In 2011, the European Commission defined corporate social responsibility (CSR) as “ the responsibility of companies for their effects on society " These effects include the social, environmental and economic concerns of their activities.
Through CSR, organic companies have the opportunity to highlight their commitment, often pioneering, based on a model that is more respectful of people and the environment. Looking beyond their sole economic activity, these companies consider their purpose within a global ecosystem that supports values that they are keen to develop.
Natexpo exhibitors are fully aware of this and some have already initiated strong steps in this direction.
Base Organic Food: CSR to revolutionize sustainable business
The company, which facilitates access to rare and high-quality products from organic, fair-trade, and vegan agriculture, embarked on a collaborative research project this summer to implement its CSR strategy. This three-year project is led by a research fellow who will produce a thesis and a book co-authored with the teams. Initial results could be revealed next year to learn more about what has been accomplished and the challenges encountered.
Organic Food Base already has strong humanist values and a solid foundation. The company has opted for an inclusive and multicultural structure (18 nationalities are represented), in which employees enjoy fundamental freedom: they come as they are – from their personal values to their clothing styles.
When it comes to work organization, employees co-construct their job descriptions, which are constantly evolving, which provides great flexibility and fluidity in carrying out various ongoing projects. Change has been part of the company's DNA since its creation.
The objectives of the CSR work include establishing thematic working groups, conducting a carbon audit, setting up a corporate foundation to support humanitarian projects, and encouraging employee involvement in concrete projects such as food distribution campaigns. A working community based on the principle of self-governance is also being established to promote well-being at work and develop employee skills. Ultimately, this is about creating a new business model.
Base Organic Food proves through its approach that an ethical and responsible business is possible!
Bjorg, Bonneterre and Citoyens: a foundation for healthy eating for all
A historic player in organic farming, Bjorg, Bonneterre & Company set up a foundation – Bjorg, Bonneterre and Citizens – under the aegis of the Fondation de France. Now united under the Ecotone collective, these committed brands share a conviction: a company creates not only economic profit but value in general. Through this foundation, Bjorg and Bonneterre encourage and support initiatives that work to develop healthy and sustainable food, from field to plate. Among the projects receiving its support are Générations futures, which provides information on the impact of pesticides on health and the environment; Ecolocrèche, which is committed to more responsible daycare centers; CacaoForest, which encourages a new model of cocoa cultivation; and LudoBio, which introduces young people to organic farming.
This approach is fully in line with the spirit of the company, certified B Corp. since 2017.
Fairtrade/Max Havelaar: pioneer of fair trade
Launched more than 30 years ago, the movement Fairtrade/Max Havelaar developed a fair trade model based on strict specifications. Initially intended for coffee and then extended to many other products, a label was then born to allow consumers to easily identify products that meet the economic, social and environmental requirements of fair trade.
The movement does not stop there: Fairtrade/Max Havelaar supports agricultural producers and workers through a network of 150 local coordinators, who help them strengthen their autonomy and address climate and social issues.
Conferences dedicated to CSR and brand commitments at Natexpo
Natexpo will be an opportunity to attend numerous conferences concerning the CSR of organic companies, the existing tools and structures of organic sectors according to the regions as well as the challenges concerning consumer education and corporate communication.
Sunday October 24 2021
♦ 10 a.m.: Discover BioED: the CSR label for organic companies
With Mathide Gsell et Anna Kolf, Synabio and the testimony ofAlps Biscuit
Natexbio Forum / La Maison de la Bio
11h: Bio Sud Ouest France, a tool for structuring fair trade organic sectors for operators in the South West
With Flavie Tiret, Interbio New Aquitaine
Agora
♦ 11 a.m.: Educate, raise awareness and guide consumers through positive impact communication
With Marion Fries, Gaëlle Beaune et Stephanie Pointreau, RaSines Network
Innovation Forum
12h: Is the preservation of biodiversity played out on our plates?
With Amandine Rachenne et Foucauld Droulers, Ecotone, Mathilde Gsell, Synabio and Christelle Garnier, Cocebi
Agora
11h30: Innovative offers for eco-design & CSR policies
With A demain, Bio'm Paris, Sorewards
Lab pitches
14h: The Committed Organic Territory label, a tool for your territories!
With Stephanie Thebault, Bio Brittany Initiative
Agora
Lundi 25 octobre 2021
14h: Communicating effectively about your brand commitments in the era of “organic, good, healthy”
With Elodie Dupré, Greenstory
Natexbio Forum / La Maison de la Bio
15h: Rethinking cooperation between brands and retailers to give more meaning to promotional relays at the point of sale
With Alexandre Cadennes, Ecotone-Danival and Claire Touret, Biopartner
Innovation Forum
♦ 16 a.m.: Beegan Ecolieu factory manufacturing
With Jessie Quantinet, Ballot Flurin
Cosmetic Innovations Forum
Tuesday October 26 2021
10h: Understanding and preserving biodiversity in organic value chains
With Mathilde Gsell et Anna Kolf, Synabio and the testimony of BBCIE
Natexbio Forum / La Maison de la Bio
13h: Shareholder Foundations: A New Governance Model for the Common Good in Business
With Alexis Nollet, Ulterïa
Innovation Forum
♦ Find the replay of these conferences on Natexpo Digital by downloading your free badge.