          Other workers' rights commitments: Living wage; Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
          Our Suppliers shall respect the following standards, irrespective of the applied working arrangement, be it direct employment, labor contracting, subcontracting, homeworkers or any other form... Freely Chosen Employment: Suppliers shall not, under any circumstances, use forced, bonded or indentured labor or involuntary prison labor. Employment is voluntary... Child Labor Avoidance: Suppliers shall not, under any circumstances, use child labor as defined by ILO and United Nations Convention and/or national law, whichever is more stringent... Non-Discrimination: Suppliers shall strictly adhere to all applicable laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment... Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining: Suppliers shall respect the rights of employees to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively... The Code is informed by internationally recognized principles such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the UN Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the International Labour Organization’s fundamental conventions."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • 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
          "Our Suppliers shall respect the following standards, irrespective of the applied working arrangement, be it direct employment, labor contracting, subcontracting, homeworkers or any other form - Non-Discrimination: Suppliers shall strictly adhere to all applicable laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment on the grounds of gender, age, religion, political opinion, union affiliation, health condition, national or social origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity or color or other basis prohibited by law."
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/3
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          No
          0/3
      • Implementation and Reporting
        14/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          2/2
          Reporting is independently verified
          No
          2/2
          For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: 100%

          What methods are used for verification?: RSPO

          Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: RSPO

          Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: RSPO

          What percent of the company's supply volume is verified using company verification systems?: 0%

          Is the performance of compliance of some suppliers, sources, or origins not verified, and if so why not?: NA
          In their 2021 Sustainability Report Lindt & Sprungli report a total of 9,091 tons of palm oil 100% of which is RSPO Certified
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          "Suppliers shall comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and industry standards. Suppliers shall implement policies and procedures to identify, prevent and minimize relevant negative environmental impacts. This includes information and training of relevant employees. Further, Suppliers shall comply with any additional environmental requirements specific to the products or services being provided to Lindt&Sprüngli as called for in design and product specifications and contract documents."
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What initiatives does the company participate in?: RSPO

          What is the nature of that participation?: Attending & contributing to meetings
          "Lindt & Sprüngli is a member of RSPO and thereby contributes to the increase of sustainable palm oil. The Group reports yearly on the progress made."
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          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
          "Compliance with laws and regulations Suppliers shall comply with all applicable domestic and international laws and regulations, industry standards, and all other relevant statutory requirements whichever requirements impose the highest standards of conduct...Assessments and potential impacts on business relationship to Lindt&Sprüngli Suppliers shall conduct regular internal assessments to assure their compliance with the Code. Lindt&Sprüngli reserves the right to conduct (or have its designee conduct) unannounced inspections of Suppliers and their facilities to verify compliance with the Code. Suppliers shall inform Lindt&Sprüngli if any agreements with other partners stand in contradiction to this requirement, in which case Lindt&Sprüngli will ensure the inspection is carried out by a third party, respecting concerned agreements. In addition to any other contractual rights of Lindt&Sprüngli, Suppliers’ failure to adhere to the Code may result in Lindt&Sprüngli ceasing to do business with offending Suppliers."
        • 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
          "In 2021, we updated the Code to indicate that suppliers shall conduct regular internal assessments to assure their compliance with the Code; agree to participate in any sustainability assessments conducted by or on behalf of Lindt&Sprüngli; and, be willing to submit to unannounced inspections of their facilities to verify compliance. Equally important, we have integrated the Lindt & Sprüngli ▶Speak Up Line into the Code, which encourages suppliers to confidentially report any concerns they may have about unlawful activities at our sites or violations of the Code, without fear of retaliation"
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Total volume: 6944.0 tons

          What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA

          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: 0 tons

          What product types/sectors is this in?: Food

          Reporting certified/compliant volume: 6944.0 tons
          In their 2020 RSPO ACOP Report, Lindt report their total volume and certified volume of palm oil to be 6944 tons.
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          No
          0/5
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          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
          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
      29/90
      • Commitment Strength
        11/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          4/9.5
          • Commitment details
            Sustainability commitment/other
            1/6
            Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
            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

            If other certification, specify: NA

            When was this commitment set?: 2021

            What paper/pulp product does their commitment apply to?: Packaging
            "In 2021, we updated the Responsible Sourcing Roadmap 2025 to include seven additional priority materials we want to source responsibly by 2025. The Roadmap will therefore include, [...] pulp-&paper-based packaging materials, soy lecithin, sugar, and vanilla.[...] Our five Sustainable Packaging Commitments to support the circular economy By 2025, we will: Source 100% of our pulp and paper-based packaging from a certified sustainable supply chain. Make at least 50% of all our packaging from recycled 1. materials. Continuously and proactively challenge our entire packaging portfolio and strive to reduce packaging materials used. Make 100% of our packaging recyclable or reusable"
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "In 2021, we updated the Responsible Sourcing Roadmap 2025 to include seven additional priority materials we want to source responsibly by 2025. The Roadmap will therefore include, [...] pulp-&paper-based packaging materials, soy lecithin, sugar, and vanilla.[...] Our five Sustainable Packaging Commitments to support the circular economy By 2025, we will: Source 100% of our pulp and paper-based packaging from a certified sustainable supply chain. Make at least 50% of all our packaging from recycled 1. materials. Continuously and proactively challenge our entire packaging portfolio and strive to reduce packaging materials used. Make 100% of our packaging recyclable or reusable"
          • Target date
            2025
            0.8/1
            Target date
            2025
            0.8/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: "By 2025, we will: Source 100% of our pulp and paper-based packaging from a certified sustainable supply chain. Make at least 50% of all our packaging from recycled 1. materials. Continuously and proactively challenge our entire packaging portfolio and strive to reduce packaging materials used. Make 100% of our packaging recyclable or reusable"
            "In 2021, we updated the Responsible Sourcing Roadmap 2025 to include seven additional priority materials we want to source responsibly by 2025. The Roadmap will therefore include, [...] pulp-&paper-based packaging materials, soy lecithin, sugar, and vanilla.[...] Our five Sustainable Packaging Commitments to support the circular economy By 2025, we will: Source 100% of our pulp and paper-based packaging from a certified sustainable supply chain. Make at least 50% of all our packaging from recycled 1. materials. Continuously and proactively challenge our entire packaging portfolio and strive to reduce packaging materials used. Make 100% of our packaging recyclable or reusable"
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          8/7.5
          • Commitment details
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            When was this commitment set?: 2020
            "Supply chain traceability Traceability is a key factor for ensuring the transparent and sustainable procurement of our raw and packaging materials. We source our materials through a set of approaches with different levels of supply chain traceability: — Identity preserved: Unique identification of the material and traceability back to its origin, e.g., a specific farm or mill. — Segregation: Separation of materials with sustainability characteristics from conventional materials throughout the supply chain. — Mass balance: Materials with and without sustainability characteristics are separated in bookkeeping but can be physically mixed throughout the supply chain."
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Supply chain traceability Traceability is a key factor for ensuring the transparent and sustainable procurement of our raw and packaging materials. We source our materials through a set of approaches with different levels of supply chain traceability: — Identity preserved: Unique identification of the material and traceability back to its origin, e.g., a specific farm or mill. — Segregation: Separation of materials with sustainability characteristics from conventional materials throughout the supply chain. — Mass balance: Materials with and without sustainability characteristics are separated in bookkeeping but can be physically mixed throughout the supply chain."
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: Supplier compliance with EcoVardis
            "Supply chain traceability Traceability is a key factor for ensuring the transparent and sustainable procurement of our raw and packaging materials. We source our materials through a set of approaches with different levels of supply chain traceability: — Identity preserved: Unique identification of the material and traceability back to its origin, e.g., a specific farm or mill. — Segregation: Separation of materials with sustainability characteristics from conventional materials throughout the supply chain. — Mass balance: Materials with and without sustainability characteristics are separated in bookkeeping but can be physically mixed throughout the supply chain."
          • 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?: Current
            "Supply chain traceability Traceability is a key factor for ensuring the transparent and sustainable procurement of our raw and packaging materials. We source our materials through a set of approaches with different levels of supply chain traceability: — Identity preserved: Unique identification of the material and traceability back to its origin, e.g., a specific farm or mill. — Segregation: Separation of materials with sustainability characteristics from conventional materials throughout the supply chain. — Mass balance: Materials with and without sustainability characteristics are separated in bookkeeping but can be physically mixed throughout the supply chain."
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        4/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Other workers' rights commitments: Living wage; Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: tier 1

          Details of commitment: ILO; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
          "Our Suppliers shall respect the following standards, irrespective of the applied working arrangement, be it direct employment, labor contracting, subcontracting, homeworkers or any other form... Freely Chosen Employment: Suppliers shall not, under any circumstances, use forced, bonded or indentured labor or involuntary prison labor. Employment is voluntary... Child Labor Avoidance: Suppliers shall not, under any circumstances, use child labor as defined by ILO and United Nations Convention and/or national law, whichever is more stringent... Non-Discrimination: Suppliers shall strictly adhere to all applicable laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment... Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining: Suppliers shall respect the rights of employees to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively... The Code is informed by internationally recognized principles such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the UN Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the International Labour Organization’s fundamental conventions."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • 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
          "Our Suppliers shall respect the following standards, irrespective of the applied working arrangement, be it direct employment, labor contracting, subcontracting, homeworkers or any other form - Non-Discrimination: Suppliers shall strictly adhere to all applicable laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment on the grounds of gender, age, religion, political opinion, union affiliation, health condition, national or social origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity or color or other basis prohibited by law."
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/3
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          No
          0/3
      • Implementation and Reporting
        15/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          "Suppliers shall comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and industry standards. Suppliers shall implement policies and procedures to identify, prevent and minimize relevant negative environmental impacts. This includes information and training of relevant employees. Further, Suppliers shall comply with any additional environmental requirements specific to the products or services being provided to Lindt&Sprüngli as called for in design and product specifications and contract documents."
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What is the nature of that participation?: Attending & contributing to meetings; Providing support/ advice/ experience/ expertise

          What initiatives does the company participate in?: Sustainable Packaging Coalition, Global Packaging Council
          "Lindt&Sprüngli joins the Sustainable Packaging Coalition In August 2021, Lindt & Sprüngli became an official member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) to support progress and collaboration toward our commitments. Becoming a member gives us access to additional knowhow and information and the opportunity to participate in collaborative research projects intended to spur actionable improvements. Global Packaging Council The cross-functional Global Packaging Council is a team of internal experts including Lindt & Sprüngli’s International Heads of Procurement, Marketing, Quality, and Research and Development (R&D), as well as the leaders of our Packaging Development teams at six production subsidiaries (Ghirardelli and Lindt France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the US). The Council is tasked with recommending new packaging solutions and coordinating key measures to deliver results. The Council is supported by 10 technical working groups. As it can take years from R&D through to production testing and roll-out to consumers, we do not anticipate seeing tangible results in the first few years. Meanwhile, key performance indicators and commitments are being developed into local action plans, which are then summarized in Lindt & Sprüngli’s internal Packaging Sustainability Handbook."
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          How frequently are assessments conducted?: not specified

          For what percentage of material produced or sourced by the company has forest risk been assessed?: 0 not specified
          "We identify and prioritize raw and packaging materials with significant sustainability risks through our risk assessment and due diligence approach and develop specific action plans. We set clear and ambitious targets, which rely on verified sustainable supply chains and select traceable materials. We verify adherence to defined sustainability requirements either through our own programs, supplier-led programs or third-party standards...As of today, the majority (by volume and expenditure) of our raw and packaging materials is covered by an EcoVadis assessment, as we onboarded over 300 suppliers into the EcoVadis system. The assessed suppliers received an average score of 51.6 out of 100, surpassing the global average EcoVadis score of 42.8 across all participating companies. Having just initiated the process in 2020, we will also work on better understanding the tool and defining a structured process on how to use it when engaging with our suppliers."
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Suppliers shall comply with all applicable domestic and international laws and regulations, industry standards, and all other relevant statutory requirements whichever requirements impose the highest standards of conduct..."Lindt&Sprüngli reserves the right to conduct (or have its designee conduct) unannounced inspections of Suppliers and their facilities to verify compliance with the Code. Suppliers shall inform Lindt&Sprüngli if any agreements with other partners stand in contradiction to this requirement, in which case Lindt&Sprüngli will ensure the inspection is carried out by a third party, respecting concerned agreements. In addition to any other contractual rights of Lindt&Sprüngli, Suppliers’ failure to adhere to the Code may result in Lindt&Sprüngli ceasing to do business with offending Suppliers."
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism

          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
          "In 2021, we updated the Code to indicate that suppliers shall conduct regular internal assessments to assure their compliance with the Code; agree to participate in any sustainability assessments conducted by or on behalf of Lindt&Sprüngli; and, be willing to submit to unannounced inspections of their facilities to verify compliance. Equally important, we have integrated the Lindt & Sprüngli ▶Speak Up Line into the Code, which encourages suppliers to confidentially report any concerns they may have about unlawful activities at our sites or violations of the Code, without fear of retaliation"
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: NA

          What product types/sectors is this in?: pulp and paper based packaging

          Reporting certified/compliant volume: NA

          What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA

          Total volume: 93,279 tonnes
          In their 2021 sustainability report Lindt & Sprungli AG state that their total volume of pulp and paper based packaging is 93,279 tonnes
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          3/5
          Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          2.5/5
          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: NA

          What percentage/number of new interests, developments, or expansions has the company used FPIC to secure consent of indigenous peoples/local communities?: NA

          What steps has the company taken to implement their labour rights commitment?: NA
          "Lindt&Sprüngli reserves the right to conduct (or have its designee conduct) unannounced inspections of Suppliers and their facilities to verify compliance with the Code. Suppliers shall inform Lindt&Sprüngli if any agreements with other partners stand in contradiction to this requirement, in which case Lindt&Sprüngli will ensure the inspection is carried out by a third party, respecting concerned agreements. In addition to any other contractual rights of Lindt&Sprüngli, Suppliers’ failure to adhere to the Code may result in Lindt&Sprüngli ceasing to do business with offending Suppliers."
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          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 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

          Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: No
        • 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
    • Soy
      20/90
      • Commitment Strength
        3/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          3/9.5
          • Commitment details
            Sustainability commitment/other
            1/6
            Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
            Sustainability commitment/other
            1/6
            When was this commitment set?: NA

            Does the company commitment also explicitly apply to hidden/indirect soy?: No

            If other certification, specify: Proterra
            Commitment:"100% of soy lecithin (excl. Russell Stover) is sourced ProTerra certified by 2018"
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            If no, what is excluded?: Subsidiary

            What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: Russell Stover

            What percentage of commodity production/sourcing is excluded?: 1%

            What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: NA

            What is the rationale for any exclusions?: "The Sustainability Plan and targets apply group wide unless otherwise stated, including certain exclusions of Russell Stover, which was acquired in 2014."
            Commitment:"100% of soy lecithin (excl. Russell Stover) is sourced ProTerra certified by 2018 [...] In 2021, 99% of the soy lecithin used in producing our chocolate mass was certified with the ProTerra standards, 100% excluding Russell Stover chocolates."
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: ProTerra certification
            Commitment:"100% of soy lecithin (excl. Russell Stover) is sourced ProTerra certified by 2018 [...] In 2021, 99% of the soy lecithin used in producing our chocolate mass was certified with the ProTerra standards, 100% excluding Russell Stover chocolates."
          • 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
            Commitment:"100% of soy lecithin (excl. Russell Stover) is sourced ProTerra certified by 2018 [...] In 2021, 99% of the soy lecithin used in producing our chocolate mass was certified with the ProTerra standards, 100% excluding Russell Stover chocolates."
        • 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
        4/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Details of commitment: ILO; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1

          Other workers' rights commitments: Living wage; Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures
          "Our Suppliers shall respect the following standards, irrespective of the applied working arrangement, be it direct employment, labor contracting, subcontracting, homeworkers or any other form... Freely Chosen Employment: Suppliers shall not, under any circumstances, use forced, bonded or indentured labor or involuntary prison labor. Employment is voluntary... Child Labor Avoidance: Suppliers shall not, under any circumstances, use child labor as defined by ILO and United Nations Convention and/or national law, whichever is more stringent... Non-Discrimination: Suppliers shall strictly adhere to all applicable laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment... Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining: Suppliers shall respect the rights of employees to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively... The Code is informed by internationally recognized principles such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the UN Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the International Labour Organization’s fundamental conventions."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • 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
          "Our Suppliers shall respect the following standards, irrespective of the applied working arrangement, be it direct employment, labor contracting, subcontracting, homeworkers or any other form - Non-Discrimination: Suppliers shall strictly adhere to all applicable laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment on the grounds of gender, age, religion, political opinion, union affiliation, health condition, national or social origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity or color or other basis prohibited by law."
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/3
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          No
          0/3
      • Implementation and Reporting
        14/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
          2/2
          Reporting is independently verified
          Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
          2/2
          Is the performance of compliance of some suppliers, sources, or origins not verified, and if so why not?: Russell Stover chocolates - ""The Sustainability Plan and targets apply group wide unless otherwise stated, including certain exclusions of Russell Stover, which was acquired in 2014."

          What methods are used for verification?: ProTerra

          Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: ProTerra

          For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: 99%

          Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: ProTerra

          What percent of the company's supply volume is verified using company verification systems?: NA
          Commitment:"100% of soy lecithin (excl. Russell Stover) is sourced ProTerra certified by 2018 [...] In 2021, 99% of the soy lecithin used in producing our chocolate mass was certified with the ProTerra standards, 100% excluding Russell Stover chocolates." In their 2021 sustainability report they state that 99% of 1,077 tonnes is ProTerra certified
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          "Suppliers shall comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and industry standards. Suppliers shall implement policies and procedures to identify, prevent and minimize relevant negative environmental impacts. This includes information and training of relevant employees. Further, Suppliers shall comply with any additional environmental requirements specific to the products or services being provided to Lindt&Sprüngli as called for in design and product specifications and contract documents."
        • 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
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Compliance with laws and regulations Suppliers shall comply with all applicable domestic and international laws and regulations, industry standards, and all other relevant statutory requirements whichever requirements impose the highest standards of conduct...Assessments and potential impacts on business relationship to Lindt&Sprüngli Suppliers shall conduct regular internal assessments to assure their compliance with the Code. Lindt&Sprüngli reserves the right to conduct (or have its designee conduct) unannounced inspections of Suppliers and their facilities to verify compliance with the Code. Suppliers shall inform Lindt&Sprüngli if any agreements with other partners stand in contradiction to this requirement, in which case Lindt&Sprüngli will ensure the inspection is carried out by a third party, respecting concerned agreements. In addition to any other contractual rights of Lindt&Sprüngli, Suppliers’ failure to adhere to the Code may result in Lindt&Sprüngli ceasing to do business with offending Suppliers."
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism

          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
          "In 2021, we updated the Code to indicate that suppliers shall conduct regular internal assessments to assure their compliance with the Code; agree to participate in any sustainability assessments conducted by or on behalf of Lindt&Sprüngli; and, be willing to submit to unannounced inspections of their facilities to verify compliance. Equally important, we have integrated the Lindt & Sprüngli ▶Speak Up Line into the Code, which encourages suppliers to confidentially report any concerns they may have about unlawful activities at our sites or violations of the Code, without fear of retaliation"
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Total volume: 1,077 tonnes

          Reporting certified/compliant volume: 99%

          What product types/sectors is this in?: Soy lecithin in chocolate

          What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA

          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: 1%
          In their 2021 sustainability report Lindt & Sprungli AG state that the volume of Soy lecithin sourced in 2021 was 1,077 tonnes of which 99% is ProTerra certified
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          3/5
          Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          2.5/5
          What steps has the company taken to implement their labour rights commitment?: NA

          What percentage/number of new interests, developments, or expansions has the company used FPIC to secure consent of indigenous peoples/local communities?: NA

          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: NA
          "Lindt&Sprüngli reserves the right to conduct (or have its designee conduct) unannounced inspections of Suppliers and their facilities to verify compliance with the Code. Suppliers shall inform Lindt&Sprüngli if any agreements with other partners stand in contradiction to this requirement, in which case Lindt&Sprüngli will ensure the inspection is carried out by a third party, respecting concerned agreements. In addition to any other contractual rights of Lindt&Sprüngli, Suppliers’ failure to adhere to the Code may result in Lindt&Sprüngli ceasing to do business with offending Suppliers."
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          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
    6/17
    Avg. score
  • Implementation and Reporting
    14/56
    Avg. score
  • Associated Human Rights Abuses
    4/17
    Avg. score

Profile

Lindt & Sprungli is a Swiss chocolatier that markets products in over 120 countries worldwide. Its key brand is Lindt, but it also sells under subsidiaries including Ghirardelli, Russel Stover and Whitman’s. Lindt & Sprungli is exposed to the forest risk commodities palm oil and soy, which are used in many of its chocolate products soy is also hidden in its supply chain of dairy ingredients as a key component of animal feed. Lindt & Sprungli AG is selected as a powerbroker for palm oil, soy and paper packaging.

Sector
Industry sector 
Packaged Foods & Meats, Paper Packaging
Segments
Manufacturer
HQ
HQ 
Switzerland
Company Type
Company type 
CO
Collective Commitments
Consumer Goods Forum member
New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Lindt, Russell Stover, Whitman's, Pangburn's, Caffarel, HofBauer, Kufferle

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.

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.