Our coffee suppliers, Redemption Roasters, are a great partner for us as they strongly believe in doing business with integrity – and in turn they expect their coffee suppliers to share a commitment to ethical practices. There are several values principles and standards to be upheld.
First and foremost, suppliers must comply with all local and national laws, rules, and regulations that apply to their products and services. This includes following the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Core Conventions. By doing so, dedication is shown to doing business ethically and legally.
Our suppliers are expected to ensure that no one under their country’s legal working age is involved in producing or distributing goods and services to us. Every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation.
Forced labour also has no place in our supply chain. Practices like slavery, bonded labour, or human trafficking are forbidden. Workers should never be forced to work under threat or coercion. Suppliers are also discouraged from holding workers’ identification documents as a condition of employment.
Respecting workers’ rights is crucial. Workers should have freedom to associate or not associate with any trade group, as allowed by the relevant laws. Even if national laws limit these rights, suppliers are encouraged to find alternative ways for workers to freely associate.
Equality and inclusivity matter greatly and suppliers are expected to promote a work environment where everyone has equal opportunities, with no discrimination or harassment of any kind.
It’s important that workers are fairly rewarded for their contributions, and suppliers must adhere to the applicable legal requirements regarding wages and benefits. Exceedence of these minimums is also supported.
The safety and well-being of workers are paramount and suppliers are expected to provide safe and clean working conditions. Occupational health and safety standards must be met, ensuring the well-being of workers in both working and residential facilities.
Suppliers are expected to have procedures in place to understand, measure, and manage the environmental impacts associated with their goods and services. Sustainable practices that minimize harm to the environment are encouraged.
Upholding ethical business practices is essential for maintaining trust and transparency. Suppliers must comply with all relevant laws and industry codes regarding government procurement, conflicts of interest, corruption, and bribery.
To ensure worker welfare, suppliers are asked to establish grievance mechanisms that are transparent and easily accessible. Workers should have a way to voice their concerns anonymously if needed. Clear disciplinary procedures must be in place, and all disciplinary matters should be handled in a lawful manner.
By embracing these ethical principles, the coffee supply chain can work together to create a responsible and sustainable process that benefits everyone involved.