Ecosystem conversion and restoration
The company lacks transparency in disclosing its efforts to minimize ecosystem conversion. Although they have set a clear goal of achieving a deforestation and conversion-free soy supply chain in Latin America’s sensitive regions by 2030, their plan to achieve this target lacks clarity in terms of actions, resources, and key performance indicators. Additionally, the company does not express a commitment to minimizing ecosystem conversion in general.
Furthermore, the company’s commitments to achieving deforestation and conversion-free soy supply chains only apply to specific regions and biomes, rather than encompassing all high-risk commodities or material realms. This selective approach limits the company’s overall impact in addressing ecosystem conversion.
Moreover, the company does not demonstrate a steadfast commitment to ecosystem restoration. They do not disclose any information regarding their efforts or outcomes in restoring ecosystems affected by their operations or those of their suppliers. This lack of transparency raises concerns about their dedication to mitigating the ecological impact caused by their business activities.
GHG emissions
The company’s subsidiary, COFCO International, discloses that its scope 1 emissions have been reduced and its scope 2 emissions have increased over time. However, the company should set time-bound, parental level targets to reduce its scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions as well as report progress against them. Crucially, the company needs to reduce its scope 1,2 and 3 emissions and its targets need to align with a 1.5-degree trajectory.
Impact and dependencies assessment
The company’s subsidiary, COFCO International, states that it focuses on promoting biodiversity and protecting nature, including ongoing monitoring of fauna and flora. However, this information is not disclosed at the parent company level, and there’s no evidence that the company assesses its broader impacts on nature, including biodiversity. The company has not disclosed any assessments related to the impact on nature or biodiversity in its supply chain, its own dependencies on nature, or the dependencies on nature of its upstream business relationships.
Invasive species
The company has not identified any activities that could lead to the introduction of invasive alien species in its own operations.
Key areas and species
The company has an opportunity to disclose locations within or adjacent to areas important for biodiversity, both in its own operations and its supplier locations. It could also disclose existing species populations existing in or adjacent to both its own and its suppliers’ locations, as well as the conservation status of species identified at its own sites according to national and international lists.
Resource exploitation and circularity performance
The company does not disclose its inputs, including its material footprint. Additionally, it does not report quantitatively on its group-wide circularity performance. Although the company discloses that it enhances soil fertility, it is recommended that further details about the actions performed to accomplish this be provided. Furthermore, the company has the opportunity to disclose a target for improving soil health in its production or sourcing practices and report on its progress towards achieving it.
Solid and air pollution
The company does not disclose relevant information related to pollution in its operations or supply chains.
Water
The company has an opportunity to further improve water withdrawal by setting a time-bound target, disclosing water withdrawals in water-stressed areas, and engaging with suppliers. The company does not disclose relevant information on water pollution or rights to water in its operations or supply chains.
