Making the herb and spice chain sustainable
Expanding the CSR Network
Sustainability is one of the core aspects within the business operations of Verstegen Spices & Sauces. As a family business, sustainability is even more important, as we work for the children of our children. Verstegen believes it is important to learn from other companies and to encourage ourselves to do more sustainable business. Collaboration is of great importance, because real impact is created by doing it together. Verstegen therefore wants to play an active role in expanding the CSR network within the Netherlands. Verstegen is, for example, a partner of MVO Nederland and the Sustainable Spice Initiative.
Verstegen as a CO2 neutral organisation
To contribute to combating climate change, Verstegen has started a CO2 compensation project in collaboration with CO2 Operate, and Verstegen use trucks with euro-5 or -6 engines. In addition, our head office in Rotterdam uses LED lighting with presence sensors to reduce usage, heat recovery systems, and we're on the way to a becoming a paperless working environment. The electricity used comes from Dutch wind and the sun. For example, Verstegen has its own windmill and one roof is covered with 876 solar panels. When generating green electricity, hardly any polluting substances are released, which is why these are sustainable solutions.
Sustainable Development
Verstegen takes responsibility to make the herbs and spices market more sustainable. The chain from farmer to consumer must be transparent, fair and sustainable for people, the environment and society. This is why we are constantly looking for ways in which we can exert a positive influence on the world. For this, we use the UN Sustainable Development Goals, also known as SDGs. Of the 17 SDGs, Verstegen focuses on 5 goals that are in line with the mission and vision of Verstegen.
Our Sustainable Development Goals
CSR Annual Report
Verstegen wishes to set an example to society when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility.
You can read how Verstegen intends to achieve this in the CSR Annual Report 2018.
Agroforestry
Agroforestry is a sustainable agricultural system officially called 'regenerative agroforestry'. With this system, different crops on the same piece of land absorb CO2 from the air. In addition to CO2 uptake, this agricultural method also yields more biodiversity, higher yields for farmers, healthier plants, better harvest quality and better soil conditions.
Blockchain
An increasing number of consumers want more information about the origin of ingredients, responsible nutrition and conscious cooking. Verstegen has blockchain to meet this need. Verstegen uses blockchain technology for a fair, transparent and sustainable chain from farmer to consumer. The first chain made transparent is the nutmeg chain. Nutmeg farmers are actively involved in this technology in order to improve their entrepreneurship conditions. We also want to give future generations good perspectives to work in the herb and spice chain.
Spiceup
SpiceUp is a consortium consisting of eight Dutch and Indonesian partners. Verstegen has a supervising role. With SpiceUp, geo-information is made available to support 100,000 pepper farmers in Indonesia. This information is used to improve the quality and the amount of pepper production. This improvement will ultimately contribute to a liveable income, food security and achieve optimum consumption of water and fertilisers.
Verstegen Is B-Corp
B-Corp certification endorses the sustainable course that Verstegen follows to contribute to creating a better world.
This Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.
Elected as the most sustainable company in the Netherlands
Verstegen was elected as the most sustainable company in the Netherlands. The award is an initiative of the Dutch foundation for carbon neutrality (Stichting Nederland CO2 Neutraal) in Driebergen. In the foundation’s search for the most sustainable company in the Netherlands, Verstegen was chosen as a worthy winner. For example, we started an agroforestry program and we help pepper farmers improve their harvests with the use of geo-data.
Brochures
SpiceUp
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Verstegen Corporate Misson
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Verstegen Sustainable Values
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