Sustainability

Sustainability management

A cooperative approach and Valio’s shared values, mission and vision are the cornerstones of our operations.

Policies and Code of Conduct

Certificates

Human rights

Valio Whistle reporting channel

Responsibility for the environment, the economy, people and society is embedded in everything we do. In line with its Code of Conduct, Valio is committed to respecting human rights and ethical business operations.

Our operations are certified by an independent third party for food safety, quality and environmental management. We make sure that all Valio employees and stakeholders can confidentially report serious concerns related to Valio’s operations or practices by using the Valio Whistle channel.

Creating sustainable business value

Valio’s value chain has many phases that impact the wellbeing of people and the planet. We have identified the sustainability topics that are material to us in our value chain.

The focal points in sustainability

We conducted a materiality assessment together with our stakeholders and separate experts. Valio’s management has validated the identified material topics.

Responsible business focus areas and targets

The focus areas of responsible business are based on the sustainability topics important to us and through which we create wellbeing for society. We also pursue business benefits from these focus areas. We want to be a frontrunner in promoting wellbeing and sustainable lifestyles, in advancing the target of a carbon-neutral milk chain and in safeguarding the vitality of nature. We have set targets for each focus area, we monitor them regularly, and we communicate information about their progress in our Sustainability Report.

Ratings systems of relevance to Valio

We have identified the ratings systems of relevance to us and through which we want to continuously develop our operations.

Sustainable Brand Index™	Reputation&Trust survey	CDP	EcoVadis
Europe’s largest sustainability-focused brand study is conducted by surveying consumer perceptions of the sustainability of brands.	In T-Media’s Reputation&Trust survey, consumers name the most reputable Finnish companies.	The international CDP system collects environmental data and assesses a company’s environmental performance.	EcoVadis assesses company sustainability aspects on the basis of documented material.
FINLAND’S MOST SUSTAINABLE BRAND Consumers considered Valio as Finland’s most sustainable brand in the 2023 Sustainable Brand Index™ study.	VALIO’S REPUTATION AT A GOOD LEVEL In the 2022 survey, Valio was Finland’s seventh most reputable company, and our score was 3.77 (3.88 in 2021).	VERIFYABLY STRONG CLIMATE WORK In 2022, Valio received a score of B (programme content and effectiveness), and A- (stakeholder work), on a scale of A-F.	TOWARDS THE TOP Valio improved its result in the 2022 assessment and achieved a silver medal.

SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT MODEL

Valio’s business strategy outlines the integration of sustainability in all operations and in all markets. Our business strategy is based on the owner strategy to develop sustainable milk production, climate efficiency and a circular economy, and to look after animal welfare. An Executive Vice President with responsibility for brand and marketing, as well as sustainability, communications and public affairs was appointed to Valio’s Executive Board in early 2023.

Sustainability topics are decided in decision forums in line with Valio’s governance model. The Senior Vice President, Sustainability, coordinates and prepares the business focus areas, which are approved by Valio’s Executive Board.

Valio’s management has delegated the daily management of sustainability to ESG teams. Operative ESG teams have been formed around the themes of environment, social sustainability and governance. The teams are composed of experts from different functions who lead and coordinate practical work in their respective areas and are responsible for the theme-related targets, actions and indicators. The Senior Vice President, Sustainability, is the facilitator of all the teams and, among other things, plans the topics to be reviewed in collaboration with the team chairs.

Environmental team	Social sustainability team	Governance team
Valio’s environment team experts represent environment, climate, nature, energy, logistics and packaging development. The Senior Vice President of the Climate Programme chairs the environmental team.	Valio’s social sustainability team experts work across the Valio organisation on occupational safety, work wellbeing, food safety, nutrition, human rights and equality. The team is chaired by the sustainability manager.	Valio’s governance team experts represent legal affairs, finances, governance development and the business operating environment, IT administration, and risk management. The head of legal affairs chairs the team.