Climate

Recognition of Holistic Sustainability Management

Case Study 18

How EFPRA members formalise, certify, and communicate their commitment
to sustainable operations across the European animal-based food supply chain.

A Commitment to Safety, Security & Sustainability

The animal by-products processing industry is committed to driving safety, security, and sustainability in the European animal-based food supply chain in many ways. Acting sustainably is imperative for our companies from an environmental and ethical perspective, and many stakeholders — from employees and consumers to NGOs — would like to know how sustainability is implemented by our companies.

Management Systems in Practice

EFPRA members operate their production facilities in accordance with management systems to address the Environmental, Quality, Health, Safety and Energy management aspects of their activities. Many have accredited systems based on recognised international standards.

Making Sustainability Visible

To formalise their sustainability efforts and make them visible to stakeholders, EFPRA members use several providers of international, independent sustainability-based standards and certification. These frameworks provide a trusted, transparent means of communicating progress.

Environmental

Managing energy use, emissions, and resource efficiency across production facilities.

Quality & Safety

Upholding rigorous quality and health standards throughout the supply chain.

Social Responsibility

Ensuring ethical labour practices and human rights are respected at every level.

Energy Management

Driving continual improvement in energy performance and carbon reduction targets.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability Standards

"EFPRA members use several providers of international, independent sustainability-based standards and certification."

Audits are carried out by independent, accredited auditors against a range of indicators under the sustainability pillars of Environment, Economy and Social, in core subjects such as Labour & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.

Representative Evaluation

Audits undertake a representative evaluation of sustainability activities, and their ratings reflect the holistic approach to sustainability that EFPRA members take. Feedback identifies areas for continual improvement, guiding the ongoing sustainability journey.

Globally Recognised Standards

Thousands of companies around the world use these types of standards. Members choose those tailored or approved for sustainable management in similar businesses — including food, pharmaceutical raw materials, feed, energy and logistics.

Trusted Certification

These accreditations represent recognition of overall performance and provide a certification that is widely acknowledged and trusted. They offer the opportunity to transparently communicate the progress that members make year on year.

Recognised Sustainability Approvals

Many companies are proud to hold several recognised approvals covering different sustainability elements. These certifications span environmental performance, carbon neutrality, ethical sourcing, and social accountability.

EcoVadis Medal

A globally trusted sustainability rating covering environment, labour, ethics and sustainable procurement.

ZNU Standard

A recognised standard for sustainable management in the food and consumer goods sector.

Smeta / Sedex

A widely used ethical trade audit methodology assessing labour rights, health & safety, environment and business ethics.

BSI PAS 2060 Carbon Neutrality

The internationally recognised specification for demonstrating carbon neutrality across operations.

Science Based Targets Initiative

Commitment to emissions reduction targets aligned with climate science and the Paris Agreement.

ISCC

International Sustainability & Carbon Certification — a globally applicable system for sustainable biomass and bioenergy.

Next: Case Study 19