Responsible Sourcing Initiatives
We believe in the power of transparency and ethical sourcing. Our commitment to fair trade practices ensures that the raw materials we obtain are produced under humane and ethical conditions. We value our partnerships with coalitions who share our values, ensuring that every ingredient in our portfolio meets the highest ethical standards.
Environmental sustainability is a guiding principle at the core of our operations. We strive to minimize our ecological footprint through responsible sourcing, efficient production processes, and waste reduction initiatives. We are proud to have implemented various strategies and earned certifications that reflect our desire to be part of the solution.
Responsible Mica Initiative
Associate member since 2017
Kobo is proud to be part of the global movement committed to ensuring the responsible sourcing of mica – a mineral widely used in cosmetics. Our participation in the initiative reflects our dedication to eradicating unethical practices in mica mining, promoting transparency, and creating a sustainable supply chain. Together with industry partners, we are working towards fostering a mica sector that prioritizes the welfare of local communities, upholds human rights, and contributes to a brighter, more responsible future for the cosmetics industry.
Our commitment includes:
- Traceability: Kobo will work towards establishing transparent and traceable supply chains for mica, from source to final product.
- Ethical Practices: Kobo will actively collaborate with our suppliers to ensure fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and the elimination of child labor in mica mining and processing.
- Continuous improvement: Kobo will provide regulatory access and improve our responsible sourcing practices, collaborating with industry partners to drive positive change in the mica sector.
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
Associate member since 2019
As advocates for responsible sourcing, we are dedicated to supporting the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Our commitment to the RSPO initiative underscores our dedication to ethical and sustainable palm oil practices. An RSPO certification ensures that our palm oil is sourced responsibly, avoiding deforestation, protecting biodiversity, and upholding the rights of local communities. We believe in fostering a palm oil supply chain that balances the needs of people, the planet, and prosperity.
Our commitment includes:
- Supply chain transparency: Kobo will work diligently to ensure transparency and traceability in our palm oil supply chain, from the plantation to the end consumer.
- Sustainable sourcing: Kobo is committed to sourcing palm oil that is produced in compliance with RSPO principles and criteria – including no deforestation, protection of biodiversity, and respect for the rights and welfare of workers and local communities.
- Responsible practices: We will actively engage with our suppliers to encourage the implementation of best practices that minimize environmental impact, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water resources, and promoting responsible land use.
Ecovadis Sustainability Rating
Associate member since 2016
At Kobo, we believe in transparency, and that's why we actively participate in the Ecovadis initiative.
Ecovadis is more than just a system; it's a comprehensive sustainability rating platform that assesses the environmental, social, and ethical performance of companies. As part of this initiative, businesses like ours undergo thorough evaluations to ensure that our operations align with global sustainability standards.
The Ecovadis assessment covers key areas, including environmental impact, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. By engaging with Ecovadis, we demonstrate our commitment to responsible business practices and continuous improvement in these critical areas.
This initiative is not just about compliance; it's about fostering a culture of sustainability and accountability in the business world. Through Ecovadis, we aim to contribute to a collective effort toward a more sustainable and ethical global supply chain.
Our commitment includes:
- Corporate Social Responsibility Team: Kobo created a dedicated international CSR team to review our scorecard from 2023 and established monthly meetings to monitor and recommend strategic actions for advancement
- Continuous strategic improvement: Kobo will target high to medium improvement areas from the environment and labor & human rights category, in addition to lower weighted areas such as ethics and sustainable procurement
- Customer engagement: Kobo promises to work with our customers to improve our scorecard and CSR plan
Biodiversity Compliance and Conservation
At Kobo, our commitment to biodiversity is a strategic and ethical imperative. Though not required in the United States, we align with the Nagoya Protocol and Brazil's Biodiversity Law (Federal Law No. 13,123/2015). Our approach respects global standards and embraces the unique intricacies of Brazil's rich ecosystems.
- The Nagoya Protocol: Crafted under the Convention on Biological Diversity, this international agreement provides a legal framework aimed at fostering fair and ethical utilization of genetic resources. It ensures that activities involving genetic resources respect national sovereignty, incorporate transparent practices, and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.
- Brazil's Biodiversity Law (Federal Law No. 13,123/2015): Enacted to regulate access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge, this law emphasizes equitable benefit-sharing, ensuring that local communities and indigenous peoples are justly compensated for the use of resources. Adherence means respecting the delicate balance of ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Amazon, where biodiversity is unparalleled.
Our practices recognize the delicate balance of biodiversity, acknowledging the critical role of the Amazon in global ecosystems. Our dedication goes beyond legal compliance, aiming to contribute responsibly to the preservation of the planet’s invaluable biodiversity.