Sustainability and Ethics Policies

  • Home
  • Sustainability and Ethics Policies

Sustainability and Ethics Policies

We are committed to building a better future through sustainable and ethical practices. By minimizing our environmental footprint, promoting responsible sourcing, and fostering a culture of inclusion and fairness, we aim to create lasting positive impacts. Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Human Rights, and strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles ensures that we uphold the highest standards while empowering individuals and supporting communities.

Our ESG Policy DEI Policy Human Rights Policy

 

ESG POLICY

Introduction

Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited (Sunbeth) was established in 2017 as a trading company for commodities such as raw cocoa beans and cashew nuts. SGCL emanated from Sunny Owo Ventures Nigeria Limited, a long-standing cocoa sourcing company with over 20 years of business activities in Ondo State, Nigeria. From inception till date, we have exported over 150,000 metric tonnes of cocoa beans. Our cocoa beans are of high quality, and for decades, we have sourced only the best from our community of over two hundred and fifty (250) local buying agents and regional merchants in Ondo State, Oyo State, Ekiti State, Ogun State, Osun state, Edo, and Cross River State, Nigeria. Our vision is to be a leading food and multi-commodity service and solution provider in the global food and agriculture markets, by creating measurable and impactful sustainable, economic, social, and environmental value throughout the full value chain.

Sunbeth is dedicated to sustainable and ethical business practices. We recognize that our operations have a significant impact on the environment and society at large. We incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into all aspects of our operations in Nigeria, adhering to applicable regulations. This Policy therefore outlines our commitment and the steps we take to integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into our business practices to promote sustainability, ethical conduct, and transparency.

  1. Environmental Stewardship

1.1. Overview:

We understand that we have a responsibility to ensure that our operations within the cocoa sourcing industry have a minimal impact on the environment. As good stewards, we are committed to sustainable practices that protect and preserve natural resources for future generations. Our dedication to environmental responsibility is rooted in the belief that a healthy ecosystem is essential for the prosperity of our farmers, the quality of our products, and the well-being of our planet. As a result, we aim to contribute to global environmental sustainability and ensure the long-term viability of our supply chain.

1.2. Sustainable Sourcing:

We are dedicated to driving sustainable sourcing practices across our cocoa supply chain, as we believe that responsible sourcing is essential for the preservation of our environment and the prosperity of our communities. Cocoa and cashew farming, when done sustainably, can contribute significantly to preserving biodiversity and preventing deforestation. We therefore encourage our farmers to adopt sustainable practices fostering a healthy supply chain. Importantly, we are dedicated to sourcing 100% deforestation-free cocoa, ensuring full compliance with all relevant deforestation regulations.

1.3. Climate Action:

We aim to reduce our carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient practices and investing in renewable energy. We will track and report our greenhouse gas emissions and set targets for continuous improvement.

1.4. Waste Management:

In our operations, we employ a comprehensive waste reduction strategy. Promoting recycling, composting, and appropriate disposal methods for all waste products are part of this. We also utilize digital technologies for document storage, communication, and record-keeping, actively working toward paperless operations.

  1. Social Responsibility

2.1. Overview:

At Sunbeth, a deep commitment to social responsibility is at the core of our identity. We believe that people are the heart of our business, and we take pride in fostering an inclusive and supportive work culture. Our dedication extends beyond our workforce to the cocoa farmers and communities we source from, ensuring their well-being and prosperity. We strive to be an exemplary employer to our employees and a trusted partner to our farmers and their communities. By investing in education and community development, we aim to create positive, lasting impacts that resonate throughout our supply chain.

2.2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI):

Our policy prohibits discrimination based on a person's race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, handicap, and gender. This policy guarantees equal opportunities for all workers in terms of hiring, training, advancement, and pay. Our hiring practices are diverse, and we actively work to promote an inclusive culture through training programs on unconscious bias. Everyone should feel appreciated, respected, and free to share their special talents and viewpoints in the workplace, which is our goal. We keep a close eye on and conduct demographic analyses of our workforce to spot and close any possible gaps in inclusion and diversity.

2.3. Compensation and Benefits:

We recognize that attracting and retaining top talent begins with creating safe, motivating workplaces where employees feel appreciated. To this end, we provide competitive compensation and benefits to all our full-time employees. This includes paid annual leave, sick leave, pension contributions, and comprehensive health insurance.

2.4. Culture, Engagement and Growth:

We create dynamic and spirited work environments that celebrate innovation and teamwork at all levels. Each new employee receives a copy of our employee handbook that contains our core principles, a set of key operational guidelines and promises that we all strive to uphold daily. Our leadership promotes an open-door policy, encouraging transparency and open communication. Employees are encouraged to provide feedback during their annual performance reviews. We host regular employee appreciation and bonding events, such as our monthly “TGIF” activities and annual end-of-the-year and awards party to foster a sense of community and recognition. Additionally, we are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees, offering role-specific training, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive performance reviews to support their continuous improvement and career advancement.

2.5. Health and Safety:

We prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved in our operations. We maintain stringent health and safety standards to ensure a safe working environment for all. We adhere to robust health and safety protocols tailored to the peculiarities of our business. These standards are continuously updated to reflect industry best practices and regulatory requirements. We also invest in the continuous education of our workforce through regular seminars and safety training for employees.

2.6. Responsible Sourcing:

We are committed to upholding rigorous standards of social responsibility in our sourcing practices for our commodities suppliers. We conduct extensive due diligence to ensure that our suppliers adhere to ethical labor practices. This includes fair treatment of workers, ensuring just compensation, and promoting safe and healthy working environments. Our top priority is collaborating with suppliers who, in their own operations, show a strong commitment to resource responsibility and environmental sustainability. We proactively collaborate with our suppliers to encourage ongoing enhancements in social and environmental standards across the entire supply chain.

  1. Governance Integrity

3.1. Overview:

At Sunbeth, we recognize that good governance is fundamental to enhancing value for our shareholders and stakeholders alike. We uphold a strong governance framework that places a high value on accountability, openness, and moral behavior.

3.2. Corporate Governance:

At Sunbeth, we understand the vital importance of robust corporate governance practices in ensuring our long-term success. This is why our governance framework is anchored in Nigeria’s 2018 Code of Corporate Governance, which provides a comprehensive set of principles, processes, and practices. We are committed to fully complying with the Code and purposefully integrating its provisions into our governance framework. Our Board of Directors is structured to reflect the principles of independence, ensuring a balanced and optimal blend of expertise and experience necessary to effectively lead and direct our company's business and strategy. In line with the code, we also have the governance, nomination and remuneration committee, risk management and sustainability committee, audit committee, finance and strategy committee. The merging of risk management and sustainability is due to the peculiar nature of our organization and our understanding that sustainability concerns can pose a risk if they are not adequately managed. Through the collaborative efforts between the Board, Board Committees, and Management, we continuously enhance our processes, procedures, and systems. This proactive approach equips us to respond swiftly and decisively to crises and challenges that impact companies such as ours. Also in compliance with global best practices, we keep clear, accurate financial records and to guarantee the accuracy of our financial reporting, we regularly audit our records.

3.3. Data Privacy and Security:

At Sunbeth, we prioritize data privacy and security. We abide by all applicable data protection laws, such as the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). This guarantees that we handle personal data in a lawful and ethical manner. We put in place the proper organizational and technical safeguards to guard against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction of personal data. We inform people in a clear and open manner about the ways in which their data is gathered, utilized, and preserved. We also honor people's rights to view, update, or remove their personal information.

3.4. Whistleblowing:

Sunbeth keeps a confidential whistle-blower hotline open for staff members and other interested parties to report any suspected misconduct or policy violations. We value open communication and consider any issues that are brought to our attention.

3.5. Codes of Conduct:

We enforce an internal code of conduct that guides our employees in maintaining high ethical standards. Additionally, our supplier code of conduct ensures that our partners align with our values and adhere to responsible business practices.

Reporting and Review

Transparency and responsibility in Sunbeth’s performance are priorities. Our efforts to meet our ESG objectives are constantly tracked and reported on.

Reporting:

  • Our policy is subject to periodic review and updating to align with evolving business needs, regulatory frameworks, and optimal ESG practices.
  • As required by stakeholders and industry norms, we monitor and report on important ESG metrics. A few examples of these metrics are energy use, waste production, diversity among employees, involvement in the community, and ethical sourcing.
  • Our annual ESG report will provide a clear and concise overview of our accomplishments, difficulties, and future goals. In addition to being distributed to pertinent parties, this report will be made publicly accessible on our website.

Review:

  • Sunbeth regularly evaluates its ESG performance overall as well as the efficacy of this policy internally. This could entail benchmarking against top industry players, data analysis, and employee surveys.
  • We adjust our ESG strategy and practices as needed, identifying areas for improvement considering the review's findings.
  • Our goal is to lead sustainable business practices in Nigeria, and we are dedicated to ever improving ourselves.

Responsibilities

Sunbeth promotes a culture of shared accountability to integrate ESG.

Employees:

  • It is the duty of every Sunbeth employee to comprehend and abide by this policy in the course of their work. This entails being conscious of our ESG obligations and goals and incorporating them into decision-making procedures wherever practical.
  • Employee involvement in ESG projects, reporting of any possible social or environmental issues, and recommendations for enhancing our ESG performance are all encouraged.

Management:

  • The management of Sunbeth oversees carrying out this policy and assessing its efficacy. Setting specific ESG objectives, assigning funds, and giving staff members continuous instruction and direction on ESG best practices are all part of this.
  • Management oversees maintaining open lines of communication and responding to any employee concerns about ESG practices.

Board of Directors:

  • Sunbeth's ESG performance is ultimately under the control of the Board of Directors. This entails monitoring progress reports, approving ESG policies and objectives, and providing strategic direction and oversight for ESG initiatives.
  • The Board is also in charge of making sure Sunbeth complies with all applicable Nigerian legal requirements, such as those pertaining to corporate governance, social responsibility, and the environment.

Conclusion

Strong ESG performance, in the opinion of Sunbeth, is crucial for long-term corporate success as well as a just and healthy environment. With respect to the Nigerian regulatory framework, this policy shows our dedication to incorporating ESG factors into our fundamental decision-making and operations. To create a more sustainable future, we work with stakeholders to be a leader in sustainable business practices and are committed to constant improvement.

 

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy
1.  Purpose

Sunbeth Global is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that reflects the global community we serve. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and performance. Our commitment is to create a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, or background, feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our collective success. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring that all employees, regardless of their background, are treated with dignity and respect, and have equal opportunities to succeed. This DEI policy outlines our commitment to:

  • Promote diversity across all levels of the organization, including leadership and the
  • Ensure equity in opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for all
  • Create an inclusive environment where differences are recognized, valued, and harnessed to achieve organizational goals.
2.  Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and business partners of Sunbeth Global and its subsidiaries, across all locations and levels within the organization.

3.  Policy Statement

Sunbeth Global is dedicated to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, and inclusion is practiced. We are committed to:

  • Diversity: Actively seeking and valuing diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, including but not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and veteran
  • Equity: Ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all employees, and actively working to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized
  • Inclusion: Fostering a culture of belonging where every individual feels valued, respected, and able to contribute to their full Creating a culture where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
4.  Key Commitments (DEI Targets)
  • Recruitment and Hiring
    • Implement inclusive hiring practices to attract diverse
    • Partner with employment agencies supporting People with Disabilities (PWD) to ensure representation in our talent
    • Regularly review job descriptions to eliminate bias and ensure
    • Ensure that recruitment platforms and processes are accessible to individuals with various disabilities
4.2.  Employee Development and Retention
  • Provide equal access to training and professional development
  • Establish mentorship and sponsorship programs to support the career growth of underrepresented
  • Regularly review promotion practices to ensure fairness and
4.3.  Supplier Diversity
  • Implement a Supplier Diversity Program that prioritizes partnerships with diverse suppliers, including those owned by women, minorities, and people with
  • Establish clear targets for increasing the percentage of spend with diverse
  • Develop criteria for identifying diverse
  • Establish a certification process in collaboration with recognized external bodies
4.4.  Inclusive Work Environment
  • Promote flexible working arrangements to accommodate diverse needs, including those of parents, caregivers, and individuals with
  • Ensure all workplace facilities and digital platforms are accessible to all
  • Provide reasonable accommodations to employees with
4.5.  Data Collection and Reporting
  • Collect and analyze employee demographic data to track progress toward DEI
  • Ensure data collection processes are transparent, secure, and
  • Conduct DEI surveys that assess employee perceptions and
  • Utilize survey results to gauge progress and inform future DEI
  • Report on DEI progress to all stakeholders
4.6.  Partnerships and Community Engagement
  • Collaborate with organizations and agencies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the broader community.
  • Participate in initiatives that support the employment and empowerment of marginalized
4.7. Gender Representation:
  • Set specific targets for gender representation at all levels, including the
  • Aim for gender parity in leadership
  • Regularly review and report on progress towards gender representation
5.  Roles and Responsibilities
  • Management
    • Lead by example in promoting DEI within the
    • Ensure accountability for DEI initiatives by setting and monitoring DEI
    • Provide the necessary resources to implement and sustain DEI
5.2.  Human Resources (HR)
  • Develop and implement DEI training programs for all
  • Regularly review and update DEI policies to ensure they remain relevant and
  • Support managers in addressing DEI-related issues within their
5.3.  All Employees
  • Actively contribute to creating an inclusive and respectful
  • Participate in DEI training and
  • Report any incidents of discrimination, harassment, or bias through the appropriate
6.  Reporting and Accountability

Sunbeth Global is committed to transparency and accountability in our DEI efforts. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns related to discrimination, harassment, or bias. Reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with confidentiality.

  • Hold leadership and management accountable for achieving DEI
  • Incorporate DEI performance into annual reviews for all
7.  Continuous Improvement

We recognize that DEI is an ongoing journey. Sunbeth Global will regularly review and update this policy to reflect our evolving understanding of best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will also seek feedback from employees and other stakeholders to continually improve our DEI initiatives.

  • Regularly monitor the implementation of this policy and make necessary
  • Provide annual reports on DEI progress to stakeholders
8.  Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the HR department and updated as necessary to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with the company's goals.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Procedure
1.  Implementation
  • Training:
    • Provide DEI training for all employees, with specialized sessions for leadership and
    • Include unconscious bias training as part of the onboarding
·        Communication:
  • Regularly communicate DEI initiatives and progress to all
  • Encourage open dialogue and feedback on DEI
2.  Reporting Mechanisms
  • Grievance Procedures:
    • Establish clear procedures for reporting discrimination, harassment, or any DEI-related concerns.
    • Ensure that reports are handled confidentially and with
·        Feedback Channels:
  • Create multiple channels for employees to provide feedback on DEI
  • Regularly review and act on this feedback to improve DEI
3.  Review and Update
  • Annual Review:
    • Conduct an annual review of the DEI policy and
    • Update the policy as needed based on feedback, data, and changes in legal or industry standards.
·        External Audits:
  • Consider external audits to assess the effectiveness of DEI initiatives and identify areas for

 

 

Introduction

At Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited (‘Sunbeth’), we are committed to upholding and promoting human rights in all aspects of our operations. We recognize our responsibility to respect human rights as articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Nigeria Labour Act, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other relevant national laws.

We understand the position we hold in the supply chain and are committed to managing our impact on human rights across all aspects of our operations and supply chain.

Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines our commitment to human rights within our operations and supply chain. We expect our suppliers and business partners to adhere to these principles and strongly encourage them to implement similar policies within their own operations.

Relevant Human Right Issues

While our approach to human rights is guided by relevant local and international regulations, we have a focus on specific issues that are most relevant to our industry.

These issues include:

  1. Health and Safety
  2. Workers’ Rights
  3. Forced Labour
  4. Child Labour
  5. Women Empowerment

 

Health and Safety

We prioritize the health and safety of everyone who works with us. We strive to create a safe environment where everyone feels protected and valued. We continuously monitor and improve our safety protocols, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational hazards. Our dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is a reflection of our commitment to human rights. At Sunbeth, our employees and suppliers are committed to:

  • Operating all aspects of our business in a way that protects the safety and health of employees, contractors, customers, and the general public.
  • Providing and utilizing the resources necessary to maintain safe and healthy work environments.
  • Identifying and taking reasonable measures to eliminate or mitigate potential workplace hazards.
  • Offering safety information to all employees to educate, train, and protect them from workplace safety hazards.
  • Ensuring all employees are trained and empowered to halt work whenever unsafe conditions or behaviors are observed, until the job can be completed
  • Taking action to prevent acts of violence, threats, and physical intimidation in the workplace.

 

Workers’ Rights
Non-Discrimination

We maintain an inclusive and respectful work environment where every individual is treated with dignity and fairness. In our company, we do not tolerate discrimination of any kind based on ethnicity, race, gender, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, or any other characteristic. We value diversity and believe that our differences make us stronger.

Fair Wages

Sunbeth is committed to providing fair and competitive wages to all employees. We ensure that compensation reflects the value of the work performed, aligns with or exceeds

local wage standards, and supports the well-being of our employees and their families. We believe that fair wages are essential to fostering a motivated and dedicated workforce, and we regularly review our pay practices to maintain equity and fairness across all roles within our company.

 

Working Hours

We are committed to ensuring that our employees work within reasonable hours designed to promote a healthy work-life balance, complying with local labor laws and industry standards. We ensure that all employees receive adequate rest periods, including breaks during the workday and time off between shifts. Overtime is compensated fairly, in accordance with legal requirements. We are aware that respecting our employees' time is crucial to maintaining their well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Freedom of Association

We respect and uphold the right of all employees to freely associate and join or form organizations of their choice, including labor unions, without fear of retaliation or discrimination. We are committed to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with employee representatives and fostering a workplace environment where collective bargaining and the peaceful resolution of workplace issues are supported.

Forced Labour

We strictly prohibit all forms of forced labor, bonded labor, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chain. We do not tolerate any form of forced labor—including prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor, or modern slavery—in our operations or supply chain. We are committed to eliminating all forms of forced labor in our operations and our supply chain through the following actions:

  • Recruiting Responsibly: Workers should not be required to pay any recruitment or similar fees to obtain employment. Recruitment costs is covered by the
  • Respecting Employment Terms and Conditions Transparently: Employment terms and conditions are communicated to employees in a language they understand; with any changes clearly Employees are able to terminate employment with reasonable notice, and migrant or temporary foreign employees are treated and protected equally.
  • Ensuring Freedom of Movement: Employees have the freedom to move about without restriction or coercion from their employer. They must be protected from any form of abuse, physical force, or threats of violence or retaliation. Employees must retain control over their personal identification documents and other valuable

We recognize the importance of collaborating with our suppliers to develop supply chains that uphold people’s rights and human dignity. Sunbeth’s Supplier Code outlines our expectations for sourcing raw materials, products, and services in an ethical, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable manner. Suppliers found to be intentionally violating human rights will face penalties, including suspension.

Child Labor

Child labor in certain parts of our supply chain remains a serious issue. We are committed to eliminating illegal, unsafe, and unacceptable labor practices. We adhere to all relevant local and international regulations concerning children's rights and child labor. We will ensure that no underage or child labor is employed in any part of our business operations. We expect the same commitment from our suppliers and partners, requiring them to comply with our strict child labor policies. We actively monitor and audit our supply chain and where child labor is identified, we take immediate action to remediate the situation in a manner that prioritizes the welfare and education of the child.

Women Empowerment

We are committed to promoting and supporting women’s empowerment across all levels of our operations and throughout our supply chain. We actively strive to create an inclusive environment where women are provided with equal opportunities for employment, leadership roles, and professional development.

In our operations, we ensure that women are given the resources, training, and support they need to thrive and succeed in their careers. We also introduce initiatives that promote gender equality, protect women’s rights, and foster a safe and respectful workplace for all.

Within our supply chain, we work closely with our suppliers to encourage and support the empowerment of women in the communities where we operate. This includes promoting women’s participation in the cocoa industry, ensuring fair compensation, and providing access to training and resources that enhance their economic independence and well-being.

Our commitment to women’s empowerment is central to our broader goals of social responsibility, equality, and sustainable development.

Privacy and Data Protection

We respect the privacy of our employees, customers, and other stakeholders. We are committed to protecting personal data and ensuring it is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

Implementation and Monitoring
Policy Integration

This Human Rights Policy is integrated into all relevant business processes and practices. Training and awareness programs are provided to ensure all employees understand and adhere to our human rights commitments.

Due Diligence

We conduct regular human rights due diligence to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for potential and actual human rights impacts. This includes assessments of our operations, supply chain, and business partners.

Grievance Mechanisms

We value feedback and input from stakeholders as they are crucial for driving improvements, best practices, and increasing transparency in our supply chains. To facilitate this, we have established grievance mechanisms that allow employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to confidentially raise concerns about human rights violations without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be reported through the following means:

Reporting and Accountability

We are dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of human rights among our employees, workers, and suppliers. We encourage everyone to voice their concerns and report issues without fear of retaliation. We consistently report on our performance and progress regarding human rights, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and accountability in our practices.

Continuous Improvement

We continuously review and improve our human rights policies and practices based on feedback from stakeholders, emerging best practices, and changes in the legal and regulatory environment.

Governance
Responsibility

The implementation of this Human Rights Policy is the joint responsibility of the Sustainability Department and the Human Resources Department. The management of Sunbeth is responsible for overseeing compliance with this policy.

Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited is dedicated to promoting and respecting human rights throughout our operations. We believe that upholding human rights is not only a moral obligation but also essential for the sustainable success of our business. We are committed to working with our stakeholders to create a positive impact on society and contribute to the global advancement of human rights.