Ethical Sourcing & Anti Slavery

Synergy Pacific supply chains are extensive, with a high proportion of our extended suppliers located in the Asia region. We are currently aiming to develop a more comprehensive supply chain map, to better understand the geographic location and nature of products and services sourced. The diversity of the products, geographic locations, markets and regulatory systems associated with these purchases can potentially expose Synergy Pacific to a myriad of risks. We are applying a systematic approach to all risk disciplines, including in our procurement processes, practices and dealings with suppliers, which we know is an essential element of progressing the global eradication of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Whilst we recognise that modern slavery and human trafficking risk may occur in our extended supply chain, we know that the level of risk is influenced by factors such as vulnerable populations, industry and geographic location.

Steps that we are currently undertaking to assess to mitigate risk in our supply chain include: consideration of human rights risk indicators in our in-country risk assessments; working with suppliers to strengthen their internal procedures including, but not limited to, worker labour conditions and undertaking factory audits to validate workplace practices.

Our sustainability goal is to help support a more sustainable society through our products and business operations.  We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and are committed to eliminating modern slavery within our supply chain and source goods free from the exploitation of workers with a sustainable 

We expect our suppliers and our suppliers’ suppliers to be committed to the same principles as us.  If our suppliers are unwilling or unable to comply with our ethical sourcing requirements within the timeframes we set, we will end our relationships with them.  All suppliers are required to commit to the minimum requirements below.

MINIMUM STANDARDS

No forced or bonded labour employment

Suppliers shall: not use any type of forced labour (any work or service extracted from any person under the menace of any penalty, which work has not been freely chosen by the person), bonded labour (work which is not for compensation received by the worker but to repay a debt, which is often incurred by another person offering the worker’s labour in exchange). 

Respect the freedom of movement of their workers and not restrict their movement by controlling identity papers, holding money deposits or taking any other action to prevent workers from terminating their employment.

Ensure that workers are free to leave their employer after reasonable notice. 

No child labour

Suppliers shall comply with the minimum legal working age in the country in question or in the absence of such law, by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 138. Suppliers must be able to verify the age of all employees to ensure compliance.

Working conditions

Suppliers shall provide a safe and hygienic working environment that is without risk to health, taking into consideration knowledge of the relevant industry and any specific hazards. Workers shall receive adequate and regular training to perform their jobs in a safe manner. Personal protective equipment and machinery safeguards shall be supplied and workers trained in their use. Where suppliers provide accommodation it shall be clean, safe and meet the basic needs of workers. Workers will have access to clean toilet facilities, clean drinking water and, where appropriate, sanitary facilities.

Environmental compliance

Suppliers shall comply with relevant local and national environmental protection laws and will as far as practicable comply with international environmental protection standards.

For paper and timber products (for resale, excluding packaging materials), suppliers must provide Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification or otherwise agreed chain of custody documentation for the source of paper and/or timber used in products sold to Synergy Pacific.

For plastic products (for resale, excluding packaging materials), suppliers must provide ABA Certification Scheme to Australian Standards AS4736-2006 and or AS5810-2010. Biodegradable plastics are suitable for composting and microbial treatment.