Kesko's sustainability policy

This policy describes the purpose and guidelines of Kesko Group’s (“Kesko”) sustainability policy, as well as the related responsibilities and organisation.

Kesko is committed to compliance with a number of international initiatives and principles, mainly the following:

• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
• OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct
• UN Global Compact initiative
• UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Science Based Targets Initiative
• amfori BSCI Code of Conduct

 
Purpose of the sustainability policy

The purpose of the policy is to ensure responsibility and sustainability in all our operations.

Economic responsibility

Economic responsibility requires ensuring our profitability and competitiveness. Profitable and competitive operations enable us to be a profitable investment, significant employer, reliable partner, and good corporate citizen.

As a financially sound company, we are able to respond to our stakeholders’ needs, fulfil our obligations related to society and the environment, and support the general good of society.

Our operations generate economic benefits for stakeholders in our operating countries and market areas. Our key stakeholders include shareholders, customers, employees, retailers, suppliers, service providers and society. We promote well-being in all our supply chains.

Our common guidelines, the K Code of Conduct, ensure that everyone at Kesko has the same understanding of the values and principles that guide our day-to-day work. We select our partners carefully, and we require them to operate in compliance with the K Code of Conduct.

Climate and environmental responsibility

We are committed to the goals determined by international climate summits for the mitigation of global warming. We reduce emissions in our operations in line with our science-based emission targets. We reduce our emissions through the use of renewable energy, energy-efficiency in the stores, and efficient logistics.

We mitigate climate change and promote the sustainable use of natural resources in our supply chains. We challenge our suppliers and service providers to set their own emission reduction targets.

Through systematic measures, we promote the maintenance and restoration of biodiversity.

We reduce food waste in cooperation with the entire food supply chain, from primary production to the end consumer.

We reduce the use of packaging materials, plastic in particular, and promote the recycling of packaging materials. We create operating models that prevent plastics from ending up in natural waterways and other natural environments.

Social responsibility

The principles of social responsibility related to personnel are described in our human resources policy.

We have prepared a statement of human rights commitment and impact assessment in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. In accordance with our human rights commitment, we respect all internationally recognised human rights.

We pay special attention to human rights and working conditions in our supply chains in countries with high risk of human rights violations. In assessing our suppliers in high-risk countries, we use international social responsibility assessment systems. Our principle in high-risk countries is to collaborate only with suppliers that are already included in the scope of social responsibility audits or that start the process when the cooperation begins.

Through our sustainable development guidelines, we steer the sourcing of products containing raw materials that have been identified as being critical in terms of social and/or environmental responsibility.

We listen to our customers and engage in continuous dialogue with them. We ensure the safety, accessibility and availability of services. We treat our customers equally.

Responsibilities and organisation

The sustainability policy is approved by Kesko’s Board of Directors.

Responsibility for the sustainability policy lies with the Group’s sustainability unit.

The sustainability policy covers the operations of Kesko companies in all Kesko’s operating countries. Kesko’s personnel must comply with the policy. Kesko’s companies and units are responsible for implementing the policy and for ensuring sufficient resources in their operations. 

Validity