Our sustainability commitments
We are committed to creating sustainable value for key stakeholders. This demands diligent engagement that reflects our role as a responsible corporate citizen, our commitment to social responsibility, sound business practice and natural resource management.
Quantum Foods supports the rights set out in:
- The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- The International Labour Organisation Fundamental Conventions
Quantum Foods is committed to good labour relationships through consultative workplace structures and associations that allow employees to present their views to management. As such, we engage with different labour unions and have open communication channels.
Zero hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Nutrition – Our ability to provide high-quality protein at affordable prices contributes to ending hunger and associated perils, such as stunted development of young children.
Responsible sourcing – Developing local small suppliers and ensuring responsible practices in our value chain will create value for all stakeholders and assist in the protection of human rights.
Decent work and economic growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Skills development – As one of the few corporate players in the poultry and egg sector in South Africa, we contribute to creating a pool of skills for the industry and high-performing employees for our own operations.
Health, safety and human disease – By providing a safe working environment and protective equipment, including biosecurity measures, we take care of employees and comply with legislation.
Transformation – Our commitment to empowerment, development and employment equity will lead to improved socioeconomic status for previously disadvantaged individuals and communities.
Responsible consumption and production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Protecting the environment – Implementing practices to minimise emissions and waste is crucial for environmental stewardship, compliance with regulations and reducing our carbon footprint and taxes.
Water – More pervasive drought conditions can lead to water supply risks, while floods can have a severe impact on infrastructure. Mitigating against these risks requires increasing investment in water recycling, storage and treatment capacity.
Product safety and quality – We aim to provide products that are safe and nutritious for their target market – be it human or animal – to consume.
Animal welfare – Adhering to acceptable and required practices reflects our ethical responsibility, while biosecurity measures protect our birds.
Our climate response
Quantum Foods is exposed to the adverse impact of climate change, which affects the agriculture industry and our primary inputs and operations. Physical risks include extreme weather events, infrastructure damage and unavailability due to storms, floods and fires, climate-related outbreaks of poultry disease, and increasing temperatures. We make a conscious effort to manage and minimise the environmental impact of our operations, and are developing scenarios to help mitigate against the impact of climate change.
How can climate change affect our business?
Our social response
When we focus on amplifying our positive impacts, the business and all our stakeholders benefit.
Food safety
We aim to provide products that are safe and nutritious for their target market – be it human or animal – to consume.
We adhere to safe manufacturing practices and are subjected to external audits and reviews to ensure adherence to industry, regulatory and product safety standards.
Animal welfare
We ensure the fair treatment of animals and subscribe to the welfare standards and code of practice of the South African Poultry Association.
Avian influenza is a serious threat to the welfare of poultry, and we continue to explore solutions to protect birds from infection.
Poultry disease
Stringent biosecurity measures are in place at all our farms and are audited regularly by employees and independent veterinarians.
We implement vaccination programmes and monitor serology, environmental and water quality results to maintain a healthy flock.
Skills development
We invest in building our own skills pipeline, continuously develop available training resources, and adapt our training investment according to business performance and requirements.
We use online learning, training and workshops to enhance or refresh existing skills. We offer internships, learnerships, apprenticeships and bursaries.
