Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more important than ever, including in the kaolin industry. CSR initiatives in the kaolin industry seek to reduce the environmental and health impact from the waste, both from the mining and manufacturing aspects. Seeing the increasing numbers of industries that require kaolin, CSR initiatives are needed to increase public trust.
4 Focuses on CSR Initiatives
There are four types of CSR initiatives in the kaolin industry that need to be standardized everywhere. They are:
1. Environmental
Environmental programs are the major CSR initiatives in the kaolin industry. They focus on reducing the harm to nature caused by various industrial practices. Environmental programs in CSR initiatives may include efforts like reducing waste and pollution, replenishing resources to offset the negative impacts, using environmentally-conscious options in packaging and distribution, and focusing on good waste management technology.
Related: Does Kaolin Mining Have an Environmental Impact? Things to Know
2. Philanthropic
Philanthropic programs focus on contribution for the society using the company’s resources. In essence, the program aims to “give back” to society and create a better world. The projects can be anything, such as charity and fundraising, scholarship, and support programs for various local communities.
3. Ethical
The ethical aspects in CSR initiatives concern the way companies apply ethical standards in their practices. Examples are fair treatments of employees regardless of genders, sexualities, and races/ethnicities, fair disclosure of company practices, and positive financial treatments regarding salaries, benefits, and compensations.
4. Financial
The financial aspect is a part of the company planning to support the previous three CRS initiatives. Because the programs need proper financing, companies need to set aside a regular budget plan for CSR initiatives. The budgeting may cover activities like research and development, employment of people with CSR-related experiences, and training programs.
Formal Standard for Kaolin CSR Initiatives
CSR initiatives in the kaolin industry must follow ISO 26000 as its formal standards. ISO 26000 covers general guidance on CSR methods and strategies. Kaolin companies need to apply standards in ISO 26000 while applying ethics and transparency in each step.
ISO 26000 covers major issues CSR initiatives need to address. Aside from the major four covered in the previous part, companies need to contribute to aspects such as human rights, society development, and consumer rights. Companies must also adhere to laws and international human rights while still maintaining good relationships with their stakeholders.
With ISO 26000 standard, companies cannot claim to care about one issue while neglecting the others. For example, a kaolin mining company cannot just focus on environmental efforts while abandoning proper financial compensations and healthy workplace management for its workers.
Examples of CSR Initiatives by Kaolin Company
To better understand the CSR initiatives in the kaolin industry, let’s take an example from the CSR page of Société Kaolinière Armoricaine (SOKA), a French kaolin company. Its major corporate responsibility programs cover the main focuses of CSR initiatives, such as:
1. Reducing Carbon Footprint
SOKA adheres to EU regulations about carbon footprint in business. Their CSR program includes reducing greenhouse gas, measuring energy consumption, and reducing waste. The company also makes annual reports about its environmental program and impact to be presented to residents around the business site.
2. Reducing Water Consumption
In the kaolin mining process, a high-pressure water stream is used to purify the kaolin. SOKA uses a closed wash circuit technology that reuses water to purify kaolin. SOKA also has a lagoon used to filter water so they can keep using it. SOKA also relies on rainwater instead of groundwater as their freshwater source.
3. Using Alternative Energy Source
Kaolin needs to go through the drying process during the production process. SOKA collaborates with its stakeholders to research alternative energy sources to dry kaolin. Currently, it focuses on using waste wood instead of natural gas to fuel the drying equipment and process.
4. Supporting Local Agriculture
SOKA requires a wide range of land to open kaolin mine and its supporting facilities. The company sets aside its land as an unexploited area to be loaned to local farmers. It helps farmers to increase the amounts of their harvests and improve their farming business.
5. Increasing the Numbers of Employment
SOKA created HR strategies that attract employees based on merits and competitiveness, while maintaining elements of flexibility and fairness. Their business activities and developments have created hundreds of employment opportunities around their business sites. This gave a positive impact on the local economy and employment level.
6. People-based Management System
The company’s management system is people-oriented, making sure that employees are treated with dignity and proper level of professionalism. The company provides opportunities for employees to develop their skills, which contribute to economic and professional improvements.
Learn from CSR initiatives in the kaolin industry and apply them in your own business. Start an ethical yet lucrative kaolin business with the right partner. Yukami is an Indonesia-based kaolin supplier company that has sold products to customers in Malaysia, South Korea, China, and many more.
Yukami sells industrial grade kaolin powder, noodles, and many more. You can invest in these products while applying CSR methods based on the scale of your business. Start your business in an ethical way by following the examples of CSR initiatives in the kaolin industry.
Related: Leading Kaolin Manufacturer in Indonesia? Here’s the Answer!
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