Ethical sourcing and supply chain

Acting with care and integrity to make a positive difference in our world isn’t just a vision for Sanitarium – it’s the way we do business. That includes how we deal with our suppliers and vendors, how we source our ingredients, and every detail in the manufacturing process.

So, we always consider:

• food security, by sourcing affordable and available plant-based foods

• ethical sourcing, by agreements with our major suppliers

• sustainable farming practices for our major raw materials.

Sanitarium negotiates on fair and respectful terms with suppliers and vendors who act ethically and responsibly in all aspects of their business operations. We favour and promote environmentally and economically sustainable foods and packaging, which influences the commercial decisions we make.

For example, in 1999, we declared to consumers that we source only non-genetically modified (GM) soy, which is identity-preserved (tracked all the way through the growing and production process). Sanitarium was Australia’s first food manufacturer to take this step. We continue to source only non-GM soy.

• Our target is to have at least 94% of our packaging suppliers as signatories to the Australian Packaging Covenant.

• As part of Sanitarium’s British Retail Consortium (BRC) our Supplier Accreditation program is audited. This has continued to encourage our suppliers to meet stringent guidelines that support our customers’ expectations, including food safety, sustainable and ethical practices.

• Once a raw material or packaging component has been risk-ranked by our Corporate Food, Environment and Science Department, a supplier must become accredited to supply materials. This process includes a comprehensive review of its systems, processes and pest control procedures.