ESG Policy

ESG stands for Environment (the environment), Social (people and society), and Governance (good governance). These are the three main criteria for measuring sustainability and thus form the foundation of sustainable and responsible business practices.

Objectives and Responsibilities Within the Food Value Chain

At Rungis, we recognize that there is still much to be gained in our world of fruits and vegetables. Particularly in terms of sustainability and social responsibility, we—together with our customers, suppliers, and everyone involved in our supply chain—can make a positive impact. Our goal is to become an even healthier, more sustainable, and socially engaged organization while taking full responsibility for our role.

Rungis has developed policies and set objectives to exert structured and measurable influence on people, our products, and the planet. We are fully aware of our responsibilities within the food value chain. We supply products and services to our customers and all other stakeholders in our value chain. We continuously work on assessing risks in our supply chain. Every day, we strive to meet all our legal, regulatory, and ethical obligations, including those related to the environment, society, health, and safety.

To achieve Rungis’ objectives, we engage in partnerships and promote food education to encourage sustainable choices. In addition to implementing policies related to the environment, people, society, and good governance, we also rely on external audits and certification systems.

Certification Systems

To effectively ensure safety, health, and environmental care, Rungis utilizes certification systems. External audits assess certifications such as Skal, ISO 22000, and Ecovadis, which demonstrably contribute to upholding Rungis’ policies and achieving its established objectives.

EcoVadis

Sustainability Assessment

The EcoVadis platform helps Rungis manage ESG risks and compliance, achieve sustainability goals, and create impact by improving both its own sustainability performance and that of the value chain. In July 2024, Rungis received a Committed Badge for the EcoVadis sustainability assessment, which evaluates performance in the areas of environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

https://ecovadis.com/nl/

Skal Biocontrole

Certification of the Organic Chain

Skal Biocontrole is an independent organization that oversees the organic chain in the Netherlands. Rungis is audited and certified annually. These inspections contribute to obtaining a reliable European organic certification. This ensures that products are sustainably produced in accordance with the requirements for organic farming.

https://www.skal.nl/

ISO 22000

International Food Safety and ESG Certification

ISO 22000 is an international standard designed to ensure food safety throughout the entire supply chain. Aspects of ESG policy increasingly play a role in the ISO 22000 certification. Rungis undergoes an external audit annually, with the ISO 22000 certification as the outcome. This certification ensures that Rungis adheres to stringent food safety standards while integrating sustainable and responsible practices in its operations.

https://www.dnv.nl/certificering/iso-22000/

EcoVadis helps Rungis manage ESG risks and achieve objectives.

ESG Policy as a Broad Movement

With the environment, people and society, and good governance as the three main criteria for measuring sustainability, and thus the foundation of sustainable and responsible business, a broad vision and a wide range of actions are required.

For many years, Rungis has been committed to sustainable food education, social responsibility, forming partnerships, and ensuring food safety. The following subtopics illustrate the measures and activities Rungis undertakes in these areas.