World Environment Day: Sustainable Sourcing at De Heus
World Environment Day highlights the importance of protecting natural resources and building a more sustainable future. At De Heus Animal Nutrition, this commitment is reflected in the way we source raw materials. Through our Responsible Feeding Program, we continue to strengthen sustainable and ethical sourcing practices, improve supply chain transparency, and reduce environmental impact to support a healthier planet for future generations.
De Heus Focuses on Sustainable Grain Sourcing:
De Heus Animal Nutrition is increasing its efforts to source raw materials responsibly and sustainably. The company wants to make sure its supply chain is transparent, environmentally friendly, and ethically managed.
This is part of its Responsible Feeding Program, which focuses on improving the sourcing and management of raw materials worldwide.
Better Control of Supply:
De Heus is strengthening how it works with suppliers to reduce risks.
All suppliers must follow the company’s Code of Conduct, which includes rules about:
- Human rights
- Fair working conditions
- Honest business practices
- Environmental care
The company is also introducing systems to identify and manage risks in its supply chain. This includes monitoring suppliers and working closely with them to improve standards.
Reducing Deforestation
A key focus for De Heus is to prevent deforestation linked to raw materials like soy and palm oil.
The company plans to:
- Source soy and palm oil that are not linked to deforestation
- Improve traceability of where materials come from
- Meet new EU regulations on deforestation
To do this, De Heus is investing in certification systems and better tracking of raw materials.
Responsible Sourcing of Key Ingredients:
Soy is one of the biggest risks for deforestation. De Heus is addressing this by using certified suppliers and improving traceability.
For palm oil, the company uses similar approaches, including certification systems to reduce environmental harm.
De Heus also ensures that marine ingredients, like fish oil, come from sustainable sources with proper environmental controls.
A Long-Term Commitment:
All of these efforts are part of De Heus’s long-term sustainability strategy.
The company focuses on:
- Responsible sourcing
- Environmental protection
- Traceability
- Lower emissions
- Efficient use of resources
At De Heus, we recognise the critical role of sustainable food production in ensuring global food security. We work alongside farmers and partners to share knowledge, promote sustainable practices, and support resilient food systems that benefit both people and the planet. Our mission extends beyond nutrition; we actively contribute to the availability of safe, affordable, nutritious and sustainable food worldwide.
Furthermore, the company has also embedded circularity, by using residual flows into its broader sustainability milestones, alongside greenhouse gas reduction and the reduction of antibiotics as a key strategic priority. De Heus aims not only to meet regulations but also to build a stronger, more sustainable supply chain that benefits farmers, customers, and communities.
For more information, visit our website: https://www.deheus.co.za/sustainability
