The United Nations Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate responsibility network, offering a shared framework for developing and assessing sustainability. Jaakkoo-Taara’s membership brings structure to the long-standing work on responsibility and strengthens the company’s long-term goals.
Responsibility present in daily work
According to Quality Manager Oskari Vuorio, corporate responsibility at Jaakkoo-Taara is above all about concrete solutions. Daily operations emphasize punctual deliveries, quality that meets requirements and ethical conduct throughout the supply chain. Customer expectations regarding quality and reliability guide operations more strongly than any individual declaration.
– The Global Compact membership provides a clear point of comparison that helps evaluate operations against international practices and identify areas for development, says Vuorio.
Strategy built on certified systems
Vuorio explains that Jaakkoo-Taara’s sustainability strategy is based on long-established certified operating models and systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, FSC and PEFC. In the materiality assessment, the most significant themes for the company were identified, and the strategy focuses on occupational safety and wellbeing, environmental impact management, ethical sourcing and energy efficiency.
In occupational safety, the emphasis is on ergonomics and training, and the personnel are provided with additional resources for wellbeing and leadership development. Environmental work follows the Science Based Targets and aims to improve energy efficiency. In sourcing, it is ensured that suppliers follow the same principles, and the supply chain is regularly audited. Results are monitored through clear metrics and reported annually.
Four principle areas in practice
The four key areas of the Global Compact are human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. At Jaakkoo-Taara, laws and collective agreements are followed, and employees have access to comprehensive occupational healthcare, personnel benefits and all work follows the ISO 45001 system. Inappropriate treatment is prohibited, and official reporting channels ensure that any issues are handled properly.
Environmental responsibility is reflected in everyday choices, including energy efficiency measures, machinery investments, the use of renewable energy and certified raw materials. Anti-corruption principles are part of procurement processes and supplier evaluations, and processes are kept open and well documented to ensure transparency.
Jaakkoo-Taara identifies development needs through audits required by certifications as well as personnel and customer feedback.
– When an area for improvement is found, actions are taken directly through process development, training or investments. This ensures continuous improvement and smoother daily operations, Vuorio highlights.
Benefits from an international network
UN Global Compact membership supports building trust particularly in international customer relationships and facilitates discussions on responsibility through a unified framework. The membership also provides access to broad knowledge bases and practical examples that support the development of Jaakkoo-Taara’s own operations.
–The external sustainability report to be published in the future will compile metrics, targets and progress across different areas. This will increase transparency for customers, partners and stakeholders, Vuorio says.