This GRI Index corresponds to Bunge's sustainability content and data provided for the period between January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018. The web-based GRI report is prepared in accordance with GRI Standards, Core Option, and refers to publicly available information sourced from the Bunge website as well as external reports such as the company's U.S. SEC filings (10-k and associated proxy statements). We report annually on sustainability topics that were identified through the most recent materiality assessment and are what we believe the topics that best represent Bunge's economic, environmental and social performance.?
GRI 102-16, GRI 102-17, GRI 103-2
General Disclosures |
Report Section |
|
|
Organizational Profile |
||
|
102-1 |
Name of the organization |
Bunge Limited |
|
102-2 |
Activities, brands, products, services |
|
|
102-3 |
Location of headquarters |
White Plains, New York, USA |
|
102-4 |
Location of operations |
|
|
102-5 |
Ownership and legal form |
Limited Liability Company formed under the laws of Bermuda. We are registered with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda under registration number EC20791. The company is registered at New York Stock Exchange as BG. |
|
102-6 |
Markets served |
About Us?? |
|
102-7 |
Scale of the organization |
|
|
102-8 |
Information on employees and other workers |
|
|
102-9 |
Supply chain |
|
|
102-10 |
Significant changes to the organization and supply chain |
In March 2018 we announced the acquisition of 70% ownership Loders Croklaan |
|
102-11 |
Precautionary principle or approach |
Bunge has policies in place to reduce or avoid negative impacts on the environment where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage. See also our 10-k, and the sections on Assessing and Managing Water Risk and Managing Climate Risk within this report. |
|
102-12 |
External initiatives |
|
|
102-13 |
Membership of associations |
|
|
Strategy |
||
|
102-14 |
Statement from senior decision-maker |
|
|
102-15 |
Key impacts, risks, and opportunities |
|
|
Ethics and Integrity |
||
|
102-16 |
Values, principles, standards and norms of behavior |
See Code of Conduct |
|
102-17 |
Mechanisms for advice and concerns about ethics |
Code of Conduct While individuals are encouraged to identify themselves when reporting any issue related to our Code of Conduct, anonymous reports are accepted where local law allows. Bunge promptly responds to all reports of misconduct, and takes remedial action on all substantiated cases. Reported allegations are grouped into the following categories:
In 2018, 545 cases were reported through various channels including hotline calls, website submittals, and through management.? |
|
Governance |
||
|
102-18 |
Governance structure |
|
|
102-19 |
Delegating authority |
|
|
102-20 |
Executive-level responsibility for economic, environmental, and social topics |
|
|
102-21 |
Consulting stakeholders on economic, environmental, and social topics |
Materiality and Stakeholder Engagement,?Global Forums and Debates |
|
102-22 |
Composition of the highest governance body and its committees |
|
|
102-33 |
Communicating critical concerns |
|
|
Stakeholder Engagement |
||
|
102-40 |
List of stakeholder groups |
|
|
102-41 |
Collective bargaining agreements |
|
|
102-42 |
Identifying and selecting stakeholders |
|
|
102-43 |
Approach to stakeholder engagement |
Materiality and Stakeholder Engagement; Global Forums and Debates; Government Relations; Public Policy Advocacy |
|
102-44 |
Key topics and concerns raised |
Materiality and Stakeholder Engagement; UN SDG 17 |
|
Reporting Practice |
||
|
102-45 |
Entities included in the consolidated financial statements |
This report consolidates information from our subsidiary companies. All information is in our full financial report. |
|
102-46 |
Defining report content and topic boundaries |
|
|
102-47 |
List of material topics |
|
|
102-48 |
Restatements of information |
none |
|
102-49 |
Changes in reporting |
none |
|
102-50 |
Reporting period |
Calendar year 2018 |
|
102-51 |
Date of most recent report |
2018 |
|
102-52 |
Reporting cycle |
Bunge considers that the reporting cycle according to GRI standards will be annual. |
|
102-53 |
Contact point for questions regarding the report |
Any questions or comments about this report may be addressed to: sustainability@bunge.com |
|
102-54 |
Claims of reporting in accordance with GRI Standards |
This report has been prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards: Core option |
|
102-55 |
GRI content index |
GRI Index |
|
102-56 |
External assurance |
For the current report, the Company decided not to seek external assurance, considering the?complexity of operations in different countries where Bunge operates. The option to include external assurance will be considered for the next report, depending on stakeholder feedback. |
|
Management Approach |
||
|
103 |
Management Approach |
See table in Materiality and Stakeholder Engagement for location of management approaches for each material topic. |
|
103-2 |
The management approach and its components |
Sustainability requirements are becoming increasingly demanding in our market, and food and agribusiness suppliers such as Bunge are asked to meet a range of criteria across multiple stakeholder groups. Bunge’s sustainability performance is usually vetted by our customers, by sector roundtables and criteria, and by NGOs. In addition, our operating companies may be audited by customers from time to time and are also subject to other third-party audits related to product quality and sustainability criteria, depending on market needs. During 2018?there were no records of non-compliance with customer standards. Several of Bunge units are also certified by SEDEX, increasing the interaction and transparency with global customers. SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring ethical performance throughout all value chains. This organization, through its SMETA audit (SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit), allows buyers to approach sustainable sellers in order to generate ethical business relationships and product safety, focusing the needs of the increasingly diversified and demanding global markets. In 2018, there were no material findings as a result of these reviews. |
Material Disclosures |
Report Section |
|
|
Economic Performance |
||
|
201-1 |
Direct economic value generated and distributed |
|
|
201-2 |
Climate change financial implications |
|
|
Energy |
||
|
302-1 |
Energy consumption within the organization |
|
|
302-2 |
Energy consumption outside of the organization |
|
|
302-3 |
Energy intensity |
|
|
302-4 |
Reduction of energy consumption |
|
|
Water |
||
|
303-1 |
Water withdrawal by source |
|
|
303-2 |
Water sources significantly affected |
|
|
303-3 |
Water recycled and reused |
|
|
Biodiversity |
||
|
304-1 |
Sites near areas of high biodiversity value |
|
|
304-2 |
Impacts on biodiversity |
|
|
304-3 |
Habitats protected or restored |
|
|
Emissions |
||
|
305-1 |
Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions |
|
|
305-2 |
Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions |
|
| 305-3 | Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions | Climate; Emissions and Energy Data |
|
305-4 |
GHG emissions intensity |
|
|
305-5 |
Reduction of GHG emissions |
|
|
Effluents and Waste |
||
|
306-1 |
Water discharge by quality and destination |
|
|
306-2 |
Waste by type and disposal method |
|
|
306-4 |
Transport of Hazardous Waste |
|
|
Employment |
||
|
401-1 |
New employee hires and employee turnover |
|
|
Occupational Health and Safety |
||
|
403-1 |
Worker health and safety committees |
|
|
403-2 |
Injury and absenteeism rates |
|
|
Training and Education |
||
|
404-1 |
Average hours of training per year per employee |
|
|
404-2 |
Programs for upgrading employee skills |
|
|
404-3 |
Performance and career development reviews |
|
|
Diversity and Equal Opportunity |
||
|
405-1 |
Diversity of governance bodies and employees |
|
|
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining |
||
|
407-1 |
Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk |
|
|
Child Labor |
||
|
408-1 |
Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor |
|
|
Forced or Compulsory Labor |
||
|
409-1 |
Operations and suppliers with risks for forced labor |
|
|
Human Rights Assessment |
||
|
412-1 |
Operations that have been subject to human rights reviews or impact assessments |
|
|
412-2 |
Employee training on human rights policies or procedures |
|
|
Local Communities |
||
|
413-1 |
Local community engagement |
|
|
Supplier Social Assessment |
||
|
414-1 |
New suppliers that were screened using social criteria |
|
|
414-2 |
Negative social impacts in the supply chain and actions taken |
|
|
Customer Health and Safety |
||
|
416-1 |
Assessment of health and safety impacts |
|
|
416-2 |
Incidents of non-compliance concerning the health and safety impacts of products and services |
|
|
Marketing and Labeling |
||
|
417-1 |
Requirements for product and service information and labeling |
|
?
Product Quality, Safety and Nutrition
Product Quality & Safety
Throughout our value chains, we adhere to leading standards for product quality and safety. We help ensure our products’ quality and safety through several means, including:
- Traceability on multiple levels for our raw material
- Product safety and quality certifications in place for several operating sites (GMP, HACCP, ISO 9001-2008, ISO 14000, OHSAS 18001, FSSC 22000)
- Adherence to regulations
- Label-approval verifications where applicable
Like the global agribusiness and food industry as a whole, we are focused on the complex, extensive and ongoing process of eliminating contaminants from the value chain. During this reporting period, Bunge had no issues of regulatory non-compliance concerning product quality and safety.
GRI 102-2, GRI 103-2, GRI 416-1, GRI 416-2, GRI 417-1
Nutrition
Nutritious food supports human health, which is the basis of human well-being and development. Grains and oilseeds, specifically, account for more than 50 percent of the available calories in the global food supply today. Bunge enhances the nutritional profile of diets around the world with our oilseeds and grains and through the fortified foods we produce.
Nutritious Oils & Grains
Soybean, canola, rapeseed and sunflower oils are among the richest dietary sources of polyunsaturated fat and omega-3 and omega-6 fats, all of which have known health benefits. Whole grains are rich in fiber, which is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease. Whole grains also provide minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc, as well as B vitamins. Gluten-free grains, such as quinoa, millet and sorghum are a good source of nutrients. Bunge is a leading company in the global trade of grains, providing nutritious raw materials around the world.
Making Nutrition Available Globally
With an integrated value chain that stretches from farm to fork, Bunge is well positioned to deliver safe, affordable and nutritious grains and oilseeds around the world. Our fortified margarines, enriched oils and omega-3 blends supply nutrients and other benefits that are needed for human health and that reduce disease risks.
Healthier Diets for Children
In Argentina, 6 out of 10 children live in poverty, resulting in malnutrition, obesity and a lack of healthy living conditions. Since 2010, Bunge in Argentina has been committed to improving children’s health and access to healthy diets in the communities where it operates, aligning itself with two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: #2: Zero Hunger and #3: Good Health and Wellbeing.
Bunge, along with several prestigious local NGOs and public organizations, developed nine CSR programs that were implemented in seven communities. Each implementation required an open and coordinated dialogue with many public actors including city halls, government ministries, hospitals and schools, among others. The main goal was to provide the communities with both the knowledge and tools to address childhood malnutrition, obesity and health. Bunge continues to partner with these communities, developing their tailored programs and enabling them to progress towards their goals. Bunge’s most significant programs include the following: Learning How to Eat at Kinder, Teacher’s Nutrition Seminars and Good Nutritional Practices. The measurable achievements for 2017-2018 were:
- More than 100 teachers trained
- More than 30 urban and rural schools participated
- 2 hospitals involved
- More than 1,500 children from 0 to 12 years old benefited
- More than 410 persons received medical treatment
- 6 research studies carried out, resulting in the release of 4 papers
- A recognition from Avia Terai City Hall
- Support from 7 City Halls
- An organic garden and a traveler recipe book
?
?
Waste
Waste Data
Landfills are a major public health and environmental concern for several reasons, including that compacted organic material in landfills releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, and that toxins in discarded waste can leach into soil and groundwater. Bunge is committed to a future of zero waste sent to landfills as well as to reaching a 100 percent waste-recycling rate at our factories.
As part of our new environmental goals for 2016 and beyond, we have approved new waste reduction and recycling targets and are developing programs to achieve them. We’re seeking to reduce the amount of waste we generate by 20%, per ton of production, by the end of 2026.
GRI 103-2
2018 Non-hazardous Waste (in metric tons)
|
Waste Disposition |
Amount |
|
Landfill disposal |
37,532 |
|
Composting |
19,350 |
|
Land farming |
5,361 |
|
Physical or chemical treatment |
4,038 |
|
Incineration — without energy recovery |
231 |
|
Incineration — with energy recovery |
7,645 |
|
Fertilizer |
27,854 |
|
Biogas production |
35,656 |
|
Recovery |
35,733 |
|
Reuse |
22,738 |
|
Recycling |
54,816 |
|
On-site storage |
1,063 |
|
Another treatment |
2,558 |
|
Total non-hazardous wastes |
254,575 |
| Total non-hazardous wastes (2017) | 230,374 |
?
2018 Hazardous Waste (in metric tons)
|
Waste Disposition |
Amount |
|
Incineration |
308 |
|
Hazardous landfill disposal |
1,210 |
|
Recycling |
4,467 |
|
Recovery |
7,388 |
|
Reuse |
658 |
|
Land farming |
0 |
|
On-site storage |
87 |
|
Total hazardous wastes |
14,118 |
|
Total hazardous wastes (2017) |
12,103 |
|
Total weight of waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) |
268,693 |
|
Total weight of waste Hazardous and non-hazardous (2017) |
242,476 |
GRI 306-2, GRI 306-4
?
?
Emissions
Emissions and Energy Data
2018 Scope 1 & 2 GHG Emissions
|
Direct (Scope 1) emissions from fuel use in facilities |
1,666,056 |
|
Indirect (Scope 2) emissions from purchased energy |
1,600,008 |
|
Biogenic CO2 emissions |
5,550,386 |
GRI 102-8, GRI 401-1, GRI 405-1
GHG Emissions 2015-2017
|
? |
2015 |
2016 | 2017 |
|
Direct (Scope 1) emissions |
1,694,967 |
1,663,890 | 1,722,634 |
|
Indirect (Scope 2) emissions |
1,729,080 |
1,726,566 | 1,549,444 |
Energy Consumption
|
Direct Energy (in gigajoules, GJ) |
|
| Non-renewable sources (38%) | |
|
Natural gas |
26,660,056 |
|
Gasoline |
4,535 |
|
Light oil |
25,647 |
|
Diesel |
220,116 |
|
Fuel oil/heavy oil |
20,920 |
|
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) |
208,848 |
| Coal | 2,120,866 |
| Renewable sources (62%) | |
|
Wood or wood waste |
5,834,658 |
|
Seed hulls |
4,449,456 |
|
Other primary solid biomass |
2,087,897 |
|
Sugar cane waste |
35,216,002 |
|
Total direct energy consumption |
76,849,000 |
|
Total direct consumption (2017) |
79,441,726 |
|
Indirect Energy (in megawatt-hours, MWh) |
|
|
Total electricity consumption purchased |
2,181,577 |
|
Purchased steam |
1,020,657 |
|
Total indirect energy consumption |
3,202,252 |
|
Total indirect consumption (2017) |
3,277,371 |
|
Electricity sold |
722,509 |
| % of consumed energy from the grid | 65% |
GRI 302-1, GRI 302-2
2018 Scope 3 GHG Emissions (in Metric Tons)
|
Emissions Category |
Total Emissions |
% of Total |
|
Purchased goods and services |
42,973,908 |
42.38% |
|
Capital goods |
5,550,386 |
0.10% |
|
Fuel and energy-related activities |
1,770.069 |
1.75% |
|
Upstream transportation and distribution |
6,036,300 |
5.95% |
|
Waste generated in operations |
7,241 |
0.01% |
|
Business travel |
6,782 |
0.01% |
|
Employee commuting |
32,128 |
0.03% |
|
Upstream leased assets |
85,442 |
0.08% |
|
Downstream transportation and distribution |
2,738,708 |
2.70% |
|
Processing of sold products |
28,505,643 |
28.11% |
|
Use of sold products |
215,217 |
0.21% |
|
End-of-life treatment of sold products |
15,628,727 |
15.41% |
|
Investments |
44,621 |
0.04% |
|
Total Scope 3 Emissions |
98,141,289 |
? |
Scope 3 Methodology
For 2018, Bunge used the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain Accounting and Reporting Standard. The standard categorizes Scope 3 emissions into 15 distinct categories. This provides companies with a systematic framework to understand and report Scope 3 activities. Data used was sourced internally within Bunge. Where possible primary data (mass, distance, energy) has been collected directly from supplier or internal business units within. If primary data is not available, then secondary data (spend data, extrapolations, benchmarks) were used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions. Where the percentage of primary data was low, the uncertainty of the emissions totals calculated increases. Due to the lack of actual data from commodity farms and suppliers, there is large uncertainty surrounding emissions from purchased commodities (within Category 1 purchased goods and services). Using cradle-to-grave emission-factors and Bunge’s sourcing policies, we have calculated a reasonable emissions total applying the most suitable emission factors to the best of our knowledge.
?
Water
Water Data
Water Withdrawals for 2018 (in cubic meters)
|
Total volume of fresh surface water withdrawn |
34,764,137 |
|
Total volume of ground water withdrawn |
11,540,405 |
|
Total volume of rainwater collected directly and stored by the organization |
0 |
|
Total volume of waste water from another organization, used for Bunge supply |
0 |
|
Total volume withdrawn from municipal water supplies or other public or private water utilities |
9,713,896 |
|
Total volume of sea water withdrawn |
43,473,950 |
|
Total volume of water withdrawn |
99,492,389 |
| Total volume of water withdrawn (2017) | 97,146,857 |
GRI 303-1, GRI 303-3
Water Discharges in 2018, by destination (in cubic meters)
|
Total volume of fresh surface water discharged |
12,296,037 |
|
Total volume of brackish water discharged |
43,473,950 |
|
Total volume of groundwater discharged |
185,752 |
|
Total volume of waste water from other sources ? |
46,420 |
|
Total volume discharged to municipal sources |
5,595,831 |
|
Total volume of water discharged |
61,597,991 |
| Total volume of water discharged (2017) | 56,016,140 |
GRI 306-1
Industrial Savings
Industrial Savings
The company continues to assess relevant data regarding savings and innovations in our industrial operations. The intention is to understand how much the decrease in emissions, energy use and waste generation represent in financial savings for Bunge, globally. Analysis show that, for the period of 2016-2018, industrial sustainability efforts resulted in savings of over US$36.5 million for the global Agribusiness and Food & Ingredients segments.??
2018 savings?from reductions in water use, GHG emissions and waste (in USD, for global operations):
|
? |
2018 Savings |
|
Agribusiness (soy, rape, sunflower operations) |
$6,816,899 |
|
Food & Ingredients |
$3,188,938 |
|
Total cost savings |
$10,005,837 |
| Total cost savings (2017) | $26,502,134 |
GRI 201-2
?
?
Employee Data
Employee Data
External Hire?
By Age
|
External Hire Rate (2018, All Ages) |
|||
|
? |
External Hire Rate |
External Hires |
Average Headcount |
|
All Ages |
15.8% |
5,077 |
32,198 |
|
???<20 |
99.5% |
328 |
330 |
|
???20-29 |
34.1% |
2,286 |
6,696 |
|
???30-39 |
14.1% |
1,592 |
11,307 |
|
???40-49 |
8.3% |
629 |
7,601 |
|
???50-59 |
4.3% |
211 |
4,894 |
|
???60+ |
2.0% |
28 |
1,368 |
|
???Unallocated |
102.5% |
3 |
3 |
By Gender
|
External Hire Rate (2018, By Gender) |
|||
|
? |
External Hire Rate |
External Hires |
Average Headcount |
|
All Genders |
15.8% |
5,077 |
32,198 |
|
Male |
16.6% |
4,279 |
25,758 |
|
Female |
12.4% |
798 |
6,440 |
By Region
|
External Hire Rate (2018, All Operating Company) |
|||
|
? |
External Hire Rate |
External Hires |
Average Headcount |
|
All Operating Company |
15.8% |
5,077 |
32,198 |
|
???BAS |
24.1% |
509 |
2,111 |
|
???BBR |
17.2% |
2,675 |
15,527 |
|
???BEMEA |
11.8% |
870 |
7,343 |
|
???BMSI |
10.9% |
31 |
284 |
|
???BNA |
17.7% |
840 |
4,754 |
|
???BPL |
7.9% |
21 |
265 |
|
???BSC |
6.8% |
131 |
1,914 |
?
Turnover rate
By Gender
|
Turnover Rate (2018, All Genders) |
|||
|
? |
Termination Rate |
Terminations |
Average Headcount |
|
All Genders |
27.2% |
8,742 |
32,198 |
|
???Male |
27.8% |
7,169 |
25,758 |
|
???Female |
24.4% |
1,573 |
6,440 |
By Age
|
Turnover Rate (2018, All Ages) |
|||
|
? |
Termination Rate |
Terminations |
Average Headcount |
|
All Ages |
27.2% |
8,742 |
32,198 |
|
???<20 |
100% |
332 |
330 |
|
???20-29 |
45.6% |
3,054 |
6,696 |
|
???30-39 |
24.4% |
2,760 |
11,307 |
|
???40-49 |
18.3% |
1,388 |
7,601 |
|
???50-59 |
13.9% |
682 |
4,894 |
|
???60+ |
38.4% |
525 |
1,368 |
|
???Unallocated |
n/a |
? |
? |
By Region
|
Turnover Rate (2018, All Operating Company) |
|||
|
? |
Termination Rate |
Terminations |
Average Headcount |
|
All Operating Company |
27.2% |
8,742 |
32,198 |
|
???BAS |
32.0% |
675 |
2,111 |
|
???BBR |
32.8% |
5,095 |
15,527 |
|
???BEMEA |
14.6% |
1,073 |
7,343 |
|
???BMSI |
20.4% |
58 |
284 |
|
???BNA |
23.8% |
1,133 |
4,754 |
|
???BPL |
22.3% |
59 |
265 |
|
???BSC |
33.9% |
649 |
1,914 |
?
Employee Diversity
*For full time employees in 2018
By Gender
|
? |
2018 |
Percentage |
|
All Genders |
32,198 |
? |
|
???Male |
25,758 |
80% |
|
???Female |
6,440 |
20% |
By Age
|
? |
2018 |
Percentage |
|
All |
32,198 |
? |
|
<20 |
330 |
1% |
|
20-29 |
6,696 |
21% |
|
30-39 |
11,307 |
45% |
|
40-49 |
7,601 |
24% |
|
50-59 |
4,894 |
15% |
|
60+ |
1,368 |
4% |
|
Misc |
3 |
0% |
?
?
External Engagement
Member Organizations
Bunge is a member of many organizations globally, supporting local development and working toward a more sustainable agribusiness and food industry. Below, some of Bunge’s major interactions are highlighted.
- ABIA (Brazilian Association of the Food Industries) -? Board Member
- ABIOVE (Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oils Industries) – Chair of the board
- ASAGA (Argentinian Association of fats and oils) - Board Member
- CAPPRO (Paraguayan Chamber of Cereals and Oilseeds Processors) – Board Member
- CIARA (Argentinian Oil Industry Chamber) – Board Member
- COCERAL (European association representing the trade in vegetable oils and fats and agrosupply) - Board Member
- EBB (European Biodiesel Board) - Board member
- ELMA (European Lecithin Manufacturers)
- ESMC (Ecosystems Services Market Consortium) - Founding Member
- EUFIC (EU Food Information Council)
- FEDIOL (the European Union vegetable oil and protein meal industry association)- Board Member
- Field to Market – Founding Member
- Agriculture Future of America - Board Member
- National Future Farm of America?Foundation - Board Member
- National Black Growers Council - Corporate Advisory Board Member
- SASB (Sustainable Accounting Standards Board)?- Advisory Panel Member
- Future Farmers of America - Board Member
- ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification)
- RSPO (Roundtable for Responsible Palm Oil)
- SAI (Sustainable Agriculture Initiative)
- Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative
- Sustainable Shipping Initiative
- United Nations Global Compact
- UNICA (Uni?o da Indústria de Cana-de-A?úcar)
- USSEC - U.S. Soybean Export Council
- World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Bunge has become more active in industry associations, as an opportunity to address topics related to sustainability, to leverage our position within the industry, and to promote better communication with government agencies. We advocate for our point of view with associations and various governmental departments, sharing any concerns we may have about the effects of regulations on our business and society.
GRI 102-43
?
Global Forums and Debates
Being active at public events has proven to be an important way to engage with stakeholders, present our perspective and collect feedback. These were the main events at which Bunge served as speaker from our last reporting date in July 2018 until June 2019:
- New York Climate Week Dow Jones Sustainability Conference, New York City - Panelist
- AAPRESID Sustainability Forum, Argentina - Panelist
- Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) In Person Conference, San Francisco - Presenter
- HSBC Financing the Low Carbon Transition, San Francisco, CA - Panelist
- Regenerative Earth Summit, Boulder, CO - Panelist
- Global Environment Fund Roundtable on Sustainable Agriculture Financing, Da Nang, Viet Nam?- Panelist
- Sustainable Agriculture Financing Roundtable, hosted by WWF and British Government - Panelist
- IDH Sustainable Trade Conference, Utrecht, Netherlands - Participant
- Innovation Forum Landscape Conference, London, UK - Panelist
- CDP Supply Chain Summit, Las Vegas, NV - Panelist
- Harvard University Latin American Conference, Boston, MA - Panelist
- CDP Forest Webinar (virtual) - Speaker
- Future of Food Conference, Chicago - Panelist
- Global Forest Watch Summit, Washington, D.C. - Panelist
- The Forest Alliance Summit, Bogota, Colombia - Panelist
GRI 102-21, GRI?102-43
?
Government Relations
In each of the countries where we operate, Bunge is subject to a variety of laws that govern various aspects of our business, including:
- The processing, handling, storage, transport and sale of our products
- Risk management activities
- Land use and ownership of land, including laws regulating the acquisition or leasing of rural properties by certain entities and individuals
- Environmental, health and safety matters
To operate our facilities, we must obtain and maintain numerous permits, licenses and approvals from governmental agencies, and our facilities are subject to periodic inspection by governmental agencies. In addition, we are subject to other laws and government policies affecting the food and agriculture industries, including:
- Food and feed safety
- Nutritional and labeling requirements
- Food security policies
Our Interactions
Our relationships with government agencies and policy makers vary from country to country, and are usually related to production, marketing, regulations, compliance, sustainability and trade. Specifically in the European Union, sustainability began to be a strong strategic priority more than a decade ago. Bunge has an office in Brussels, where we interact with different departments of the European Commission, including those related to the environment, agriculture, product regulations, trade and energy. We also engage with members of the European Parliament.
In these relationships, we are asked for information about our business and we are able to explain how our industry works. Similar interactions take place out of Bunge’s Washington, D.C., office. For other regions, our dialogue with government agencies and policy makers is managed by our local headquarters in the countries in which we work. Regardless of region, we strive for consistency in our discourse across global and local interactions.
GRI 102-43
?
Public Policy Advocacy
We seek to influence public policy on bioenergy through direct engagement with policy makers and participation and active governance roles in the trade associations FEDIOL, ABIOVE and UNICA.? We report avoided emissions to the CDP Climate Change program for our low-carbon products: ethanol, biofuel, biomass and bioelectricity.
GRI 102-43
In 2018, Bunge, along with four other companies, were accused of purchasing soybeans allegedly produced in an area embargoed by IBAMA, the Brazilian environmental agency. The amount sourced by Bunge represents?less than 10% of the total amount identified by IBAMA as allegedly purchased under embargo. Regardless of amount, however, we have disputed the allegations and have filed a formal legal response with IBAMA, contesting its findings and providing Bunge’s proper control documentation indicating that our contracts were with a farm and farmer that were not embargoed by IBAMA according to public records. We look forward to resolving the situation as soon as possible.
Where material we screen suppliers using social-environmental criteria. The chart below presents the result of the screening in Brazil, related to public policy advocacy and commitments to enhance our supply chain in the country:
|
Farmers disqualified due to non-compliance with basic sustainability criteria in Brazil in 2018 |
|
|
? |
Blocked by December 2018 |
|
Illegal Deforestation (Ibama) |
386 |
|
Illegal Deforestation (State of Para) |
174 |
|
Amazon Soybean Moratorium |
177 |
|
Modern Slavery Labor issues |
10 |
|
Total Blocked |
747 |
GRI 414-1
