BRC Food Certificate

Virgin Nuts is BRC Food AA-level certified since 2009.

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Corporate Social Responsibility

Virgin Nuts philosophy: living and working together for the common good

At Virgin Nuts, we look at the impact our business activities have on customers, employees, communities and the environment as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy.
Virgin Nuts philosophy - 'living and working together for the common good' - defines the principles of CSR and has been embedded at the centre of the business since 2010. We aim to be worthy of worldwide admiration by achieving corporate growth while contributing to the prosperity and happiness of humankind.

Conservation of the environment

Our environmental strategy focuses on three core objectives: elimination of hazardous substances; resource conservation; and energy conservation. Environmental measures shall be taken into consideration throughout the production and distribution chain ranging from the production of raw material to the consumer sale. Local, regional and global environmental aspects shall be considered. The local environment at the production site shall not be exploited or degraded by pollution.
National and international environmental legislation and regulations shall be respected. Relevant discharge permits shall be obtained where required. Hazardous chemicals and other substances shall be carefully managed.
We continually assess how we can reduce the amount of packaging, hazardous and non-renewable materials used in our products. Virgin Nuts also aims to reduce the environmental burden in all stages of a product's lifecycle, from production, to use and onto disposal via recycling.
Even though the amount of plastic used at our premises is relatively low (2% of our packaging material), we’re always striving for further reduction. In 2020 we’ve introduced smaller and thinner (but just as safe and strong) recycable food liners to reduce the plastic by 3% per 12.5kg carton.
By supporting treesforall sustainable forestry projects, we aim to offset for our CO2-emissions. As a CO2-sponsor we’re proud to participate in planting a new forest in Uganda. Thanks to reforesting, the habitat of the animals is extended, the primeval forest is protected and a positive contribution is made to the climate.

Consideration for marginalized populations

Production and extraction of raw materials for production shall not contribute to the destruction of the resources and income base for marginalized populations, such as in claiming large land areas or other natural resources on which these populations are dependent.

Recycling and waste reduction

To fulfil our mission to contribute to a green and healthier earth, Virgin Nuts started waste separation in 2010. Cardboard and plastic are separated from the other waste and are collected for recycling. Since early 2011, food grade waste is separated after filtering in the production process. After being used for the extraction of biogas, since 2018, this food grade waste is now used for the production of animal feed.

Animal welfare

Although all ingredients are vegan - except for honey which is produced by bees - we care for animal welfare and request suppliers that, when manufacturing products stemming from animals, considerations to animal welfare shall be taken in the entire value chain. Animals should under no circumstances suffer because of the process by obtaining products from animals.

Corporate Governance and Compliance

Virgin Nuts ensures compliance with laws and regulatory requirements such as data protection, company law, customers and corporate governance. Virgin Nuts' Code of Conduct incorporates our guiding Three Self's principles: Self Awareness, Self-Management and Self-Motivation. We also encourage our employees to draw attention to any non-compliance of this Code of Conduct without recrimination, to ensure we maintain ethical standards at all times.

Workplace

Virgin Nuts understands that a happy workforce is a productive workforce. Therefore, we ensure that this is promoted wherever possible. We operate to strict social standards on labour conditions in our factory as laid down in our Global Human Rights Policy, filed at Sedex (company reference ZC4339861). Since our beginnings we have a stable workforce. No one has been fired and no one has left out of dissatisfaction.
We ensure we understand local social policies and etiquette and use these to help share best practices. Virgin Nuts works to foster a corporate culture that encourages an enterprising spirit by acknowledging the human values of ambition, responsibility and mission, and by guaranteeing fair and impartial evaluation based on merit.

Virgin Nuts Foundation

To support initiatives that are dedicated to supporting the less fortunate in our society and to protect our cultural heritage, a foundation has been established to sponsor applicable valuable initiatives. The acquisition and provision of funds free of charge for institutions and activities in the field of: healthcare; sports and recreation; environment and nature conservation; art and culture.
Stichting 'Virgin Nuts Foundation' has its own board to ensure that money is allocated in an open and transparent manner to initiatives that fit the foundation's policy. Stichting ‘Virgin Nuts Foundation’ is marked as a public benefit institution (ANBI) by the Dutch tax authorities.

Trees for All

While producing our #absolutelydelicious sweet coated and dry roasted seasoned nuts, seeds and cereals, unavoidably CO2 is emitted. Virgin Nuts highly values the environment and we fulfil our mission to reduce our CO2-emissions to the max by:
•   strict waste separation;
•   unprinted bulk packaging;
•   FSC cardboard as secondary packaging;
•   adjustments of the primary packaging (food liners), to reduce plastic as much as possible;
•   adjustments of machinery for optimal usage of each m3 of gas;
•   solar panels over the entire roof of both factories;
•   looking at the supply chain, for instance by introducing our #virginfairnuts

To offset for the rest and to keep the Virgin Nuts production facilities carbon neutral #netzero we compensate CO2 (in 2022: 150 tons and in 2023: 211 tons) by supporting Trees for All sustainable forestry projects.

An impression of what 150 tons of CO2 stands for:
•   900,000 km driving a diesel car
•   1,200 round trips Amsterdam-London (per passenger)
•   225 years of breathing
•   average energy consumption of 31 households
•   eating 37,500 Big Macs
•   150 times around the earth on an electric bicycle

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Anti-bribery - Anti-corruption Policy

It is our policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish controls to ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and corruption regulations, and to ensure that Virgin Nuts' business is conducted in a socially responsible manner.

Policy statement

Bribery is the offering, promising, giving, accepting or soliciting of an advantage as an inducement for action which is illegal or a breach of trust. A bribe is an inducement or reward offered, promised or provided in order to gain any commercial, contractual, regulatory or personal advantage. It is our policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. We are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate and implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter bribery. We will uphold all laws relevant to countering bribery and corruption in all the jurisdictions in which we operate and we take our legal responsibilities very seriously.

Scope

Who is covered by the policy?

In this policy, third party means any individual or organisation you come into contact with during the course of your work for us, and includes actual and potential clients, customers, suppliers, distributors, business contacts, agents, advisers, and government and public bodies, including their advisors, representatives and officials, politicians and political parties. This policy applies to all individuals working at all levels and grades, including trainees, volunteers, interns, agents, sponsors, or any other person associated with us.
This policy covers:

Bribes

Employees must not engage in any form of bribery, either directly or through any third party (such as an agent or distributor). Specifically, employees must not bribe a foreign public official anywhere in the world.

Gifts and hospitality

Employees must not offer or give any gift or hospitality:

Employees may not accept any gift or hospitality from our business partners if:

If it is not appropriate to decline the offer of a gift, the gift may be accepted, provided it is then declared to the Director and donated to charity. We appreciate that the practice of giving business gifts varies between countries and regions and what may be normal and acceptable in one region may not be in another. The test to be applied is whether in all the circumstances the gift or hospitality is reasonable and justifiable. The intention behind the gift should always be considered.

Facilitation payments and kickbacks

Facilitation payments are a form of bribery made for the purpose of expediting or facilitating the performance of a public official for a routine governmental action, and not to obtain or retain business or any improper business advantage. Facilitation payments tend to be demanded by low level officials to obtain a level of service which one would normally be entitled to. Our strict policy is that facilitation payments must not be paid. We recognise, however, that our employees may be faced with situations where there is a risk to the personal security of an employee or his/her family and where a facilitation payment is unavoidable, in which case the following steps must be taken:

In order to achieve our aim of not making any facilitation payments, each business of Virgin Nuts will keep a record of all payments made, which must be reported to the Director, in order to evaluate the business risk and to develop a strategy to minimise such payments in the future.

Political contributions

We do not make donations, whether in cash or kind, in support of any political parties or candidates, as this can be perceived as an attempt to gain an improper business advantage.

Charitable contributions

Charitable support and donations are acceptable (and indeed are encouraged), whether of inkind services, knowledge, time, or direct financial contributions. However, employees must be careful to ensure that charitable contributions are not used as a scheme to conceal bribery. We only make charitable donations that are legal and ethical under local laws and practices. No donation must be offered or made without the prior approval of the Director. All charitable contributions should be publicly disclosed.

Your responsibilities

You must ensure that you read, understand and comply with this policy. The prevention, detection and reporting of bribery and other forms of corruption are the responsibility of all those working for us or under our control. All employees are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy. You must notify the Director as soon as possible if you believe or suspect that a conflict with or breach of this policy has occurred, or may occur in the future. Any employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for gross misconduct. We reserve our right to terminate our contractual relationship with other workers if they breach this policy.

Record-keeping

We must keep financial records and have appropriate internal controls in place which will evidence the business reason for making payments to third parties. You must declare and keep a written record of all hospitality or gifts accepted or offered, which will be subject to managerial review. You must ensure all expenses claims relating to hospitality, gifts or expenses incurred to third parties are submitted in accordance with our expenses policy and specifically record the reason for the expenditure. All accounts, invoices, memoranda and other documents and records relating to dealings with third parties, such as clients, suppliers and business contacts, should be prepared and maintained with strict accuracy and completeness. No accounts must be kept "off-book" to facilitate or conceal improper payments.

How to raise a concern

You are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of malpractice at the earliest possible stage. If you are unsure whether a particular act constitutes bribery or corruption, or if you have any other queries or concerns, these should be raised with the Director.

What to do if you are a victim of bribery or corruption

It is important that you tell the Director as soon as possible if you are offered a bribe by a third party, are asked to make one, suspect that this may happen in the future, or believe that you are a victim of another form of unlawful activity.

Protection

Employees who refuse to accept or offer a bribe, or those who raise concerns or report another's wrongdoing, are sometimes worried about possible repercussions. We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of refusing to take part in bribery or corruption, or because of reporting in good faith their suspicion that an actual or potential bribery or other corruption offence has taken place, or may take place in the future. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern. If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, you should inform the Director immediately.

Who is responsible for the policy?

The board of directors has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with our legal and ethical obligations, and that all those under our control comply with it. The Director has primary and day-to-day responsibility for implementing this policy, and for monitoring its use and effectiveness and dealing with any queries on its interpretation. Management at all levels are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them are made aware of and understand this policy.

Monitoring and review

The Director will monitor the effectiveness and review the implementation of this policy, regularly considering its suitability, adequacy and effectiveness. Any improvements identified will be made as soon as possible. Internal control systems and procedures will be subject to regular audits to provide assurance that they are effective in countering bribery and corruption. All employees are responsible for the success of this policy and should ensure they use it to disclose any suspected danger or wrongdoing. Employees are invited to comment on this policy and suggest ways in which it might be improved. Comments, suggestions and queries should be addressed to the Director. This policy does not form part of any employee's contract of employment and it may be amended at any time.

Virgin Nuts B.V.
May 1, 2015

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Global Human Rights Policy

Virgin Nuts is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Virgin Nuts’ mission includes the commitment to treat its employees with respect and dignity, and to be a force for positive action in the community in which we do business. Therefore, Virgin Nuts is committed to support and uphold the provision of basic human rights and to eliminate discriminatory practices. Virgin Nuts respects the inherent dignity of all persons, and seeks to enable all employees to do their best work by embracing and valuing the unique combination of talents, experiences and perspectives of each employee.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Virgin Nuts is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will be treated fairly, without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This statement applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination.

Purpose and scope

Virgin Nuts’ Global Human Rights Policy emphasizes Virgin Nuts’ commitment to basic human rights as a core component of the way Virgin Nuts does business and how Virgin Nuts engages its employees. The Policy supports the guidance of employees toward the fundamental principles and requirements for upholding basic human rights in the workplace. The Policy supports employees in creating and maintaining a work culture that protects the unique rights of children to pursue basic education as a priority over work, prohibits forced labour, supports the rights of employees to engage in free association, and supports the provision of equal human rights to all persons.
Virgin Nuts’ goal is to maintain an environment that fosters open and direct communication between managers and employees as the most effective way to work together and resolve differences, and respects its employees’ rights to participate in a collective bargaining process should they so choose.
The Global Human Rights Policy applies to all employees from Virgin Nuts. Virgin Nuts expects all suppliers to conduct business in ways that uphold the principles of this Policy.

Requirements

Virgin Nuts is committed to maintaining a work environment that respects and supports the provision of basic human rights to all of its employees around the world, regardless of the country in which they work, to the full extent permitted by law. To this end:

Virgin Nuts will not tolerate any behaviour or actions prohibited by the requirements herein. Virgin Nuts does not consider such behaviours or actions within the core values of the company, nor is such conduct authorized by Virgin Nuts employees, including managers.

Complaint

Employees should immediately report any conduct engaged in or endured by a Virgin Nuts Employee, or any individual conducting business on Virgin Nuts’ behalf, that is a potential violation of the Global Human Rights Policy or may compromise the company’s values around the provision of basic human rights.

Child labour restrictions

Virgin Nuts prohibits all forms of child labour as defined in this Policy. When employing employees under the age of 18, managers must comply with all Virgin Nuts-established or legally required limitations on minimum hiring age, hours and tasks performed by these employees to ensure any work performed does not hamper the child’s education, health, safety, and mental or physical development.

Equality and non-discriminatory practices

Virgin Nuts embraces and values the unique combination of talents, experiences and perspectives of each Employee. It is expected that all employees are offered equal opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the company’s mission through inclusion, equality and accessibility.
Virgin Nuts employees are required to uphold the elimination of discriminatory practices in the workplace as outlined in its Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Prohibition of forced or compulsory labour

Virgin Nuts will not make use of any form of forced or compulsory labour at any time for any purpose. Wages will be paid regularly and according to all Virgin Nuts requirements and applicable laws.

Right to free association

It is every employee’s responsibility to uphold employees’ basic rights to engage in free association.

Participation in collective bargaining

Managers and employees are expected to engage in active and direct dialog to solve joint problems and deal with mutual challenges. Virgin Nuts also respects its employees’ rights to participate in a collective bargaining process should they so choose.

Employee responsibilities

All employees are responsible for supporting human rights in the work environment. It is every Employee’s responsibility to:

Working hours

Working hours comply with national laws. Working hours, excluding overtime, are defined by contract, and will not exceed the maximum working hours as defined by national law. All overtime is voluntary and will not exceed the maximum as defined by national law. Overtime is used responsibly, taking into account all the following: the extent, frequency and hours worked by individual workers and the workforce as a whole. It is not used to replace regular employment.

Wages

Both regular and temporary personnel are paid equally. Therefore, temporary personnel will never be employed to reduce costs on personnel.

Employment agreement (contract)

All employees, both regular and temporary, have an employment agreement (contract).

Disciplinary and grievance policy

Virgin Nuts has a formal Disciplinary procedure, as well as a Grievance procedure.

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Virgin Nuts Foundation

The policy of the 'Virgin Nuts Foundation' (hereinafter: "Virgin Nuts Foundation") is aimed at achieving its objective, in particular by donating to charities and charities.
Employees at Virgin Nuts B.V. may, in consultation, propose institutions and charities that in their view may receive donations. These donations are assessed by the board of the Foundation.
The members of the board do not receive any remuneration for their work. Virgin Nuts Foundation is not for profit and receives its funds through Virgin Nuts B.V. and possible recruitment from third parties. The administration of the Foundation is managed by the treasurer, as are the assets and income.

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Strategy

Objectives

The 'Virgin Nuts Foundation' is located at Steenoven 14a (3911 TR) in Rhenen, the Netherlands. The objectives of the Virgin Nuts Foundation are:
The acquisition and provision of funds free of charge for institutions and activities in the field of:

• healthcare;
• sports and recreation;
• environment and nature conservation;
• art and culture.

Validity

This policy plan is valid for a period of 5 years, from February 16, 2022 to February 15, 2026.

Vision and Mission

We believe that everyone has the right to a good and happy life, in the broadest sense of the word. Virgin Nuts Foundation is committed to a better future by investing in wellness. Better well-being is necessary for everyone, for young and old. Virgin Nuts Foundation supports funds, foundations and organizations to promote better wellbeing for those in need.
Well-being is about the quality of life. So not only material possessions and (physical and mental) health, but also sports & the environment. Making financial resources directly available and indirectly providing other resources contribute to the well-being of others.

Mission: By means of financial support, we stimulate well-being for various target groups, both in the short term and in the long term. In addition, we use our financial resources to reduce the footprint of Virgin Nuts and its employees - through the performance of their work - and to offset the CO2 emissions.

Activities

Virgin Nuts Foundation's work is 100% in the public interest, consistent with its objectives.

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Policy

Future work and Projects

To financially support organizations that meet the goals of Virgin Nuts Foundation. In addition, the aim is, where possible, to provide practical support for some goals, e.g. by planting trees.

Fundraising

Virgin Nuts Foundation receives its income mainly from an annual gift from Virgin Nuts B.V. This income can be supplemented by donations from third parties, both private and business, and/or actions aimed at one of the projects to be supported.

Collected funds

The funds raised will be spent as follows:

• All Virgin Nuts Foundation revenue is used to support funds, foundations and organizations that meet the objectives of the Virgin Nuts Foundation.
• The Foundation is not for profit, nor is the board and/or its members remunerated for performing work for the benefit of Virgin Nuts Foundation and its objectives.
• Possibly. returns made during the management of the funds (eg interest) will benefit the Virgin Nuts Foundation in full.

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Management

Fund management

The Virgin Nuts Foundation board is responsible for fund management. The board consists of three persons: a chairman, a secretary and a treasurer.

Cost structure

Any possible Virgin Nuts Foundation's recruitment costs and management costs are funded by Virgin Nuts B.V. No remuneration is paid to the board nor its members.

Remuneration board and members

The Foundation is not for profit, nor is the board, nor its members remunerated for performing work for the benefit of Virgin Nuts Foundation and its objectives.

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Board

Targets

• Management of ongoing projects;
• Evaluating current projects;
• Proposing new projects;
• Assessing new projects against the objectives of the Virgin Nuts Foundation;
• Allocating the gifts to the various projects.

Meetings

The board meets at least twice a year for a board meeting. Minutes are made of this.

Activities

The following activities are carried out under the responsibility of the board:

• Setting up and supervising projects;
• Selecting destination purposes.

Finance

The board is responsible for a sound financial policy. The tasks involved include:

• Prepare an annual budget;
• Adopt and approve annual accounts;
• Managing the funds;
• Spending the money and creating facilities.

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General data

• Name : Stichting 'Virgin Nuts Foundation'
• Founding date : February 16, 2022
• Chamber of Commerce : 85515248
• Postal and business address: Steenoven 14a, 3911 TR Rhenen
• Contact details : Phone: +31 317 612019; Email: foundation@virginnuts.nl

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Stichting ‘Virgin Nuts Foundation’ is marked as a public benefit institution (ANBI) by the Dutch tax authorities.

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