Social Compliance Policy
PLNTmatter Social Compliance Policy
📅 Version: Draft 1.0
Effective Date: January 1st 2025
Policy Owner: SVP Product and Strategic Growth
Review Cycle: Annual
1. Purpose
PLNTmatter is committed to ethical business practices and the protection of human rights throughout its value chain. This Social Compliance Policy sets the standard for labor practices, workplace safety, and responsible sourcing in alignment with international frameworks and PLNTmatter's mission to create regenerative, equitable supply systems.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
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All direct employees of PLNTmatter
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All manufacturing and supply chain partners, including subcontractors
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Any service providers or contractors involved in product development, production, or logistics
3. Guiding Frameworks
PLNTmatter’s Social Compliance Policy is aligned with:
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International Labour Organization (ILO) Core Labor Standards
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United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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Amfori BSCI Code of Conduct
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Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) Base Code
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Just Transition principles as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO)
4. Policy Commitments
4.1 No Forced or Child Labor
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PLNTmatter strictly prohibits the use of forced, bonded, indentured, or prison labor
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Workers must be employed of their own free will and have the right to terminate employment with reasonable notice
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No person under the age of 16 (or higher local legal minimum) shall be employed in any production-related capacity
4.2 Freedom of Association
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Workers must have the right to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively without fear of retaliation or interference
4.3 Safe and Healthy Working Conditions
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Workplaces must be hygienic, ventilated, and equipped with adequate lighting, clean drinking water, and accessible sanitation
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Protective equipment must be provided when needed
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Emergency procedures and first aid must be made available and clearly communicated
4.4 Fair Wages and Working Hours
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Compensation must meet or exceed the legal minimum wage or industry benchmark—whichever is higher
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PLNTmatter is committed to progressing toward the payment of living incomes across our supply chain
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Overtime must be voluntary, paid at premium rates, and limited in accordance with local law
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Production planning must not be based on overtime scheduling; standard working hours must not exceed 48 hours per week
4.5 No Discrimination or Harassment
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Employment decisions must be based on ability and not on characteristics such as race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, or political affiliation
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Physical or verbal abuse, harassment, or intimidation is not tolerated
4.6 Environmental Responsibility
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Manufacturers must adhere to PLNTmatter’s environmental policies, including proper waste management, chemical safety, and water stewardship as outlined in our Chemical and Waste Management Plan
4.7 Transparent Recordkeeping
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Facilities must maintain accurate records of wages, working hours, employment eligibility, and safety procedures, and make them available for audit upon request
4.8 Commitment to Just Transition and Community Livelihoods
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PLNTmatter supports a Just Transition by ensuring that all sustainability-related shifts in materials and production methods are inclusive and socially equitable
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We commit to increasing farmers’ income and supporting improved livelihoods in the communities where we operate
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We work to ensure that economic benefits from regenerative practices are fairly distributed to frontline and rural stakeholders
4.9 Responsible Purchasing and Social Investment
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PLNTmatter is committed to responsible purchasing practices that prioritize transparency, fair timelines, and ethical sourcing
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We pay a premium for certified products and invest in direct support or social investment programs that benefit producers and local communities
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We respect and uphold the legal and customary rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in all sourcing regions, including free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) where applicable
5. Monitoring & Accountability
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All Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers must sign PLNTmatter’s Code of Conduct
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Audits are conducted regularly, either internally or through approved third-party auditors (e.g., Sedex, Intertek, BSCI)
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Non-compliance will result in mandatory corrective actions and may lead to the suspension or termination of partnership
6. Worker Engagement
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Facilities are encouraged to establish worker feedback mechanisms
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PLNTmatter reserves the right to directly engage with workers through interviews and surveys as part of our due diligence
7. Continuous Improvement
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We work with suppliers to build capacity through training and long-term engagement
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Progress toward higher labor standards is tracked and publicly reported as part of PLNTmatter’s annual Impact Report
Statement of Commitment
PLNTmatter believes regenerative systems must be socially just. We are committed to improving conditions across our value chain and ensuring that all people involved in making our products are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Through a Just Transition approach, we aim to align economic, environmental, and social outcomes to create lasting value for people and the planet.