Sustainability
WE WALK THE TALK.
In an ever-changing world, sustainability is an ongoing mission. It requires a solid plan and the dedication to see it through. For Acme-Hardesty, it boils down to doing business responsibly and ethically, and maintaining a balance of mutual benefit for all stakeholders, as well as the planet.
Acme-Hardesty’s 2024 Sustainability Report
Did you know that the world’s population is estimated to exceed 9 billion people by 2050 according to FAO (2009)? Naturally, as this occurs the energy demand and increase in food across the world will be unavoidable.
That’s why we’re taking action now. Our Sustainability Manager, Dr. Emi Katoh, shares, “…we at Acme have increased further our commitment to sustainability…Rather than being controlled by price and short-term gains, our aim is to develop a strategy that will be the driving force for our business to take care of families now and in the future.”
To learn about our values, community involvement, accomplishments, associations, and more, view our 2024 Sustainability Report.
Our strategy for sustainability centers around three pillars of action.
Sustainability is nothing new to us. Sustainable, renewable products have been part of our business for more than 80 years.
WE PROACTIVELY MARKET AND SELL RENEWABLE BIO-BASED PRODUCT ALTERNATIVES
We source products from manufacturers with sustainable agricultural practices.
We aim to increase demand for sustainable products from customers.
WE STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS IN THE COMMUNITIES WHERE WE OPERATE
We optimize the design of our supply chain to minimize carbon footprint.
OUR BIO-BASED PRODUCTS ENABLE OUR CUSTOMERS TO DEVELOP MORE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
We foster an environment of continuous learning to promote responsible practices such as recycling, waste reduction, energy consumption, and health and well being.
We educate our employees and promote responsible practices to benefit future generations.
EcoVadis
EcoVadis is a leader in business sustainability ratings and insights, operating with the purpose of driving companies toward a more sustainable world. The company’s leadership envisions a sustainable global marketplace, so they created the EcoVadis sustainability assessment methodology to serve as a benchmark for evaluating companies in meeting corporate sustainability objectives. They also offer an all-in-one solution that supports businesses in managing risks and ensuring compliance with the regulations in their industry.
Acme-Hardesty Is an EcoVadis-Certified Company
Acme-Hardesty shares the core sustainability mission of EcoVadis, and we practice it in how we produce and distribute oleochemicals. We are committed to creating a seamless link between suppliers and manufacturers to serve our customers responsibly and ethically. As a company, we have earned EcoVadis certification for our practices.
While product certifications highlight a single solution that meets standards related to its regulation, safety and environmental friendliness, company certification establishes an entire business’s compliance with acclaimed processes and systems like those provided by EcoVadis.
As an EcoVadis-certified enterprise, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our bio-based products. We recognize the key processes set by EcoVadis, surpassing rigorous tests and qualification criteria to obtain the company’s silver medal for outstanding social, ethical and environmental performance.
BIO-PREFERRED
More than 20 Acme-Hardesty products carry the BioPreferred® label, with more on the way. This USDA certification assures that a product is bio-based and is composed wholly or in significant part of agricultural, forest, or marine sourced ingredients.
The BioPreferred® program also spurs economic development by creating new jobs and providing new markets for farm commodities. The increased demand for bio-based products will reduce reliance on petroleum, increase use of renewable agricultural resources and may even help reduce adverse environmental and health impacts. Learn more about the USDA BioPreferred® program at www.biopreferred.gov.
Check our progress at www.rspo.org
ROUNDTABLE ON SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL (RSPO)
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) consists of more than 1700 members worldwide, committed to produce, source and use sustainable palm oil certified by the RSPO. Acme-Hardesty is a proud member of the RSPO and our Mass Balance Certification is subject to strict verification, annual audit and a 5-year reassessment. Our entire product line of fatty acids, alcohols and esters are now available as RSPO.
Bio. Logical. Not just renewable—sustainable.
Bio-based isn’t new to us. It’s always been a no-brainer. While some companies have only recently shown an interest in bio-based chemicals, we’ve been at it for more than 80 years.
For example, in 1985 we pioneered importation of palm-based fatty acids from Southeast Asia to meet public interest and lessen demand for petrochemicals. And we were one of the first to begin importing oil and derivatives when India entered the international castor oil market in the late 80’s.
The best is yet to come. Every day, we move responsibly to meet the growing demand for bio-based chemicals that aren’t just renewable, but sustainable. The extensive reach of our global supply chain provides even more bio-based products for customers who want to provide sustainable options to consumers.
We currently offer sustainable palm-based products from RSPO certified manufacturers, and work with manufacturers who have made proven progress achieving sustainability and the high quality—whether through new technology, raw material sources that do not deplete limited resources, or the discovery of alternatives to raw materials or ingredients needed by our customers.
Of course, we understand that bio-based isn’t the answer for everything right now. In the meantime, we will continue to offer traditional chemistries for customers who need them; but whenever we can find a way to convert to a sustainable, renewable source, we’re going to head in that direction.