Huel announces partnership with Tony Chocolonely’s Open Chain
Huel, maker of complete meals in the form of shakers, powders and protein bars, has announced today its partnership with Tony’s Chocolonely’s Open Chain, the chocolate brand’s initiative focussing on the sustainability of cocoa supply chains.
The partnership aims to ensure that Huel’s products are made with sustainably sourced cocoa. Open Chain has been set up to make sure that farmers are paid a fair price for their product, illegal labour isn’t used in the production of cocoa and no deforestation takes place.
Huel says that the partnership aligns with its core values of providing nutritionally complete, sustainable, and ethical products to its customers, whilst making a long term commitment to a sustainable supply chain where 100% of the cocoa used in its products is traceable with a direct link to farmers, that farmers are supported to increase productivity, and that child labour and slavery – common issues in the production of cocoa – are eradicated.
All of Huel’s suppliers are asked to sign a contractually-binding Sustainability Code of Conduct for the protection of human rights and welfare. The brand also requires that its suppliers hold an independently verified, internationally recognised ethical certification.
Huel says it’s committed to reaching a Net Zero target by reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its business operations and that the carbon footprint of every single product it manufactures is aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
Jess Sansom, Sustainability Director at Huel, says: “Huel is super excited to be joining Tony’s Open Chain. We strongly believe that it is possible to create a sustainable food system, and Tony’s mission and work in West Africa is proving what is possible. The 5 sourcing principles are holistic, the approach is collaborative, and the results speak for themselves. We are looking forward to working alongside other Mission Allies, and calling upon other brands to join Open Chain and make a difference.
Chief of Impact and Operations at Tony’s Chocolonely, Pascal Baltussen, adds: “At Tony’s Open Chain we envision a future where cocoa farmers in Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana earn a living income, child labour is eradicated, and deforestation is stopped. The five sourcing principles that Tony’s Open Chain has implemented over the past 10 years is showing that this future is feasible, the biggest driver for change is scale. We are incredibly proud to have Pleese as our first UK Mission Ally, and Huel as our second, and we are convinced this will be the first and second of many. Together we can bring equality and eradicate exploitation in cocoa in West Africa.”
