23 AAK sales force training and support In November 2014 AAK published a booklet, “A guide to AAK Palm Oil Policy and Actions”. The booklet is an internal tool meant to support employees in sales enabling them to fully explain AAK Palm Oil Policy and Actions. In parallel to the publication, our Sustainable Palm Oil Champions network gave presentations to the sales organization explaining in more detail the content of the booklet. To further strengthen and qualify our dialogue with customers, we have launched an internal 25 minutes e-learning module on sustainable palm oil. The learning objectives are: To understand the importance of palm oil – to the world and to AAK; To understand the sustainable palm oil framework covered under the RSPO; To understand key definitions related to palm oil and traceability; To understand AAK policy and actions towards sustainable sourcing of palm oil; To use the knowledge acquired in this course as a tool when working with customers on topics related to palm oil and AAK policy and actions. The e-learning module has a multiple choice test that during 2015 needs to be passed by more than 400 employees identified as the target group. Making a difference to our customers In 2008 AAK received its first delivery of RSPO certified sustainable palm oil, marking the start of a new sustainable journey in palm oil and, for AAK, a new way of working with customers and their sustainability requirements. This first delivery was made to our site in Hull and our UK team quickly realized that their expert knowledge of RSPO certified palm oil could make a real difference to their customers. By understanding the total supply chain from the mill to the supermarket shelf, the team engaged with each part of the chain to encourage uptake and share knowledge. This started with the major retailers who began developing policies to deliver RSPO certified sustainable palm oil in private label products, but who were unsure of what quantities and qualities were physically available. AAK, along with GreenPalm provided information and support to develop these policies while making a direct difference on the ground by encouraging the use of GreenPalm certificates as a first step. Many retailers continue to use GreenPalm to deliver fractions and derivatives for their 100 percent certified objective at the end of 2015. AAK customers, many of which supply the retailers, needed guidance on how to gain and supply RSPO certified material. Here, again, AAK supported them not only by supplying the products, but by offering training to technical and commercial teams. This included showing them how to meet RSPO supply chain audit requirements and advising them on how to use the Claims and Communication guidelines. Sustainable presentations to individuals and large groups are part of AAK’s regular contact with customers. AAK recognized the need to go beyond the RSPO commitments and the need for traceability of palm oil as a first step, and during 2014 a policy was developed. This was developed by the global Palm Sustainability Task Force, with representatives from all key functions within AAK and based upon input from key external stakeholders. Together with our Sustainable Palm Oil Champions network, the task force has been able to react relatively quickly to customers’ needs. Many of our customers have similar palm oil policies as AAK within their own CSR commitments and this alignment is a strong starting point for a good supplier/customer relationship. By working together, AAK and our customers can support the transformation towards a fully sustainable palm oil supply chain.
AAK - Sustainability Report 2014/2015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above