In the field – formalising our verification work

UEBT verification

Assessing ingredient sourcing practices

The core of UEBT’s work to support improvements in ethical sourcing is based in the field.  UEBT experts travel the world to verify or certify that ingredients from biodiversity are sourced with respect.  In 2021, we began to formalize our field verification programme that complements our certification work.  In verification, UEBT assesses companies’ supply chains using the UEBT standard and can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses for continuous improvement.

From due diligence to positive impact

UEBT looks at our comprehensive set of requirements in every verification, but companies can meet them one step at a time:

  • Responsible sourcing – companies meet requirements in the UEBT standard that are good for mitigating negative impact, meeting due diligence programmes, or for managing risk.

  • Ethical sourcing – companies meet all of the responsible sourcing requirements plus requirements that promote positive impact for people and biodiversity.

87 verifications took place in 2021 across a wide range of countries and natural raw materials. Here are just a few:

This map represents a sample of the verifications performed by UEBT in 2021.

Risks in the Carnauba sector – in late 2021 we saw disturbing images from Brazilian news outlets on cases of modern slavery found in Carnauba wax supply chains in northeastern Brazil. UEBT is secretariat of the Initiative for Responsible Carnauba (IRC) and took this disappointing information to reach out to all UEBT members that are sourcing Carnauba wax – reminding these companies to take the labour rights abuses seriously in Carnauba procurement, and to encourage them all to join the pre-competitive IRC if they have not already. Risk management will become an increasing focus for UEBT support to its members in the coming years. The IRC was started in 2018 and is made up of 16 companies that source Carnauba wax including manufacturers, distributors and international brands. They work to support Brazilian wax processors in their commitment to improve the living and working conditions of workers and preserve biodiversity in Carnauba extraction areas.