How Ferrara Tackled ESG Regulations and Strengthened Sustainability with Sedex Consulting
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. For Ferrara, a leading confectionery company, integrating sustainability into its supply chain aligns with its core values and evolving regulatory expectations. With increasing global scrutiny on responsible sourcing and environmental impact, Ferrara established a dedicated sustainability team in 2022 to focus on key priorities:
- Ethical sourcing of raw materials
- Responsible packaging and waste reduction
- Human rights and climate initiatives
As Ferrara expanded into highly regulated markets like Europe, compliance became a critical challenge requiring expert guidance.
Challenge: Navigating Legislative Compliance
Expanding into new markets meant Ferrara had to comply with stringent environmental and social governance (ESG) laws. However, its internal legal team lacked the specialised expertise needed to interpret and implement evolving regulations.
“We may be newer to the sustainability space than some, but we share the same challenges—navigating complex regulations while ensuring meaningful progress.”
Leah Powley, Senior Sustainability Analyst at Ferrara
Ferrara needed a structured approach to compliance to mitigate risks, avoid penalties, and uphold its commitment to sustainability.
Solution: How Sedex’s Consulting Services Provided Clarity
Ferrara partnered with Sedex Consulting, leveraging expert support to streamline compliance and sustainability strategies. Key solutions included:
1. Legislation Diagnostic: Identified relevant ESG laws and assessed compliance readiness.
2. Gap Assessment & Recommendations: Delivered actionable insights for improving compliance, particularly in extended producer responsibility (EPR)—a major concern.
3. Policy Updates: Strengthened Ferrara’s Supplier Code of Conduct and internal sustainability guidelines.
With Sedex’s guidance, Ferrara developed a clear roadmap, ensuring compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.
Results: Positive Transformations and Compliance Readiness
The partnership with Sedex has yielded tangible results for Ferrara:
- Policy Enhancements: Recommendations from Sedex led to critical updates in Ferrara’s Supplier Code of Conduct and other foundational documents guiding their sustainability strategies.
- Increase in Compliance Awareness: The insights gained have been pivotal in preparing Ferrara for compliance in new markets.
- Risk Mitigation: reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential financial penalties.
“The recommendations from Sedex have been instrumental in updating our Supplier Code of Conduct and shaping our supplier engagement strategy.”
Leah Powley, Senior Sustainability Analyst at Ferrara
Looking Ahead: Future Sustainability Goals
Ferrara is committed to further integrating sustainability into its operations by:
- Continuing to enhance compliance strategies as legislation evolves.
- Expanding sustainability initiatives across the supply chain to improve traceability and responsible sourcing practices.
Leveraging insights from Sedex to refine their approaches to operational sustainability and environmental impact.
The company recognises the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals, with Leah stating,
“Making those connections within the Sedex community is invaluable to us; we’re all working towards the same goals.”
A Path Forward with Sedex
Ferrara’s engagement with Sedex Consulting underscores the value of expert guidance in navigating the complexities of sustainability. By aligning their sustainability goals with regulatory compliance, Ferrara is not only positioning itself as a responsible leader in the confectionery industry but also enhancing its credibility among consumers and stakeholders.
