Due diligence process

We manage human rights-related impacts and risks through a due diligence process that covers both our own operations and our supply chain.

In line with its Code of Conduct, Valio is committed to respecting key international agreements and guidelines. These include, e.g., the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

We have identified Valio’s human rights impacts. The impact assessment is part of Valio’s regular double materiality assessment process and is based on several internal and external sources. The impacts are described in more detail below:

Adverse impacts are managed within the company’s own operations, for example, through personnel-related action and development plans. Key tools in the supply chain include supplier approval and management practices as well as certifications for high-risk raw materials. Valio is committed to taking into account its own role (causes, contributes to, linked to) and, where necessary, to remedying any human rights violation that may have occurred.

Human rights-related measures are monitored and reported to Valio senior management in accordance with Valio’s Governance model. Monitoring practices related to Valio’s own personnel include, among other things, an employee satisfaction survey and regular meetings between management and representatives of various employee groups. In the supply chain, the implementation of measures is monitored using, e.g., assessments and audits.

We communicate Valio’s human rights work externally as part of Valio’s sustainability reporting, through stakeholder collaboration, on Valio’s website, and, internally, via the intranet.

Valio’s due diligence process is described in more detail below: