Social Responsibility
The Cocoa Black social responsibility programme aims to consider public interest in decision making and will monitor success through the triple bottom line - people, planet, profit. Through the programme, Cocoa Black pledges to apply resources to:
Minimise Carbon Footprint
Climate change is commonly accepted as one of the greatest threats to our environment. It is a threat which may well affect us all, particularly those in the world’s poorest regions. Whilst there is much discussion on adaption to climate change at Cocoa Black we believe in prevention. Over the next 24 months, Cocoa Black will seek advice from the Carton Trust in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. The main business activities which will be assessed are: electricity and gas use; waste disposal and recycling; business travel; owned or controlled vehicles; employee business travel and staff commuting. Efforts will be made to assess Cocoa Black's carbon footprint and to identify ways in which it can be reduced. Cocoa Black will also seek to create a culture of carbon awareness amongst its staff to ensure that the principles of energy efficiency are delivered in practice.
Source Packaging from Renewable Supplies
The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) was established in 1993 in response to concerns over global deforestation. FSC certification provides a credible link between responsible production and consumption of forest product. FSC certification enables consumers and businesses to make purchasing decisions that benefit people and the environment as well as providing ongoing business value. Cocoa Black will seek to source packaging manufactured from FSC certified sources wherever possible.
Source Fairtrade Chocolate Couvertures
Cocoa Black believes in Fairtrade as a means of promoting sustainable development amongst chocolate and cocoa producers. Although not without limitations, the Fairtrade scheme remains one of the most effective ways in which the interests of the cocoa producer can be protected. Current limitations to fair trade chocolate are quality and choice. Whilst there is no doubt that the quality of fair trade chocolate has improved in recent years, Fairtrade accreditation remains relatively new and many of the smaller chocolate producers have yet to become certified. Cocoa Black will seek to use fair trade chocolate whenever possible and when there is no compromise on product quality. Cocoa Black will also continue to encourage its corporate suppliers to expand their range of fair trade chocolate for the benefit of producers and consumers alike.
Although still in its infancy, we believe that the Social Responsibility Programme can offer real benefit. It’s a small start, but a start nonetheless and one which we hope to develop over time.