PLNTmatter Social Compliance Risk Assessment Policy

📅 Version: Draft 1.0

Effective Date: January 1st, 2025
Policy Owner: SVP Product and Strategic Growth
Review Cycle: Every 3 years or as local conditions and regulations evolve

1. Purpose

This policy defines PLNTmatter’s approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating social risks throughout our upstream supply chain, with specific focus on Tier 4 suppliers and farm-level partners. It ensures our operations uphold human rights, promote ethical labor practices, and are sensitive to the needs of gender-diverse, Indigenous, and local communities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All farm-level feedstock partners supplying PLNTmatter

• Tier 4 suppliers involved in raw material cultivation, harvesting, and initial processing

• Subcontracted or informal labor systems within these operations

3. Risk Assessment Requirements

3.1 Frequency and Methodology

• A formal Social Compliance Risk Assessment Report must be submitted every 3 years by each farm partner and Tier 4 supplier

• Risk assessments must include:

  • Labor rights evaluation (working hours, contracts, workplace safety)

  • Gender equity and nondiscrimination analysis

  • Recognition and inclusion of Indigenous rights and customary land use

  • Freedom of association and unionization

  • Living wage benchmarks and compensation review

3.2 Third-Party Validation

• PLNTmatter may require a third-party audit from a certified assurance body such as:

  • Sedex/SMETA

  • Fair Trade International

  • Rainforest Alliance

  • SA8000-accredited firms

• Audits must align with international human rights frameworks (e.g., UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, ILO Core Conventions)

3.3 Gender and Community Sensitivity

• Risk assessments must be gender-responsive and locally adapted

• Data collection should include disaggregated feedback from:

  • Female workers and farmers

  • Youth or seasonal laborers

  • Community leaders and Indigenous stakeholders

4. Non-Conformance and Remediation

• Any non-compliance issues identified through the risk assessment or audit must be remediated within 90 days

• High-risk findings (e.g., evidence of forced labor, discrimination, or unsafe conditions) must be addressed with a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) approved by PLNTmatter’s Impact Committee

• Repeat violations may result in partnership suspension or termination

5. Reporting and Transparency

• PLNTmatter will track all risk assessment outcomes in a secure supplier management system

• Aggregated risk trends will be reviewed by the Executive Team annually

• Learnings from assessments will be shared internally and used to enhance supplier training and onboarding

Statement of Commitment

PLNTmatter is committed to operating a socially responsible and equitable supply chain. Through regular risk assessments, transparent reporting, and locally adapted tools, we aim to ensure safe, fair, and inclusive working conditions for all individuals contributing to our material innovation.