As a sustainable company, we set and measure our performance goals not only for economic achievements, but also for environmental protection and social well-being. We expect our suppliers to uphold similar standards. As such, we aim to build and maintain long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers and move forward with our suppliers to create long-term sustainable value together. Together with our suppliers we must ensure that we:
Our Sustainable Sourcing Program will help us to uphold these standards in our value chain. In order to provide clarity on our sustainability expectations for suppliers, we have developed our CSM Supplier Code. This outlines in general terms our minimum expectations of suppliers in order to ensure that they operate in an ethical manner. It describes the underlying principles which apply to our relationship. Also, we comply and communicate regarding related legislation, such as the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act.
Further, we have begun to implement our Sustainable Sourcing Program by focusing on the most critical raw materials, starting with palm oil, sugar and cocoa. This involves engaging with suppliers of these agricultural raw materials in the form of a self-assessment and through recognized multi-stakeholder initiatives, such as the RSPO.
For example, as part of this Program, we have increased our commitment to Sedex by becoming an AB member. Sedex, the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange, is a not for profit membership organization for businesses committed to continuous improvement of the ethical and responsible practices in their supply chains. We are encouraging our suppliers to use this secure web-based platform for sharing information on four key pillars: health and safety, labor standards, business integrity and the environment. This will support our efforts in assessing social and environmental aspects of our suppliers. Also, this approach helps to reduce duplication and increase cooperation and transparency along the supply chain.
Palm oil has been our first priority in working towards a sustainable supply base. We started the road towards sustainable sourcing in 2005 by becoming member of the RSPO, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. We have increased our commitment to sustainable palm oil in 2011. For more information about our progress, see 'Sustainable Products and Solutions'.
Also, as sugar cane is an important raw material for us, we have made a commitment to join Bonsucro. The Bonsucro Standard is the first ever metric based Standard which measures the impact of the sustainable production of sugar cane. This multi-stakeholder initiative has developed a sustainability standard and certification system and aims to reduce the environmental and social impacts of sugarcane.
Further, the sustainability of cocoa and chocolate are part of our focus. CSM is a member of UTZ CERTIFIED, one of the largest sustainability programs for coffee, cocoa and tea in the world. This means that we are able to provide our customers with UTZ certified cocoa and chocolate upon request. UTZ provides a certification and traceability program for socially and environmentally responsible cocoa production that meets the needs of both producers and markets.