CAEI renews ProTerra and Bonsucro certifications

Consorcio Azucarero de Empresas Industriales (CAEI) has successfully renewed the certification of its sustainable sugar production and commercialization processes under two international standards, ProTerra and Bonsucro. The renewals were achieved after successfully completing two audit processes to maintain the accreditations originally obtained in 2016. 

The evaluation of the Bonsucro production standard was conducted by Foodchain ID Certifications Brazil from June 21-28, 2021. The assessment was carried out remotely due to the prevailing coronavirus situation.

The different criteria covered under this certification were used to evaluate all branches of the company that participated in the audit process, such as the Agricultural Department, the Sugar Mill, Human Resources, Quality and Environment, as well as Sustainability.

The company’s certified cane volumes, soil analysis, irrigation systems, environmental permits, as well as water utilization, waste management, investments in research and development, and respect for human and labor rights were reviewed.  Also reviewed was the training received by company employees in human rights and collective labor agreements.

Upon the successful completion of the Bonsucro recertification audit, Alberto Potes, Executive Vice President of CAEI, highlighted the company's vision and commitment to continuous improvement towards environmental, economic and social sustainability.

“Since 2016 the CAEI Consortium has been able to first obtain and then maintain the validation of the certification on two occasions, being the first company in the country and the Caribbean in this sector to certify the production of sugarcane in a sustainable way. This commitment to sustainable production is guaranteed by teamwork, an overall vision led by the company's management and the continuous support of its shareholders,” added Potes.

The Bonsucro certification validates sustainable sugarcane production of sugarcane at CAEI’s own fields, industrial processing units for the production of sugar and molasses, as well as the mass balance control systems of the Chain of Custody.  Bonsucro is a non-profit entity that seeks to reduce the environmental and social impacts of sugarcane production. It is a member of ISEAL, a global entity that governs sustainability standards.

In addition, the CAEI Consortium also renewed its certification by the ProTerra Foundation, another social responsibility and environmental sustainability standard that encourages good agricultural practices.

The ProTerra audit, also conducted remotely by Foodchain ID Certifications Brazil, took place from August 9-12, 2021.

In this evaluation, the auditors reviewed all records, documents, and evidence highlighting prevailing practices at the sugar mill, CAEI’s sugar cane plantations, and those owned by third parties. The auditors evaluated good agricultural practices, soil management regime, use of agrochemicals and fertilizers, personnel risk assessment, safety training programs, the environmental management plan, human rights policies, as well as solid waste management and sugarcane production systems.

Benigno Trueba, CAEI Assistant Vice President, highlighted the joint efforts of the entire CAEI team, focused on continuous improvement and ensuring strict compliance with the certification’s guidelines for this type of standard.   

“At CAEI we keep track of everything, as this is the best tool to maintain our commitment to sustainable, responsible and environmentally-friendly production, as well as being respectful of the rights of all our collaborators.  Recertifying ourselves again with ProTerra invites us to continue to work enthusiastically on this important task,” said Trueba.

CAEI is a company within the portfolio of assets managed by Putney Capital Management, a manager affiliated with INICIA.