Partnerships

Rainforest Alliance

In our Kölln products, we exclusively use cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified supply chains. The Rainforest Alliance seal identifies raw materials that have been certified according to defined social and ecological standards.

On this page, we want to transparently explain:

• what the seal means
• what requirements it entails
• how we use certified raw materials in our products

What does the Rainforest Alliance seal mean?

The certification is based on a publicly available Rainforest Alliance standard and includes ecological and social requirements. The Rainforest Alliance certification includes four impact areas:

• Rural livelihoods: Contributing to improving income opportunities and strengthening the resilience of farmers, workers and their families
• Climate: Supporting climate-friendly farming methods that contribute to adapting to changing conditions and protecting harvests
• Forests and biodiversity: Promoting responsible land use to protect forests, wildlife and natural ecosystems
• Human rights: Contributing to measures against risks such as child labor, poor working conditions and inequality in supply chains.

You can view the standard in English here: Rainforest Alliance Supply Chain Requirements v1.5

How does certification work?

The Rainforest Alliance defines standards for farms and companies within the supply chain. Components of the system include:

• regular audits
• documentation requirements
• external controls
• procedures for tracing certified raw materials.

You can find more information about the certification seals on the Rainforest Alliance website: What's behind our certification seals?

Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)

In our Kölln products, we exclusively use palm oil from RSPO-certified supply chains. RSPO stands for "Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil". This is an international multi-stakeholder initiative that defines social and ecological standards for the production and supply chain of palm oil. The RSPO seal identifies raw materials that have been certified according to these defined standards.

On this page, we want to transparently explain:

• what the seal means
• what requirements it entails
• how we use certified raw materials in our products

What does the RSPO seal mean?

The certification is based on a publicly available RSPO standard and includes ecological and social requirements. The RSPO certification includes three areas of impact:

• People: Workers and communities involved in production should be treated fairly and respectfully. Good working conditions and ethical business practices are fundamental for responsible palm oil production.
  Requirements include: Prohibition of forced labor and exploitative child labor, access to clean drinking water, equal pay for equal work, access to training, protection of indigenous land rights
• Planet: Forests should be protected from deforestation, and endangered species, ecosystems and habitats should not be threatened.
  Requirements include: Measures against soil erosion, restrictions on new plantings in peatlands, reduction of pesticides, prohibition of logging, control of groundwater consumption
• Prosperity: Better management and training in good agricultural practices contribute significantly to increasing yields. This provides smallholders and their families with sustainable livelihoods and ensures a steady income throughout the year.
  Requirements include: Long-term planning of cultivated areas, training programs, involvement of affected groups, improved market access

You can view the standard here: Our standards - Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)

How does certification work?

The RSPO defines standards for farms and companies within the supply chain. Components of the system include:

• regular audits
• documentation requirements
• external controls
• procedures for tracing certified raw materials

Compliance with the standard is verified by independent certification bodies. Certification does not mean that palm oil production has no impact on the environment or society. It indicates the application of defined standards within the RSPO system.