Schwarz Group

Overall approach

6/10
- Overarching commitment on deforestation
  
  3/4
  
  Overall commitment
  
  Zero deforestation/Deforestation-free commitment or, for timber, pulp & paper companies only, commitment to well implemented harvest and no deforestation of HCV & HCS areas
  
  3/4
  
  Do they have a commitment for other non-Forest 500 commodities, if so which?: cocoa
  
  "Supply chains free from deforestation - The retail divisions of the Schwarz Group, Lidl and Kaufland, are actively committed to deforestation-free supply chains. Lidl's and Kaufland's commitment has also been honored externally. In the WWF Deforestation Scorecard 2022, for example, Lidl scores as the best company.By the end of 2025, Lidl aims to have supply chains that are free of deforestation, conversion, and exploitation."
  
  Open source document
- Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
  
  1/1
  
  Signatory
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  "For this reason, the Schwarz Group joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) at the beginning of 2020"; "In 2018, Lidl became a signatory to the Cerrado Manifesto"
  
  Open source document
  Open source document
- Awareness of the value of forests
  
  1/1
  
  Awareness
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  [Translation] "Forests cover 31 percent of the global land area and are of enormous importance for life on earth, including 80 percent of all land animals and plants. Intact forests and natural ecosystems thus make a significant contribution to biodiversity and secure our basis for nutrition and health. Since trees store the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, they also play a decisive role in combating climate change."
  
  Open source document
- Deforestation as a business risk
  
  0/1
- High-level management of deforestion
  
  1/1
  
  High-level management
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  Which commodities does it apply to?: Palm oil; Soy; Beef; Timber; Pulp & paper
  
  How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: Not disclosed
  
  [Translation] "I am the CEO of Lidlin Germany – and with it comes the responsibility for the sustainability strategy – adopted in March 2022. [...] I would like our consistent commitment to human rights in global supply chainsas well as for forest protection and biodiversity we continue and develop continuously" [...] "Sustainability is embedded within the management as a strategic and opeartive core task of the company. Overall responsibility lies with the chairperson. The CSR/Sustainability Department, as a department of Corporate Communications, reports to them, carries out the strategic direction and coordinates sustainability activities and stakeholder managment. [...] The CSR Committee serves to promote interdisciplinary and international exchange. All Heads of CSR from the various companies of the Schwarz Group are represented on it. Together they define and continually develop group-wide guidance and frameworks."
  
  Open source document
- 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
- Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
  
  Reduce emissions
  
  Yes
  
  0/0
  
  What is the target date for the company to achieve their climate target?: 2030
  
  Is this target aligned with/verified by SBTi?: Yes
  
  Type of climate target: Other or unclear
  
  [translation] "The Schwarz Group will reduce its operational GHG (scope 1+2) until 2030 by 55% in comparison to 2019. Lidl and Kaufland have set themselves the objective to reduce their operational GHG (scope 1 and 2) in the same time period by 80%."
  
  Open source document
Commodity score

32/90
- Beef
  
  24/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    7/17
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      7/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        When was this commitment set?: 2021
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        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
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: This is for Lidl Deutschland and UK only (subsidiary)
        
        What percentage of commodity production/sourcing is excluded?: NA
        
        If no, what is excluded?: Subsidiary
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: This is for Lidl Deutschland and UK only (subsidiary)
        
        What is the rationale for any exclusions?: This is for Lidl Deutschland only (subsidiary)
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        Open source document
      - Target date
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        Target date
        
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: conversion free supply chain by 2025
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    6/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. [...] No Child labor [...] No forced labor [...] Freedom of association [...] No discrimination."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      No
      
      0/2
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      "As one of the largest food retailers with worldwide suppliersupplier relationships, we at Lidl bear a specialresponsibility. This includes actively supporting women in the growing regions andand production sites and to guarantee fair and equal working conditions.and equal working conditions. Especially at theof the value chain, we can have an enormouschain by acting responsibly, as this is where the greatest environmental andthe greatest environmental and social impacts.The topic of equal rights is therefore a focal pointof our human rights strategy in procurement - which we describe in detail in ourin our Human Rights Purchasing Policy. In itpolicy, we formulate the goal of improving the living and workingworking conditions of the people who work for us.For the topic of gender equality, this means in particular,women in our supply chains to have equal access to work and fairfair pay and to protect them from discrimination and violence."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      "Lidl orients itself along the accountability framework initiatives guidelines [...] FPIC for all indigenous groups who are affected by activities linked to our supply chains"
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    12/56
    - Reporting volumes against commitments
      No disclosure
      
      0/3
    - Reporting is independently verified
      No
      
      0/2
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      No
      
      0/3
    - Deforestation cut off date
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      Deforestation cut off date
      
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      What cut-off date is specified?: 2020
      
      "Our commitment to zero deforestation and zero conversion of high-value ecosystems, and our procurement policies, procedures and guidelines, are guided by an overarching cut-off date of 01.01.2020. This applies both for certified and non-certified raw materials. If an earlier cut-off date has been specified by the branch or by leading and internationally recognised certification standards, we will adhere to this."
      
      Open source document
    - Collaborative actions
      No
      
      0/2
    - Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
      No
      
      0/2
    - Risk assessments for forest risk
      No
      
      0/2
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Operations assessed to comply with law
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      "National and other relevant laws and regulations that apply in the respective countries of business activity, as well as the principles in this Code of Conduct, must be adhered to. [...] Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - 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
      
      Lidl has a publicly available online reporting system.
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      No reporting
      
      0/3
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      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
      
      Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      
      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?: audit
      
      [Translation] "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - Compliance of company-owned operations
      No
      
      0/5
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: na
      
      From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Greece, UK, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Sweden, Portugal, Lithuania, Finland, Serbia
      
      For what percent is no location data disclosed?: 0%
      
      What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: NA
      
      From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: na
      
      For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: 100%
      
      For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: 0%
      
      Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No
      
      What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: na
      
      "Lidl Germany is one of the first grocery retailers to publish a list of the main suppliers for its food and non-food own-brand range on its website."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
      
      1/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
      
      1/2
      
      What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: na
      
      What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with deforestation commitment
      
      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
      
      Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
      
      "We are striving to make our supply chains more sustainable through our purchasing policy. [...] In the event of non-compliance we expressly reserve the right to impose sanctions or blacklist."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
- Palm oil
  
  40/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    7/17
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      7/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        Which certification schemes are used?: RSPO
        
        When was this commitment set?: NA
        
        Does the company have a commitment to the protection of other specific named ecosystems?: HCS; Peat
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."; (HCS/Peat commitment) "Lidl is committed to the following AFi guidelines: Conservation and no deforestation of high conservation value (HCV) and high carbon stock (HCS) areas."
        
        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
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: Lidle Deutschland only
        
        What is the rationale for any exclusions?: Lidle Deutschland only
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: Lidle Deutschland only
        
        What percentage of commodity production/sourcing is excluded?: 0 Not specified
        
        If no, what is excluded?: Subsidiary
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        Open source document
      - Target date
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        Target date
        
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: conversion free supply chain
        
        "Lidl is committed to the following AFi guidelines: Conservation and no deforestation of high conservation value (HCV) and high carbon stock (HCS) areas. [...] We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    8/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures
      
      Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. [...] No Child labor [...] No forced labor [...] Freedom of association [...] No discrimination."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support
      
      How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: NA
      
      Lidl Germany states that they are: [Translation] "Conducting social impact studies in prioritized supply chains that focus on the human rights risks of smallholders and workers; Implementation of programs for the direct support of smallholders in the prioritized supply chains and the improvement of their chances of securing a living wage. To this end, we want to support the development of a “living wage / income benchmark”.
      
      Open source document
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      "As one of the largest food retailers with worldwide suppliersupplier relationships, we at Lidl bear a specialresponsibility. This includes actively supporting women in the growing regions andand production sites and to guarantee fair and equal working conditions.and equal working conditions. Especially at theof the value chain, we can have an enormouschain by acting responsibly, as this is where the greatest environmental andthe greatest environmental and social impacts.The topic of equal rights is therefore a focal pointof our human rights strategy in procurement - which we describe in detail in ourin our Human Rights Purchasing Policy. In itpolicy, we formulate the goal of improving the living and workingworking conditions of the people who work for us.For the topic of gender equality, this means in particular,women in our supply chains to have equal access to work and fairfair pay and to protect them from discrimination and violence."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      "Lidl orients itself along the accountability framework initiatives guidelines [...] FPIC for all indigenous groups who are affected by activities linked to our supply chains"
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    26/56
    - Reporting volumes against commitments
      No disclosure
      
      3/3
      
      Reporting volumes against commitments
      
      No disclosure
      
      3/3
      
      "All Lidl palm (kernel) oil has been 100 percent certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil since 2018." In their 2020 RSPO ACOP report Lidl state that 98.54% of their palm oil is RSPO certified which equates to 14,555 tonnes
      
      Open source document
    - Reporting is independently verified
      Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
      
      0/2
      
      Reporting is independently verified
      
      Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
      
      0/2
      
      "All Lidl palm (kernel) oil has been 100 percent certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil since 2018."
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      No
      
      0/3
    - Deforestation cut off date
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      Deforestation cut off date
      
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      What cut-off date is specified?: 2020
      
      "Our commitment to zero deforestation and zero conversion of high-value ecosystems, and our procurement policies, procedures and guidelines, are guided by an overarching cut-off date of 01.01.2020. This applies both for certified and non-certified raw materials. If an earlier cut-off date has been specified by the branch or by leading and internationally recognised certification standards, we will adhere to this."
      
      Open source document
    - Collaborative actions
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Collaborative actions
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      What initiatives does the company participate in?: The Retailers Palm Oil Group
      
      What is the nature of that participation?: Attending & contributing to meetings
      
      "The Retailers Palm Oil Group (RPOG) is an independent group of international retailers who are committed to using certified sustainable palm oil. The group works collaboratively to find industry-wide solutions to secure certified sustainable palm oil in their products and ensures RPOG member requirements are reflected in RSPO production and supply chain standards.
      
      Open source document
    - 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
      
      For what percentage of material produced or sourced by the company has forest risk been assessed?: 100%
      
      How frequently are assessments conducted?: not specified
      
      ""We continuously review which risks exist or could arise from the production of our products (…). We want to make economic, ecological, social risks measurable, to evaluate risks in our supply chain and initiate measures. Within our supply chain we want to identify possible risks systematically (…) We have identified the following commodity-specific social and ecological risks: Palm oil - social risks (….); ecological risks: biodiversity (...), deforestation, land use (...)""
      
      Open source document
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Operations assessed to comply with law
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      "National and other relevant laws and regulations that apply in the respective countries of business activity, as well as the principles in this Code of Conduct, must be adhered to. [...] Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - 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
      
      Lidl has a publicly available online reporting system.
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      Reporting total volume
      
      3/3
      
      Report volumes of commodity
      
      Reporting total volume
      
      3/3
      
      Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: 1.46%
      
      What product types/sectors is this in?: Food
      
      Reporting certified/compliant volume: 98.54%
      
      Total volume: 14,555 tonnes
      
      What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA
      
      In their 2020 ACOP, Lidl reports 14,555 tonnes of palm oil, of which 98.54% is RSPO certified
      
      Open source document
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      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
      
      Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      
      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 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?: audit
      
      What is the status of those FPIC processes?: NA
      
      "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - Compliance of company-owned operations
      No
      
      0/5
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: 0%
      
      For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: NA
      
      For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: 100%
      
      From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Greece, UK, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Sweden, Portugal, Lithuania, Finland, Serbia
      
      From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: NA
      
      Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: Yes
      
      What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: NA
      
      What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: NA
      
      For what percent is no location data disclosed?: 0%
      
      "Lidl Germany is one of the first grocery retailers to publish a list of the main suppliers for its food and non-food own-brand range on its website."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: 100%
      
      For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: 0%
      
      What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 100%
      
      For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: 100%
      
      How frequently is compliance assessed?: Annually
      
      How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems
      
      "As part of an annual palm oil supplier survey, we check in a structured manner whether our suppliers are complying with the guidelines we have defined for palm (kernel) oil, and we document progress. The determined palm (kernel) oil quantities are aggregated in an overall report for Lidl Germany depending on the palm (kernel) oil type and RSPO supply chain model. As a long-standing member of the RSPO, we annually submit this general report (under the name Annual Communications of Progress (ACOP)) to the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil to document our progress. Should we identify deficits as part of our annual monitoring, these will be discussed with the supplier via purchasing and a detailed plan of action will be defined to achieve the target."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
      
      1/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
      
      1/2
      
      What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: detailed plan of action will be defined to achieve the target.
      
      What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: NA
      
      Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: Yes
      
      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
      
      [translated] "As a long-standing member of the RSPO, we annually submit this general report (under the name Annual Communications of Progress (ACOP)) to the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil to document our progress. Should we identify deficits as part of our annual monitoring, these will be discussed with the supplier via purchasing and a detailed plan of action will be defined to achieve the target."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
- Pulp & Paper
  
  33/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    7/17
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      7/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        Which certification schemes are used?: FSC; PEFC; Other certification
        
        If other certification, specify: Blue Angel
        
        When was this commitment set?: 2021
        
        What paper/pulp product does their commitment apply to?: Paper products
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."; "Cellulose is a flexible and adaptable raw materials that is used in products from clothing to pulp and paper products."; (Reduce wood fibre use) [translation] "Our goal is to convert all own-brand products, including own-brand packaging and labels, to recycled material (e.g. certified with the Blue Angel) or FSC-certified fresh fiber." "For our own-brand product range we intend a step-by-step process:Until the end of 2018 - conversion of food and near-food products including household and cosmetic products to recycled material or FSC-certified new fibres. In exceptional cases for selected items with low availability of FSC-certified raw material PEFC-certified material may be used.End of 2020: until the end of 2020 we additionally strive the conversion of all non-food products (textiles, shoes, garden/camping furniture, toys, decoration, media, stationery, tools and instruction leaflets)".
        
        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
        
        What percentage of commodity production/sourcing is excluded?: NA
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: This is for Lidle Deutschland only (subsidiary).
        
        If no, what is excluded?: Subsidiary; Product line
        
        What is the rationale for any exclusions?: This is for Lidle Deutschland only (subsidiary).
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: This is for Lidle Deutschland only (subsidiary).
        
        Our goal is to convert all own-brand products, including own-brand packaging and labels, to recycled material (e.g. certified with the Blue Angel) or FSC-certified fresh fiber." "For our own-brand product range we intend a step-by-step process:Until the end of 2018 - conversion of food and near-food products including household and cosmetic products to recycled material or FSC-certified new fibres. In exceptional cases for selected items with low availability of FSC-certified raw material PEFC-certified material may be used.End of 2020: until the end of 2020 we additionally strive the conversion of all non-food products (textiles, shoes, garden/camping furniture, toys, decoration, media, stationery, tools and instruction leaflets)". ; (Applies to all) "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."; "Cellulose is a flexible and adaptable raw materials that is used in products from clothing to pulp and paper products."
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Target date
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        Target date
        
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: free of deforestation, conversion
        
        "we are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025."
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        Yes
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        Interim target date
        
        Yes
        
        0.5/0.5
        
        What date is given for the interim milestone?: 2020
        
        "Our goal is to convert all own-brand products, including own-brand packaging and labels, to recycled material (e.g. certified with the Blue Angel) or FSC-certified fresh fiber." "For our own-brand product range we intend a step-by-step process:Until the end of 2018 - conversion of food and near-food products including household and cosmetic products to recycled material or FSC-certified new fibres. In exceptional cases for selected items with low availability of FSC-certified raw material PEFC-certified material may be used.End of 2020: until the end of 2020 we additionally strive the conversion of all non-food products (textiles, shoes, garden/camping furniture, toys, decoration, media, stationery, tools and instruction leaflets)".
        
        Open source document
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    6/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures
      
      Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. [...] No Child labor [...] No forced labor [...] Freedom of association [...] No discrimination."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      No
      
      0/2
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      "As one of the largest food retailers with worldwide suppliersupplier relationships, we at Lidl bear a specialresponsibility. This includes actively supporting women in the growing regions andand production sites and to guarantee fair and equal working conditions.and equal working conditions. Especially at theof the value chain, we can have an enormouschain by acting responsibly, as this is where the greatest environmental andthe greatest environmental and social impacts.The topic of equal rights is therefore a focal pointof our human rights strategy in procurement - which we describe in detail in ourin our Human Rights Purchasing Policy. In itpolicy, we formulate the goal of improving the living and workingworking conditions of the people who work for us.For the topic of gender equality, this means in particular,women in our supply chains to have equal access to work and fairfair pay and to protect them from discrimination and violence."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      "Lidl orients itself along the accountability framework initiatives guidelines [...] FPIC for all indigenous groups who are affected by activities linked to our supply chains"
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    20/56
    - Reporting volumes against commitments
      No disclosure
      
      0/3
      
      Reporting volumes against commitments
      
      No disclosure
      
      0/3
      
      "All Lidl Deutschland cellulose has been 100 percent FSC, PEFC or Blue Angel certified since 2021."; "Many of our own brand packaging have also already been converted. In October 2009, we were the first German trading company to start selling the majority of our fruit juice beverages and iced teas in beverage cartons marked with the FSC Mix logo in our nationwide branches. All other soft packaging has been listed with the FSC seal since the end of 2015. In the case of folding boxes made of solid cardboard and outer boxes made of corrugated and solid cardboard, all fresh fiber components used (including mixed uses) come from certified raw materials. "
      
      Open source document
    - 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
      
      "All Lidl Deutschland cellulose has been 100 percent FSC, PEFC or Blue Angel certified since 2021."; "Many of our own brand packaging have also already been converted. In October 2009, we were the first German trading company to start selling the majority of our fruit juice beverages and iced teas in beverage cartons marked with the FSC Mix logo in our nationwide branches. All other soft packaging has been listed with the FSC seal since the end of 2015. In the case of folding boxes made of solid cardboard and outer boxes made of corrugated and solid cardboard, all fresh fiber components used (including mixed uses) come from certified raw materials. "
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      No
      
      0/3
    - Deforestation cut off date
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      Deforestation cut off date
      
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      What cut-off date is specified?: 2020
      
      "Our commitment to zero deforestation and zero conversion of high-value ecosystems, and our procurement policies, procedures and guidelines, are guided by an overarching cut-off date of 01.01.2020. This applies both for certified and non-certified raw materials. If an earlier cut-off date has been specified by the branch or by leading and internationally recognised certification standards, we will adhere to this."
      
      Open source document
    - Collaborative actions
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Collaborative actions
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      What initiatives does the company participate in?: Pro Recycling Paper (IPR) initiative
      
      What is the nature of that participation?: Providing support/ advice/ experience/ expertise
      
      "Lidl has been supporting a sectoral approach since the beginning of 2009 as a member of the Pro Recycling Paper (IPR) initiative. The aim of the initiative is to increase awareness and acceptance of recycled paper in our society".
      
      Open source document
    - 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?: 100%
      
      " "We would also like to systematically identify possible risks within our supply chain. To this end, we carry out a further, cross-product range risk assessment. We examine the direct negative effects our business activities have on human rights, while also taking into account environmental risks such as water pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. These, in turn, can have a negative impact on human rights issues. Our analysis of course includes all stages of the value chain from raw material extraction to final production. In order to quantitatively assess existing risks or actual effects, we have defined criteria and indicators for all fields of action. These factors make the risks measurable and comparable. [...]Cellulose: social risks: child labour, forced labour, labour rights, discrimination (….); environmental rsiks: biodiversity, climate suspectibility, land use, deforestation, water risks"
      
      Open source document
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Operations assessed to comply with law
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      "National and other relevant laws and regulations that apply in the respective countries of business activity, as well as the principles in this Code of Conduct, must be adhered to. [...] Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - 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
      
      Lidl has a publicly available online reporting system.
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      No reporting
      
      0/3
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      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
      
      Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      
      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?: audit
      
      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
      
      [Translation] "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - Compliance of company-owned operations
      No
      
      0/5
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: NA
      
      Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No
      
      What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: NA
      
      For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: NA
      
      From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: NA
      
      For what percent is no location data disclosed?: NA
      
      For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: NA
      
      From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Greece, UK, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Sweden, Portugal, Lithuania, Finland, Serbia
      
      For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: NA
      
      "Lidl Germany is one of the first grocery retailers to publish a list of the main suppliers for its food and non-food own-brand range on its website."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems
      
      For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: 0%
      
      For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: 100%
      
      For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: 0%
      
      How frequently is compliance assessed?: not disclosed
      
      What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 0% all own brand
      
      [translation] "Together with our suppliers, we will document progress and develop and resolve new measures. These are mandatory for all suppliers. In the event of deviations from the target, measures must be defined to ensure implementation. [...] Scope The content of this position paper relates to all product components made from wood, cellulose and paper for own-brand products, and to primary, secondary and tertiary packaging with wood, cellulose and paper components in the Lidl Deutschland product range."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
      
      1/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
      
      1/2
      
      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
      
      What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: NA
      
      Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No
      
      What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with deforestation commitment
      
      "We are striving to make our supply chains more sustainable through our purchasing policy. [...] In the event of non-compliance we expressly reserve the right to impose sanctions or blacklist."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
- Soy
  
  32/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    7/17
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      7/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        Which certification schemes are used?: RTRS
        
        When was this commitment set?: 2021
        
        Does the company commitment also explicitly apply to hidden/indirect soy?: Yes
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        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
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: This is for Lidle Deutschland only
        
        What is the rationale for any exclusions?: This is for Lidle Deutschland only
        
        If no, what is excluded?: Subsidiary
        
        What percentage of commodity production/sourcing is excluded?: 0 not specified
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: This is for Lidle Deutschland only
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber.
        
        Open source document
      - Target date
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        Target date
        
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: ""We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        ""We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    8/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: 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
      
      "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. [...] No Child labor [...] No forced labor [...] Freedom of association [...] No discrimination."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: NA
      
      What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support
      
      Lidl Germany states that they are: [Translation] "Conducting social impact studies in prioritized supply chains that focus on the human rights risks of smallholders and workers; Implementation of programs for the direct support of smallholders in the prioritized supply chains and the improvement of their chances of securing a living wage. To this end, we want to support the development of a “living wage / income benchmark”.
      
      Open source document
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      "As one of the largest food retailers with worldwide suppliersupplier relationships, we at Lidl bear a specialresponsibility. This includes actively supporting women in the growing regions andand production sites and to guarantee fair and equal working conditions.and equal working conditions. Especially at theof the value chain, we can have an enormouschain by acting responsibly, as this is where the greatest environmental andthe greatest environmental and social impacts.The topic of equal rights is therefore a focal pointof our human rights strategy in procurement - which we describe in detail in ourin our Human Rights Purchasing Policy. In itpolicy, we formulate the goal of improving the living and workingworking conditions of the people who work for us.For the topic of gender equality, this means in particular,women in our supply chains to have equal access to work and fairfair pay and to protect them from discrimination and violence."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      "Lidl orients itself along the accountability framework initiatives guidelines [...] FPIC for all indigenous groups who are affected by activities linked to our supply chains"
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    18/56
    - Reporting volumes against commitments
      Unclear proportion of compliant commodity volume disclosed
      
      1/3
      
      Reporting volumes against commitments
      
      Unclear proportion of compliant commodity volume disclosed
      
      0.5/3
      
      In 2020, Lidl bought 240.000 RTRS credits. These were for Lidl's indirect soy footprint in 13 countries DE, AT, CH, FR, ES, IT, BE, UK, NL, DK, FI, SE, IE. This totalled 735.613 t
      
      Open source document
    - Reporting is independently verified
      No
      
      0/2
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      No
      
      0/3
    - Deforestation cut off date
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      Deforestation cut off date
      
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      What cut-off date is specified?: 2020
      
      "Our commitment to zero deforestation and zero conversion of high-value ecosystems, and our procurement policies, procedures and guidelines, are guided by an overarching cut-off date of 01.01.2020. This applies both for certified and non-certified raw materials. If an earlier cut-off date has been specified by the branch or by leading and internationally recognised certification standards, we will adhere to this."
      
      Open source document
    - Collaborative actions
      No
      
      0/2
    - 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?: 100%
      
      ""We would also like to systematically identify possible risks within our supply chain. To this end, we carry out a further, cross-product range risk assessment. We examine the direct negative effects our business activities have on human rights, while also taking into account environmental risks such as water pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. These, in turn, can have a negative impact on human rights issues. Our analysis of course includes all stages of the value chain from raw material extraction to final production. In order to quantitatively assess existing risks or actual effects, we have defined criteria and indicators for all fields of action. These factors make the risks measurable and comparable. Soy: [...] Social risks: Child labour, forced labour, discrimination (…); ecological risks: biodiversity, land use, deforestation, climate susceptibility, water risks
      
      Open source document
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Operations assessed to comply with law
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      "National and other relevant laws and regulations that apply in the respective countries of business activity, as well as the principles in this Code of Conduct, must be adhered to. [...] Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - 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
      
      Lidl has a publicly available online reporting system.
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      Reporting partial volumes
      
      2/3
      
      Report volumes of commodity
      
      Reporting partial volumes
      
      1.5/3
      
      Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: 0 cannot be calculated
      
      What product types/sectors is this in?: Indirect - soy in feed
      
      Total volume: 0 cannot be calculated
      
      Reporting certified/compliant volume: 735.613 tonnes
      
      What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA
      
      In 2020, Lidl bought 240.000 RTRS credits. These were for Lidl's indirect soy footprint in 13 countries DE, AT, CH, FR, ES, IT, BE, UK, NL, DK, FI, SE, IE. This totalled 735.613 t
      
      Open source document
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      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
      
      Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      
      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?: audit
      
      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
      
      "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - Compliance of company-owned operations
      No
      
      0/5
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: Yes
      
      What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: NA
      
      From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: NA
      
      For what percent is no location data disclosed?: 0%
      
      For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: 0%
      
      For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: NA
      
      For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: 100%
      
      From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Greece, UK, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Sweden, Portugal, Lithuania, Finland, Serbia
      
      What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: NA
      
      "Lidl Germany is one of the first grocery retailers to publish a list of the main suppliers for its food and non-food own-brand range on its website."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
      
      1/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
      
      1/2
      
      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
      
      What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with deforestation commitment
      
      What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: NA
      
      "We are striving to make our supply chains more sustainable through our purchasing policy. [...] In the event of non-compliance we expressly reserve the right to impose sanctions or blacklist."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2
- Timber *
  
  29/90
  - Commitment Strength
    
    7/17
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      7/9.5
      - Commitment details
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Zero-gross conversion
        
        6/6
        
        Which certification schemes are used?: FSC; PEFC; Other certification
        
        When was this commitment set?: 2021
        
        If other certification, specify: Blue Angel
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        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
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: This is for Lidle Deutschland only (subsidiary).
        
        What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: This is for Lidle Deutschland only (subsidiary).
        
        What is the rationale for any exclusions?: This is for Lidle Deutschland only (subsidiary).
        
        If no, what is excluded?: Subsidiary
        
        What percentage of commodity production/sourcing is excluded?: NA
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        Open source document
      - Target date
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        Target date
        
        2025
        
        0.8/1
        
        What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: upply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025.
        
        "We are aiming for supply chains free of deforestation, conversion and exploitation by the end of 2025. Raw materials of particular relevance are soy, palm (kernel) oil, cacao, beef and cellulose/timber."
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/7.5
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/2
      - Target date
        Post 2050 or no target date
        
        0/1
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.5
  - Associated Human Rights Abuses
    
    6/17
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      3/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures
      
      Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. [...] No Child labor [...] No forced labor [...] Freedom of association [...] No discrimination."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      No
      
      0/2
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
      
      1/2
      
      "As one of the largest food retailers with worldwide suppliersupplier relationships, we at Lidl bear a specialresponsibility. This includes actively supporting women in the growing regions andand production sites and to guarantee fair and equal working conditions.and equal working conditions. Especially at theof the value chain, we can have an enormouschain by acting responsibly, as this is where the greatest environmental andthe greatest environmental and social impacts.The topic of equal rights is therefore a focal pointof our human rights strategy in procurement - which we describe in detail in ourin our Human Rights Purchasing Policy. In itpolicy, we formulate the goal of improving the living and workingworking conditions of the people who work for us.For the topic of gender equality, this means in particular,women in our supply chains to have equal access to work and fairfair pay and to protect them from discrimination and violence."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/1
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      
      Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
      
      2/3
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
      
      "Lidl orients itself along the accountability framework initiatives guidelines [...] FPIC for all indigenous groups who are affected by activities linked to our supply chains"
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
      
      0/3
    - Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
      No
      
      0/3
  - Implementation and Reporting
    
    16/56
    - Reporting volumes against commitments
      No disclosure
      
      1/3
      
      Reporting volumes against commitments
      
      No disclosure
      
      0.5/3
      
      What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: NA
      
      What is the certified volume?: NA
      
      What is the compliant volume?: NA
      
      How much of this downstream deforestation is in protected areas, primary forests, intact forest landscapes, and/or peatlands?: NA
      
      How many hectares of deforestation and/or conversion have occurred since the commitment cut-off date in the operations of the company's direct or indirect suppliers?: NA
      
      Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
      
      What is the proportion of total commodity volume sourced with known deforestation/conversion risk?: NA
      
      What is the volume with unknown deforestation/conversion risk? Disaggregated by product type or use as relevant.: NA
      
      "our kitchen towels, handkerchiefs, nappies, toilet paper, cosmetic tissues, barbecue charcoal, coffee filters and napkins are 100 per cent certified. Furthermore, we offer stationery such as college pads and office supplies as well as folders that are certified with the Blue Angel.certified. Some small items of furniture such as chests of drawers or shelves are FSC or PEFC certified. In the hobby and creative sector, too, we offer our customers articlessuch as paintbrushes and canvases, which are FSC certified. A large part of the wooden toys for children bears the FSC label."
      
      Open source document
    - Reporting is independently verified
      No
      
      2/2
      
      Reporting is independently verified
      
      No
      
      2/2
      
      Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: FSC, PEFC or Blue Angel
      
      Is the performance of compliance of some suppliers, sources, or origins not verified, and if so why not?: only own brand
      
      For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: NA
      
      What percent of the company's supply volume is verified using company verification systems?: NA
      
      What methods are used for verification?: FSC, PEFC or Blue Angel
      
      Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: FSC, PEFC or Blue Angel
      
      Open source document
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      No
      
      0/3
    - Deforestation cut off date
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      Deforestation cut off date
      
      Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
      
      2/2
      
      What cut-off date is specified?: 2020
      
      "Our commitment to zero deforestation and zero conversion of high-value ecosystems, and our procurement policies, procedures and guidelines, are guided by an overarching cut-off date of 01.01.2020. This applies both for certified and non-certified raw materials. If an earlier cut-off date has been specified by the branch or by leading and internationally recognised certification standards, we will adhere to this."
      
      Open source document
    - Collaborative actions
      No
      
      0/2
    - Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
      No
      
      0/2
    - Risk assessments for forest risk
      No
      
      0/2
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Operations assessed to comply with law
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      "National and other relevant laws and regulations that apply in the respective countries of business activity, as well as the principles in this Code of Conduct, must be adhered to. [...] Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - 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
      
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      No reporting
      
      0/3
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      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
      
      Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      
      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 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?: Audit
      
      What is the status of those FPIC processes?: na
      
      [Translation] "we are guided by the principles of internationally valid frameworks such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO core labor standards. Business partners shall facilitate auditing of their adherence to the Code of Conduct. In this regard they shall provide written information upon request and facilitate on-site inspections of their operations. [...] Third parties (e.g. auditors) may be commissioned to carry out the audit."
      
      Open source document
    - Compliance of company-owned operations
      No
      
      0/5
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      
      Yes, report direct suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Greece, UK, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Sweden, Portugal, Lithuania, Finland, Serbia
      
      From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: NA
      
      What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: NA
      
      For what percent is no location data disclosed?: 0%
      
      What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: NA
      
      For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: 0%
      
      Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No
      
      For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: NA
      
      For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: 100%
      
      "Lidl Germany is one of the first grocery retailers to publish a list of the main suppliers for its food and non-food own-brand range on its website."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      2/4
      
      For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: NA
      
      For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: 100%
      
      How frequently is compliance assessed?: not disclosed
      
      For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: 0%
      
      How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems
      
      What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 0% own brand
      
      Together with our suppliers, we will document progress and develop and resolve new measures. These are mandatory for all suppliers. In the event of deviations from the target, measures must be defined to ensure implementation. [...] Scope The content of this position paper relates to all product components made from wood, cellulose and paper for own-brand products, and to primary, secondary and tertiary packaging with wood, cellulose and paper components in the Lidl Deutschland product range."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
      
      1/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
      
      1/2
      
      Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: No
      
      Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No
      
      What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: NA
      
      What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non compliance with deforestation commitment
      
      Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
      
      "We are striving to make our supply chains more sustainable through our purchasing policy. [...] In the event of non-compliance we expressly reserve the right to impose sanctions or blacklist."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      No disclosure
      
      0/2

* commodity scores for which a company is not a powerbroker are given half the weighting of other commodities in total scores

Commitment strength

7/17

Avg. score
Implementation and Reporting

18/56

Avg. score
Associated Human Rights Abuses

7/17

Avg. score

Profile

The Schwarz Group is a German retail group comprised of both wholesalers and multi-format retail stores. Its supermarkets operate under the brands Kaufland, Handelshof and Kaufmarkt, alongside the discount retailer Lidl. The breadth of its retail offerings exposes the group to a variety of forest risk commodities. With the combined weight of these retailers, the Schwarz Group is among the top retailers for edible groceries in Europe and globally. The breadth of its retail market means it is exposed to several forest risk commodities. Schwarz Group is selected as a powerbroker for palm oil, soy, beef and paper packaging and is also assessed for its exposure to timber.

Sector

Industry sector

Hypermarkets & Super Centers, Packaged Foods & Meats, Paper Packaging

Segments

Retailer

Germany

Company Type

Company type

Collective Commitments

Consumer Goods Forum member

New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Lidl, Kaufland, Kaufmart, Handelshof

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

More companies

HOFER KG dba ALDI SOUTH Group

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.

schwarz_group.jpg

Schwarz Group

Total

Score:

Total score:

38%

Profile

Top Brands

How we assess the Forest 500

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Disclaimer

schwarz_group.jpg

Schwarz Group

Total

Score:

Total score: 38%

Profile

Top Brands

How we assess the Forest 500

Related articles and press coverage

40% of the Forest 500 have yet to set a single policy on deforestation

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Disclaimer

Total score:

38%