1. The scope and objectives of the policy
HKFoods is committed to reducing environmental impacts and increasing positive impacts on nature in both its own operations and its value chain. Environmental impacts are changes in nature, climate and habitats resulting from operations – such as emissions into water bodies, soil or air. This environmental policy defines the key management principles for HKFoods’ material environmental impacts. The environmental policy must be followed throughout the HKFoods Group, and applies to the whole value chain.
2. Environmental work as part of HKFoods´ strategy
For HKFoods, reducing environmental impacts is a key part of the company’s strategy, corporate responsibility programme and annual business planning process.
3. Compliance and environmental management
HKFoods is committed to complying with environmental legislation and regulations, as well as its commitments aimed at reducing environmental impacts. We operate in accordance with the environmental permits set for our production facilities. We engage in open and regular dialogue with the authorities, our customers and other stakeholders to ensure that our environmental work meets the expectations and requirements set for our operations.
Environmental management at HKFoods is based on the targets of the responsibility programme and on a certified environmental management system (ISO 14001), or on practices consistent with it in Group companies where the management system has not been certified. We assess the environmental risks and impacts related to our operations and determine measures to manage them. Environmental risks are prevented by carefully examining environmental observations and incident reports. We report annually on the results, development plans and targets of our environmental activities.
We operate in accordance with the principle of continuous improvement, and environmental aspects are part of the company’s decision-making process. We provide induction and training for our staff to ensure environmental competence and awareness. We communicate about our environmental work regularly to our staff and other stakeholders.
We require our supply chain operators to comply with all the applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Suppliers must work to minimise environmental risks and impacts in their operations and supply chain, and act in accordance with the principle of continuous improvement. HKFoods encourages its suppliers to carry out systematic environmental work in accordance with the principles of the ISO 14001 standard.
Key environmental objectives
Climate change
HKFoods is committed to reducing its climate impacts throughout its value chain and has set science-based short-term climate targets approved by the Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative. The targets are in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
In our own operations, the most important measures to reduce emissions are improving energy efficiency and switching to low-emission energy sources. The most important measures in our value chain are related to reducing emissions from energy use and reducing soil emissions.
Circular economy
Throughout its value chain, HKFoods promotes the improvement of the circular economy and material efficiency. This means the development of packaging materials, compliance with the waste hierarchy, the minimisation of production losses and the efficient use of animal raw material, for example.
Sustainable use of water resources and water protection
HKFoods uses water responsibly. We continuously monitor water intake and use, and implement measures to prevent and reduce water loss. To prevent water pollution, we comply with the environmental permit conditions set for wastewater. We aim to reduce the load on water bodies by engaging our supply chain partners in water protection measures.
Biodiversity and ecosystems
HKFoods’ environmental and sustainability work supports the conservation of biodiversity and forests. HKFoods requires that no deforestation, conversion of other natural ecosystems or degradation of ecosystem functions occurs within the supply chain.
4. Responsibilities and roles
HKFoods’ management is responsible for planning and resourcing operations so that the principles of this policy, as well as the supporting instructions and guidelines, can be implemented. HKFoods requires each of its employees to take responsibility for their actions in line with their job description, this policy, and guidelines and procedures.
5. Monitoring and assessment
Progress in environmental work as part of the Group’s sustainability work is reported to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is required to regularly assess the relevance of the policy, as well as the effectiveness of the management approach and the implementation of the environmental policy.
6. Policy amendments
Amendments to this policy are subject to approval by the Board of Directors of HKFoods Oyj, except for changes of a technical nature that do not materially affect the content of the policy. Such technical amendments are subject to approval by the policy owner. All amendments must be notified to the Board of Directors.
7. Communication and implementation
The environmental organisation is responsible for communication, training and practical implementation related to this policy throughout the Group, to ensure that all employees have a clear and consistent understanding of the policy. The sourcing organisation is responsible for policy communication and engagement concerning the value chain.
8. Internal controls and reviews
The policy owner is responsible for ensuring adequate internal control to ensure compliance with this policy and the related guidelines, instructions and processes. Regular reviews by internal and external parties shall be conducted to assess implementation and compliance with this policy.
9. Consequences of non-compliance
Any breach of this policy by an HKFoods employee will lead to appropriate consequences, up to and including termination of employment. A breach may also be reported to the authorities if HKFoods has reason to suspect that the employee’s behaviour is unlawful.
Approved by HKFoods' Board of Directors on 26 September 2025.
