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Imerys facility in Brazil recognized for ethical and responsible practices

Certification reinforces the quality of production for the food industry in Brazil.

Imerys facility in Bras Cubas unit

The Imerys facility in Brás Cubas unit was recognized for its responsible and ethical supply chain practices with the certification of the SMETA 4 Pillars audit in the area of sustainability and based on four pillars: Labor Standard, Health & Safety, Environment and Business Practices, following concepts and requirements of OHSAS 18001, SA 8000, ISO 14001 and ETI Code (Ethical Trade Initiative Code).

This facility processes minerals for the food industry, like calcium-based products added to food and beverage. For instance, a powdered milk producer is using our I-Blum calcium carbonate based product which improves calcium absorption by the human body.

Conquering SMETA 4 pillars allows the company to remain a supplier of several F&B key players as it is a relevant certification, recognized by the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex), a platform that offers a way to manage responsible ethical practices in supply chains through an online database which the Brás Cubas unit is affiliated.

Bringing sustainable calcium to the food industry

Thus, receiving this certification demonstrates that the work performed by the Brás Cubas facility is carried out in an ethical manner, which helps potential customers of the food line observe this facility as a qualified supplier for this segment. “In addition to this certification guaranteeing us an admirable process, it increases our visibility within the Sedex platform so that food industry customers who are concerned with the sustainability of the business can be assured that we share the same principles”, commented Thaina Morimoto Ribeiro, Integrated Management System Assistant at the Brás Cubas facility.

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Calcium Carbonate Mine at Cachoeiro

Recognition with certification, according to Morimoto, was achieved through the collaboration and assistance of all sectors and Imerys employees who strive to deliver high-quality products to our customers. “The audit is the result of a commitment by all business levels, as it involved management with policies and practices. It was necessary to carry out joint work between the sectors of Environment, Health and Safety, Integrated Management System, Human Resource, Planning and Production Control, Maintenance, and Production. Without the commitment of the Imerys Group to value people and business ethics, it would not be possible to achieve this recognition”, she pointed out.