Download data
A Global Canopy project
Menu

Powerbroker for

Select an assessment year:

Download data
  • Overall approach
    5/12
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      2/4
      Zero net deforestation or, for soy, palm oil, leather and beef companies only, no deforestation of HCV and HCS forests
      2/4
      Do they have a commitment for other non-Forest 500 commodities, if so which?:

      Commodities (if applicable): 0
      "By 2025, we will achieve net zero supply chain deforestation for our high-impact commodities in our Own Brand products, such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging."
      Open source document
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      1/1
      Yes
      1/1
      Which initiatives?: Consumer Goods Forum Deforestation resolution (being a member of the CGF is not sufficient); UN Global Compact
      "As a member of The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), a global industry network that brings together the CEOs of major global retailers and consumer brand owners, Woolworths is a signatory to the CGF Board resolution to achieve zero net deforestation through the consumer goods supply chain through sourcing commodities like palm oil, paper and board in a sustainable fashion." "We are a signatory to the United National Global Compact (UNGC)". 
      Open source document
      Open source document
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Yes
      1/1
      "Woolworths Group is acutely aware  that the way food is produced is impacting our environment. Agriculture is responsible for 75% of deforestation worldwide, and is the largest contributor of non‑CO2 greenhouse gas emissions. While there may be  enough food for everyone on the planet  today, this may not be the case in the  future. Recently published scientific  work suggests that climate change may  reduce crop yields by 2% per decade  over the next 100 years and the poorest regions of the world are expected to be the worst hit."
      Open source document
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      0/1
    • High-level management of deforestion
      1/1
      Yes
      1/1
      How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: Quarterly 

      Which commodities does it apply to?: Palm oil; Beef; Timber; Pulp & Paper
      "The Woolworths Group Board Sustainability Committee, which meets quarterly, oversees the Group level strategy and is responsible for reviewing actual or potential climate-related impacts to the Group and recommending actions to the Board. The CEO and Executive Committee, including the Chief Sustainability Officer, have accountability for the implementation of our sustainability strategy including climate change initiatives. The committee also reviews performance on issues of safety and health, sustainability and community Investment. The Group sustainability chapter orchestrates the work across the Group and supports the business ownership of change delivery required to achieve agreed goals". "The Committee has the following duties and responsibilities:...Oversee development, monitor execution and review effectiveness of strategies, policies". 
      Open source document
      Open source document
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
    • Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
      0/2
    • Reporting on emissions from land-use change
      0/2
    • Disclosure of conservation activity
    • Disclosure of reforestation activity
    • Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
      Yes
      0/0
      Type of climate target: Net-zero emissions

      What is the target date for the company to achieve their climate target?: 2050
      "By 2050, in line with climate science, we aim to reach net positive emissions for our operations."
      Open source document
  • Commodity score
    30/88
    • Beef
      24/88
      • Commitment Strength
        6/20
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          7/11
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            5.3/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross deforestation
            5.3/8
            "By 2025, fresh beef and soy in our brands and soy in livestock feed (assessing high-risk/ high volumes) will be sourced sustainably and not contribute to deforestation."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "By 2025, fresh beef and soy in our brands and soy in livestock feed (assessing high-risk/ high volumes) will be sourced sustainably and not contribute to deforestation."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/9
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Other workers' rights commitments: Living wage; 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
          "Our suppliers must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers... These Responsible Sourcing Standards have been benchmarked to leading international standards. These include the following: ● International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s core conventions ● United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) ● United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)... Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other applicable laws, rules, and regulations... Child Labour... Forced labour... Non discrimination... Freedom of Association and Rights to Collective Bargaining." 
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          "Suppliers shall not discriminate against workers based on individual characteristics, race, caste, social background, disease, ethnic and national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and/or participation in worker organisations."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/4
        • Commitment to resolve land conflicts
          No
      • Reporting and Implementation
        12/50
        • Reporting against commitments
          0/3
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/2.5
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2.5
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/2
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.5
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          "We expect that our suppliers and our suppliers’ suppliers (our upstream supply chain) are committed to the same standards as we are. Achieving this together means we must build stronger partnerships and strive to improve supply chain sustainability and the livelihood of workers within it. Our suppliers must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers."
          Open source document
        • 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?: Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF)
          "we are an active member of the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) Consultative Committee. The framework defines sustainable beef production, and animal welfare forms part of their six key priorities. The ABSF allows Woolworths to engage with a variety of stakeholders to identify and protect high conservation value areas within our supply chains and work with suppliers, governments, producers and other corporate and NGO partners to achieve this."
          Open source document
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other  applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Where there is a gap between our requirements and  standards and the local laws, rules and regulations, the more stringent requirements and standards  apply...We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance. Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          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, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, etc.)?: External company mechanism

          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: No
          "Woolworths is committed to ensuring channels are provided through which adversely affected people or communities can raise complaints or concerns without fear of retaliation, intimidation, harassment, discrimination or victimisation. Woolworths provides a Speak Up service in 8 languages for our team members and direct suppliers (and their team members) as a mechanism by which responsible sourcing concerns can be raised anonymously. We are committed to working with our suppliers to ensure appropriate mechanisms are made available within their own supply chains...Supplier Speak Up: WoolworthsSpeakUp.ethicspoint.com". 
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/2
        • Report verified volumes of commodity
          No disclosure
          0/6
        • Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          "Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard (Responsible Sourcing Standards). This may be in the form of a supplier selfassessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not specified
          "We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing  Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance.  Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs. The type of verification or audit request will be determined by the nature of the responsible sourcing risk. In the case of audits or site visits, best practice guidance recognises that different  circumstances require different approaches, from announced visits or audits as part of normal  commercial relationships, to semi-announced visits or audits within an agreed time window, to unannounced visits or audits...We  may conduct any of these directly or through a third party, and in such circumstances: Announced We will agree a date in advance...Unannounced We may conduct a visit at any time on an unannounced basis...Semi-Announced We may specify a time window in which a visit may take place". 
          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 criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with responsible sourcing policy and standards

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: improvement plans

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: Yes
          "We are committed to working with our suppliers to implement improvement plans and help them achieve compliance."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Palm oil
      35/88
      • Commitment Strength
        10/20
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          5/8
          • Commitment details
            Zero-net deforestation
            3/6
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-net deforestation
            3/6
            Which certification schemes are used?: RSPO
            "We are working to have our own brand products achieve net zero deforestation for our ‘high impact’ commodities such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging...Woolworths Supermarket is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a multi-stakeholder organisation comprising retailers, manufacturers, palm oil producers, traders and non-government organisations. It sets global standards for palm oil production and manages a certification scheme. 100% of palm (kernel) oil used in Woolworths’ Own Brand food products supports the production of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            "We are working to have our own brand products achieve net zero deforestation for our ‘high impact’ commodities such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging...Woolworths Supermarket is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a multi-stakeholder organisation comprising retailers, manufacturers, palm oil producers, traders and non-government organisations. It sets global standards for palm oil production and manages a certification scheme. 100% of palm (kernel) oil used in Woolworths’ Own Brand food products supports the production of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            0.7/0.7
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            0.7/0.7
            "We are working to have our own brand products achieve net zero deforestation for our ‘high impact’ commodities such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging...Woolworths Supermarket is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a multi-stakeholder organisation comprising retailers, manufacturers, palm oil producers, traders and non-government organisations. It sets global standards for palm oil production and manages a certification scheme. 100% of palm (kernel) oil used in Woolworths’ Own Brand food products supports the production of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2022)
            0.3/0.3
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2022)
            0.3/0.3
            "We are working to have our own brand products achieve net zero deforestation for our ‘high impact’ commodities such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging...Woolworths Supermarket is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a multi-stakeholder organisation comprising retailers, manufacturers, palm oil producers, traders and non-government organisations. It sets global standards for palm oil production and manages a certification scheme. 100% of palm (kernel) oil used in Woolworths’ Own Brand food products supports the production of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil."
            Open source document
        • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
          5/5
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            3/3
            Type of commitment: HCS; Peat
            "Woolworths Supermarket is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a multi-stakeholder organisation comprising retailers, manufacturers, palm oil producers, traders and non-government organisations. It sets global standards for palm oil production and manages a certification scheme. 100% of palm (kernel) oil used in Woolworths’ Own Brand food products supports the production of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            "Woolworths Supermarket is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a multi-stakeholder organisation comprising retailers, manufacturers, palm oil producers, traders and non-government organisations. It sets global standards for palm oil production and manages a certification scheme. 100% of palm (kernel) oil used in Woolworths’ Own Brand food products supports the production of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/0.7
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2022)
            0.3/0.3
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2022)
            0.3/0.3
            "Woolworths Supermarket is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a multi-stakeholder organisation comprising retailers, manufacturers, palm oil producers, traders and non-government organisations. It sets global standards for palm oil production and manages a certification scheme. 100% of palm (kernel) oil used in Woolworths’ Own Brand food products supports the production of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil."
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/6
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/1.3
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/0.7
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.3
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          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 must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers... These Responsible Sourcing Standards have been benchmarked to leading international standards. These include the following: ● International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s core conventions ● United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) ● United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)... Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other applicable laws, rules, and regulations... Child Labour... Forced labour... Non discrimination... Freedom of Association and Rights to Collective Bargaining." 
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          "Suppliers shall not discriminate against workers based on individual characteristics, race, caste, social background, disease, ethnic and national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and/or participation in worker organisations." 
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/4
        • Commitment to resolve land conflicts
          No
      • Reporting and Implementation
        20/50
        • Reporting against commitments
          2/2
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            1.7/1.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            1.7/1.7
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: not specified

            (Downstream 2.1 only) 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?: 0 not specified

            How much of this is in protected areas, primary forests, intact forest landscapes, and/or peatlands?: 0 not specified
            "100% of palm (kernel) oil used in Woolworths’ Own Brand food products supports the production of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil. In F21, 98.56% of the volume of palm (kernel) oil in own brand food products was independently certified, and the remaining 1.44% supported the production of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) through the use of RSPO credits.In F21, our Palm Oil Policy was updated to further reduce the risk of deforestation in palm oil supply chains by:• Transitioning to CSPO in all own brand non‑food products, such as cleaners and personal care products• Transitioning to segregated palm oil in Macro‑branded food products to further reduce the risk of deforestation stemming from palm oil production• Introducing on‑pack labelling of sustainably‑sourced palm oil on high‑volume products."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            1.7/1.7
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            1.7/1.7
            In the 2020 RSPO Acop report, Woolworths reported their total palm oil consumption was 8014 tonnes with their total crude refined palm oil as 6018.382 tonnes
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.7
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/1
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
            1/1
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
            1/1
            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
            "100% of palm (kernel) oil used in Woolworths’ Own Brand food products supports the production of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)certified sustainable palm (kernel) oil. In F21, 98.56% of the volume of palm (kernel) oil in own brand food products was independently certified, and the remaining 1.44% supported the production of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) through the use of RSPO credits.In F21, our Palm Oil Policy was updated to further reduce the risk of deforestation in palm oil supply chains by:• Transitioning to CSPO in all own brand non‑food products, such as cleaners and personal care products• Transitioning to segregated palm oil in Macro‑branded food products to further reduce the risk of deforestation stemming from palm oil production• Introducing on‑pack labelling of sustainably‑sourced palm oil on high‑volume products."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
            1/1
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
            1/1
            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
            In the 2020 RSPO Acop report, Woolworths reported their total palm oil consumption was 8014 tonnes with their total crude refined palm oil as 6018.382 tonnes
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          "We expect that our suppliers and our suppliers’ suppliers (our upstream supply chain) are committed to the same standards as we are. Achieving this together means we must build stronger partnerships and strive to improve supply chain sustainability and the livelihood of workers within it. Our suppliers must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers."
          Open source document
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other  applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Where there is a gap between our requirements and  standards and the local laws, rules and regulations, the more stringent requirements and standards  apply...We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance. Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          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, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, etc.)?: External company mechanism

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: No 

          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
          "Woolworths is committed to ensuring channels are provided through which adversely affected people or communities can raise complaints or concerns without fear of retaliation, intimidation, harassment, discrimination or victimisation. Woolworths provides a Speak Up service in 8 languages for our team members and direct suppliers (and their team members) as a mechanism by which responsible sourcing concerns can be raised anonymously. We are committed to working with our suppliers to ensure appropriate mechanisms are made available within their own supply chains...Supplier Speak Up: WoolworthsSpeakUp.ethicspoint.com". 
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting total volume
          2/2
          Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting total volume
          2/2
          Total/partial volume reported: 8014 tonnes
          In the 2020 RSPO Acop report, Woolworths reported their total palm oil consumption was 8014 tonnes with their total crude refined palm oil as 6018.382 tonnes
          Open source document
        • Report verified volumes of commodity
          50-79%
          3/6
          Report verified volumes of commodity
          50-79%
          3/6
          What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 1995 tonnes

          What is the certified volume?: 6018.382 tonnes

          For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: 75%

          What is the compliant volume?: 6018.382 tonnes

          What third-party verification is used?: RSPO
          In the 2020 RSPO Acop report, Woolworths reported their total palm oil consumption was 8014 tonnes with their total crude refined palm oil as 6018.382 tonnes
          Open source document
        • Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          "Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard (Responsible Sourcing Standards). This may be in the form of a supplier selfassessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 0 not specified

          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: not specified

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: 0 not specified
          "We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing  Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance.  Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs. The type of verification or audit request will be determined by the nature of the responsible sourcing risk. In the case of audits or site visits, best practice guidance recognises that different  circumstances require different approaches, from announced visits or audits as part of normal  commercial relationships, to semi-announced visits or audits within an agreed time window, to unannounced visits or audits...We  may conduct any of these directly or through a third party, and in such circumstances: Announced We will agree a date in advance...Unannounced We may conduct a visit at any time on an unannounced basis...Semi-Announced We may specify a time window in which a visit may take place". 
          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?: Improvement plans

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No

          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with responsible sourcing policy and standards
          "We are committed to working with our suppliers to implement improvement plans and help them achieve compliance."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Pulp & Paper
      37/88
      • Commitment Strength
        10/20
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          5/8
          • Commitment details
            Zero-net deforestation
            3/6
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-net deforestation
            3/6
            Which certification schemes are used?: FSC; PEFC
            "By 2025, we will achieve net zero supply chain deforestation for our high-impact commodities in our Own Brand products, such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging."; "We are working towards sourcing all products and primary packaging from independently certified legal and sustainable sources with certified Chains of Custody to FSC or PEFC; or recycled sources." 
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            "By 2025, we will achieve net zero supply chain deforestation for our high-impact commodities in our Own Brand products, such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging."; "We are working towards sourcing all products and primary packaging from independently certified legal and sustainable sources with certified Chains of Custody to FSC or PEFC; or recycled sources." 
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2025
            0.3/0.7
            Target date
            2025
            0.3/0.7
            "By 2025, we will achieve net zero supply chain deforestation for our high-impact commodities in our Own Brand products, such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.3
        • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
          5/5
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            3/3
            Type of commitment: Recycled content
            "Woolworths is making substantial progress in sustainably sourcing paper and timber products.100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources, or at least 95% post-consumer recycled content.100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            "Woolworths is making substantial progress in sustainably sourcing paper and timber products.100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources, or at least 95% post-consumer recycled content.100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            0.7/0.7
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            0.7/0.7
            "Woolworths is making substantial progress in sustainably sourcing paper and timber products.100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources, or at least 95% post-consumer recycled content.100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2022)
            0.3/0.3
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2022)
            0.3/0.3
            "Woolworths is making substantial progress in sustainably sourcing paper and timber products.100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources, or at least 95% post-consumer recycled content.100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/6
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/1.3
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/0.7
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.3
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          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 must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers... These Responsible Sourcing Standards have been benchmarked to leading international standards. These include the following: ● International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s core conventions ● United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) ● United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)... Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other applicable laws, rules, and regulations... Child Labour... Forced labour... Non discrimination... Freedom of Association and Rights to Collective Bargaining." 
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          "Suppliers shall not discriminate against workers based on individual characteristics, race, caste, social background, disease, ethnic and national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and/or participation in worker organisations."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/4
        • Commitment to resolve land conflicts
          No
      • Reporting and Implementation
        22/50
        • Reporting against commitments
          2/2
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            1.7/1.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            1.7/1.7
            "Woolworths is making substantial progress in sustainably sourcing paper and timber products.100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources, or at least 95% post-consumer recycled content.100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            1.7/1.7
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            1.7/1.7
            "Woolworths is making substantial progress in sustainably sourcing paper and timber products.100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources, or at least 95% post-consumer recycled content.100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.7
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/1
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
            1/1
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
            1/1
            Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: FSC, PEFC

            Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: Certification : FSC, PEFC 
            "Woolworths is making substantial progress in sustainably sourcing paper and timber products.100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources, or at least 95% post-consumer recycled content.100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            No
            0/1
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          "We expect that our suppliers and our suppliers’ suppliers (our upstream supply chain) are committed to the same standards as we are. Achieving this together means we must build stronger partnerships and strive to improve supply chain sustainability and the livelihood of workers within it. Our suppliers must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers."
          Open source document
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other  applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Where there is a gap between our requirements and  standards and the local laws, rules and regulations, the more stringent requirements and standards  apply...We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance. Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: No

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, etc.)?: External company mechanism
          "Woolworths is committed to ensuring channels are provided through which adversely affected people or communities can raise complaints or concerns without fear of retaliation, intimidation, harassment, discrimination or victimisation. Woolworths provides a Speak Up service in 8 languages for our team members and direct suppliers (and their team members) as a mechanism by which responsible sourcing concerns can be raised anonymously. We are committed to working with our suppliers to ensure appropriate mechanisms are made available within their own supply chains...Supplier Speak Up: WoolworthsSpeakUp.ethicspoint.com". 
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/2
        • Report verified volumes of commodity
          100%
          6/6
          Report verified volumes of commodity
          100%
          6/6
          What is the compliant volume?: 0 Not specified

          What is the certified volume?: 0 Not specified

          For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: 100%

          What third-party verification is used?: FSC and PEFC

          What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 0 Not specified
          "100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
          Open source document
        • Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          "Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard (Responsible Sourcing Standards). This may be in the form of a supplier selfassessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          Open source document
        • 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 not specified

          For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: 0 not specified

          What is the volume of the forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or sub-national location?: 0 not specified

          From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, India, Cambodia, Germany, Israel, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam

          For what percent is no location data disclosed?: 0 not specified

          What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: 0 not specified

          Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: Yes 

          From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: 0 not specified

          For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: 0 not specified
          "Woolworths Food Group publishes the list of factories that directly produce our apparel and textile products here (as at April 2021)."
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not specified 

          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems
          "We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing  Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance.  Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs. The type of verification or audit request will be determined by the nature of the responsible sourcing risk. In the case of audits or site visits, best practice guidance recognises that different  circumstances require different approaches, from announced visits or audits as part of normal  commercial relationships, to semi-announced visits or audits within an agreed time window, to unannounced visits or audits...We  may conduct any of these directly or through a third party, and in such circumstances: Announced We will agree a date in advance...Unannounced We may conduct a visit at any time on an unannounced basis...Semi-Announced We may specify a time window in which a visit may take place". 
          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 criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with responsible sourcing policy and standards

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: improvement plans

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: Yes
          "We are committed to working with our suppliers to implement improvement plans and help them achieve compliance."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Soy
      25/88
      • Commitment Strength
        7/20
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          8/11
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            5.3/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross deforestation
            5.3/8
            Which certification schemes are used?: RTRS

            (For downstream soy companies only) Does the company commitment also explicitly apply to hidden/indirect soy?: No
            "By 2025, fresh beef and soy in our brands and soy in livestock feed (assessing high-risk/ high volumes) will be sourced sustainably and not contribute to deforestation." "Woolworths Group has become a member of the Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS), a multi‑stakeholder organisation promoting the growth of production, trade and use of responsible soy. It does this through facilitating dialogue, and the implementation of a global certification standard. Certified sustainable soy is an emerging commodity in the Oceanic Region, and we are leading on this issue by engaging with the whole value chain, from growers to product manufacturers, to convey our expectations and seek assurance that Woolworths Group will support the production of sustainable soy"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "By 2025, fresh beef and soy in our brands and soy in livestock feed (assessing high-risk/ high volumes) will be sourced sustainably and not contribute to deforestation." "Woolworths Group has become a member of the Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS), a multi‑stakeholder organisation promoting the growth of production, trade and use of responsible soy. It does this through facilitating dialogue, and the implementation of a global certification standard. Certified sustainable soy is an emerging commodity in the Oceanic Region, and we are leading on this issue by engaging with the whole value chain, from growers to product manufacturers, to convey our expectations and seek assurance that Woolworths Group will support the production of sustainable soy"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2025
            0.5/1
            Target date
            2025
            0.5/1
            "By 2025, fresh beef and soy in our brands and soy in livestock feed (assessing high-risk/ high volumes) will be sourced sustainably and not contribute to deforestation." "Woolworths Group has become a member of the Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS), a multi‑stakeholder organisation promoting the growth of production, trade and use of responsible soy. It does this through facilitating dialogue, and the implementation of a global certification standard. Certified sustainable soy is an emerging commodity in the Oceanic Region, and we are leading on this issue by engaging with the whole value chain, from growers to product manufacturers, to convey our expectations and seek assurance that Woolworths Group will support the production of sustainable soy"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/9
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Other workers' rights commitments: Living wage; 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
          "Our suppliers must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers... These Responsible Sourcing Standards have been benchmarked to leading international standards. These include the following: ● International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s core conventions ● United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) ● United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)... Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other applicable laws, rules, and regulations... Child Labour... Forced labour... Non discrimination... Freedom of Association and Rights to Collective Bargaining." 
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          "Suppliers shall not discriminate against workers based on individual characteristics, race, caste, social background, disease, ethnic and national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and/or participation in worker organisations." 
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/4
        • Commitment to resolve land conflicts
          No
      • Reporting and Implementation
        12/50
        • Reporting against commitments
          0/3
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/2.5
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2.5
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/2
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.5
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          "We expect that our suppliers and our suppliers’ suppliers (our upstream supply chain) are committed to the same standards as we are. Achieving this together means we must build stronger partnerships and strive to improve supply chain sustainability and the livelihood of workers within it. Our suppliers must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers."
          Open source document
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What initiatives does the company participate in?: RTRS

          What is the nature of that participation?: Attending & contributing to meetings
          "Woolworths Group has become a member of the Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS), a multi‑stakeholder organisation promoting the growth of production, trade and use of responsible soy. It does this through facilitating dialogue, and the implementation of a global certification standard."
          Open source document
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other  applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Where there is a gap between our requirements and  standards and the local laws, rules and regulations, the more stringent requirements and standards  apply...We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance. Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          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

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: No

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, etc.)?: External company mechanism
          "Woolworths is committed to ensuring channels are provided through which adversely affected people or communities can raise complaints or concerns without fear of retaliation, intimidation, harassment, discrimination or victimisation. Woolworths provides a Speak Up service in 8 languages for our team members and direct suppliers (and their team members) as a mechanism by which responsible sourcing concerns can be raised anonymously. We are committed to working with our suppliers to ensure appropriate mechanisms are made available within their own supply chains...Supplier Speak Up: WoolworthsSpeakUp.ethicspoint.com". 
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/2
        • Report verified volumes of commodity
          No disclosure
          0/6
        • Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          "Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard (Responsible Sourcing Standards). This may be in the form of a supplier selfassessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: 0 not specified

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not specified

          What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 0 not specified
          "We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing  Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance.  Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs. The type of verification or audit request will be determined by the nature of the responsible sourcing risk. In the case of audits or site visits, best practice guidance recognises that different  circumstances require different approaches, from announced visits or audits as part of normal  commercial relationships, to semi-announced visits or audits within an agreed time window, to unannounced visits or audits...We  may conduct any of these directly or through a third party, and in such circumstances: Announced We will agree a date in advance...Unannounced We may conduct a visit at any time on an unannounced basis...Semi-Announced We may specify a time window in which a visit may take place". 
          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?: improvement plans

          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with responsible sourcing policy and standards

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
          "We are committed to working with our suppliers to implement improvement plans and help them achieve compliance."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Timber *
      32/88
      • Commitment Strength
        6/20
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          6/11
          • Commitment details
            Zero-net deforestation
            4/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-net deforestation
            4/8
            Which certification schemes are used?: FSC; PEFC
            "By 2025, we will achieve net zero supply chain deforestation for our high-impact commodities in our Own Brand products, such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging."; "We are working towards sourcing all products and primary packaging from independently certified legal and sustainable sources with certified Chains of Custody to FSC or PEFC; or recycled sources." 
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "By 2025, we will achieve net zero supply chain deforestation for our high-impact commodities in our Own Brand products, such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging."; "We are working towards sourcing all products and primary packaging from independently certified legal and sustainable sources with certified Chains of Custody to FSC or PEFC; or recycled sources." 
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2025
            0.5/1
            Target date
            2025
            0.5/1
            "By 2025, we will achieve net zero supply chain deforestation for our high-impact commodities in our Own Brand products, such as palm oil, timber, pulp and paper, and packaging."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/9
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            No target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
      • Social Considerations
        5/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Other workers' rights commitments: Living wage; 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
          "Our suppliers must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers... These Responsible Sourcing Standards have been benchmarked to leading international standards. These include the following: ● International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s core conventions ● United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) ● United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)... Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other applicable laws, rules, and regulations... Child Labour... Forced labour... Non discrimination... Freedom of Association and Rights to Collective Bargaining." 
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
          1/4
          "Suppliers shall not discriminate against workers based on individual characteristics, race, caste, social background, disease, ethnic and national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and/or participation in worker organisations."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/2
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/4
        • Commitment to resolve land conflicts
          No
      • Reporting and Implementation
        20/50
        • Reporting against commitments
          0/3
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            2.5/2.5
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, for all commodity exposure
            2.5/2.5
            "Woolworths is making substantial progress in sustainably sourcing paper and timber products.100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources, or at least 95% post-consumer recycled content.100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2.5
        • Reporting is independently verified
          2/2
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
            1.5/1.5
            Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: FSC, PEFC

            Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: Third-party certfication: FSC, PEFC
            "Woolworths is making substantial progress in sustainably sourcing paper and timber products.100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources, or at least 95% post-consumer recycled content.100% of our copy and catalogue paper used in our Australian businesses is from sustainably managed sources certified by FSC or PEFC."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.5
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/2
          "We expect that our suppliers and our suppliers’ suppliers (our upstream supply chain) are committed to the same standards as we are. Achieving this together means we must build stronger partnerships and strive to improve supply chain sustainability and the livelihood of workers within it. Our suppliers must be able to meet our minimum expectations and have capacity to continuously improve on key responsible sourcing indicators. We expect our suppliers to share these Responsible Sourcing Standards with their suppliers so that our expectations and standards are known and implemented at multiple supplier tiers."
          Open source document
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Suppliers shall comply with local laws in the countries in which they operate, along with other  applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Where there is a gap between our requirements and  standards and the local laws, rules and regulations, the more stringent requirements and standards  apply...We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance. Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          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, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, etc.)?: External company mechanism

          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: No
          "Woolworths is committed to ensuring channels are provided through which adversely affected people or communities can raise complaints or concerns without fear of retaliation, intimidation, harassment, discrimination or victimisation. Woolworths provides a Speak Up service in 8 languages for our team members and direct suppliers (and their team members) as a mechanism by which responsible sourcing concerns can be raised anonymously. We are committed to working with our suppliers to ensure appropriate mechanisms are made available within their own supply chains...Supplier Speak Up: WoolworthsSpeakUp.ethicspoint.com". 
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/2
        • Report verified volumes of commodity
          100%
          6/6
          Report verified volumes of commodity
          100%
          6/6
          What is the certified volume?: 0 not specified

          What is the compliant volume?: 0 not specified

          What third-party verification is used?: FSC and PEFC

          What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 0 not specified

          For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: 100%
          "We are working towards sourcing all products and primary packaging from independently certified legal and sustainable sources with certified Chains of Custody to FSC or PEFC...100% of our own brand products containing over 5% paper, pulp and timber (for example own brand tissues, toilet paper and kitchen towels) have met our net-zero deforestation commitment of being manufactured from independently-certified sources"
          Open source document
        • Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
          Yes, commit to monitoring compliance with labour/worker rights
          2/4
          "Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard (Responsible Sourcing Standards). This may be in the form of a supplier selfassessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          3/4
          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not specified

          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems
          "We expect suppliers to respect and comply with the criteria set out in our Responsible Sourcing  Standards and develop the necessary tools and management systems to support this compliance.  Woolworths will verify compliance to the Standard. This may be in the form of a supplier self-assessment, requesting policies, procedures or records under our mutual recognition audit program, implementing a corrective action plan, or a site visit or a formal audit. Our verification and audit framework is built on recommended practises from recognised social compliance industry programs. The type of verification or audit request will be determined by the nature of the responsible sourcing risk. In the case of audits or site visits, best practice guidance recognises that different  circumstances require different approaches, from announced visits or audits as part of normal  commercial relationships, to semi-announced visits or audits within an agreed time window, to unannounced visits or audits...We  may conduct any of these directly or through a third party, and in such circumstances: Announced We will agree a date in advance...Unannounced We may conduct a visit at any time on an unannounced basis...Semi-Announced We may specify a time window in which a visit may take place". 
          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
          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: Yes

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: improvement plans

          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with responsible sourcing policy and standards
          "We are committed to working with our suppliers to implement improvement plans and help them achieve compliance."
          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
    8/20
    Avg. score
  • Reporting and Implementation
    17/50
    Avg. score
  • Social considerations
    5/18
    Avg. score

Profile

Woolworths is an Australian retailer with stores across Australia and New Zealand offering food products, general merchandise and a home improvement range. Globally it is one of the top 15 companies in the edible market, but it is also among the five largest in the APAC region. As a diverse retailer, Woolworths carries the risk of exposure to many forest risk commodities, predominantly palm oil and soy, but also timber, beef, leather and paper. Woolworths Group Ltd. 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 
Food retail, Furniture & flooring
Segments
Retailer
HQ
HQ 
Australia
Company Type
Company type 
Public listed
Collective Commitments
Consumer Goods Forum member
New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Woolworths, Countdown, Big W

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

Related articles and press coverage

PROMISES, PROMISES! Retail Soy Group supermarkets and Carrefour’s response

27 July 2022

The hidden human rights abuses linked to deforestation

26 July 2022

China's unique opportunity to tackle deforestation (this article is part of: Centre for Nature and Climate)

20 July 2022

Action on deforestation key to achieving net zero

29 June 2022

See all articlesSee all press coverage

More companies

Zhejiang Tongtianxing Group Joint-Stock Co Ltd
0%
Rioverde OOO
0%
SPAR International B.V.
3%
Total Enterprise Limited
0%
Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC
43%
TJX Companies
7%

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.