‘Sustainability is a core value at Van Aroma, and one of the aspects on which we were founded’
At Van Aroma, we are committed to being a responsible and sustainable business that generates value for all the stakeholders it interacts with. We take into account the farmers, distillers, accumulators, customers, and even the needs of our end users further downstream. While, by the very nature of our business, our own environmental footprint is minimal, we believe it is our responsibility as global citizens to address the challenges posed by diminishing natural resources and the various impacts of climate change to transform them into new opportunities for responsible economic growth.
At Van Aroma, we follow a holistic approach that encompasses energy optimization, reduced water consumption, waste management, innovative and greener manufacturing processes/technologies to ensure safe, clean and efficient operations. We achieve this through constant research, and implementation of the latest technologies in heat-exchange, alternate energy sources, as well as the concept of a circular economy.
As a responsible corporate, we aim to optimize our energy consumption and reduce our carbon footprint by promoting use of energy efficient measures and behaviour, cleaner energy sources and adopt environmental-friendly production technologies. A constant monitoring, evaluation, and proactive measures towards energy saving also helps us with cost saving which eventually impacts our cost of operations.
Water is a precious resource and it is increasingly threatened by global scarcity, and over consumption. While our process is not water-intensive, we strive to be effective stewards of water and excel in its management in all our operations.
While in the agro-products and derivatives industry, we also happen to classify as a chemical manufacturer. It is thus very important of us to ensure safe handling, use and disposal of hazardous waste from our operations.
Given Van Aroma’s global presence, it is imperative for Van Aroma to be compliant with regional regulations, and requirements in order to be in line with the expectations set, as well as to conduct business.
EU REACH is a regulation of the European Union, adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals (including fragrance ingredients).
At present, Van Aroma is in compliance with EU REACH for 9 substances, which makes up for over 90% of our products supplied to customers in the EU region. Our goal is to be fully registered by 2024 for all substances that we ship to the EU over 1 MT.
Specific list of products can be accessed here.
We believe that the strength of our company depends upon the capabilities of our people. In order to be an employer of choice, attract top talent, and help the business deliver lasting results, we ensure a safe working environment and maintaining open dialogue within our team. Our HR policies and processes are developed keeping in mind the best interests of our employees.
Maintaining adequate standards of occupational health, safety, and well-being adds value to our company as it minimizes the risk of harm to both people and the environment and diminishes potential liabilities for the company. Processes regarding occupational safety are top priorities for us to ensure seamless manufacturing operations, protect the health and safety of our employees, and meet legal requirements. We have formulated a comprehensive occupational health and safety policy in accordance with our core focus on employee safety, product safety and safe work environment. At Van Aroma, we adhere to all local employment norms given by the labour department in Indonesia.
Ongoing employee learning and professional development are crucial aspects for motivation and in turn business continuity at Van Aroma. Furthermore, periodic trainings help employees in gaining new knowledge, acquiring new skills, and reinforcing past learnings. All our employees receive technical and procedural training upon joining the company. Employees receive regular functional training, including on ISO standards, safety, product safety, efficient processes, throughout their employment with Van Aroma.
To achieve our long-term goals and continuous growth resulting in increased profitability, compliance with applicable rules, regulations, codes, guidelines, and policies is a permanent feature of our corporate culture. Our code of ethical business conduct specifies and helps continued implementation of the Company’s values by establishing certain non-negotiable minimum standards of behaviour. It guides us on compliance, labour practices and standards, environmental health and safety, board diversity and independent directors, reporting and contact persons, disciplinary actions and compliance with the code.
We believe that to enhance stakeholder value and accomplish long-term goals, a good corporate governance structure is a key element which provides a strong foundation. Our corporate governance is guided by our mission and our senior management’s experience of business sustainability and their values. This ensures transparency to take informed decision and building trust for influential collaboration. It helps us in being a reliable partner of our customers, distributors, farmers, employees, and shareholders. We comply with the mandatory corporate governance requirements stipulated under the Indonesian local law.
A majority of our raw materials are agricultural produce, or derivatives. Through our sustainable procurement practices, we seek to forge strong and long-lasting relationship with the farmers, distillers and regional accumulators to strengthen agricultural productivity and increase yield I a sustainable manner. This will also ensure we continue to offer consistent, quality products to our customers.
At Van Aroma, our experienced procurement team ensures we procure raw materials that are produced using responsible agricultural techniques. Our in-house agronomists train partner farmers on best practices for the use of organic pesticides and fertilizers, soil management, and improving their farming productivity.
We are committed to the highest standard of ethical conduct and social and environmental responsibility which is documented through our sustainable procurement policy. We expect our suppliers to aspire to these same standards in their business operation. Our Supplier code of conduct sets out the standards expected of all suppliers, and vendors for indirect materials.
Case Study – Using Post Extraction biomass for agricultural compost generation.
In our operations, we generate post-extraction biomass, which is the leftover organic mass after the essential oils and natural extracts have been extracted from the raw material. Due to its partially decomposed nature, this biomass can be converted into compost and act as a fertilizing component, and help in enriching soil quality. At Van Aroma, we supply this post extraction biomass to nearby farmers free-of-cost. This is an exemplary evidence of symbiotic relationship between the industry and the community through a circular economy. Side-streams generated at one side are utilised once again by the farmers for their fields, helping them reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers.
Van Aroma has in place a food security manual based on PAS 96:2016 standards which focuses on the safety aspects of the manufacturing in the food and flavours sector, in the areas of management, staff, public, facility and operations. Our operations do not involve use of heavy or highly corrosive chemicals. None of our products are classified as PHF (Potentially Hazardous Food).
Throughout the production process, our dedicated quality team conduct checks to ensure our products are safe and comply with all regulatory standards.
