ethical policies
the bigger picture
The Co-operative Group Sound Sourcing Code of Conduct
To ensure that working conditions meet our aims and objectives we have developed our Sound Sourcing Code of Conduct that identifies the standards that we expect to be applied across all suppliers of Co-operative Brand products and those products made exclusively for the Co-operative Group. This Code is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code and International Labour Organisation standards.
View the Sound Sourcing Code of Conduct in full
The Co-operative Food Ethical Policy
The Co-operative Food Ethical Policy is our commitment to improve our Food business’ ethical and environmental performance in line with our members’ expectations. The Policy launched in February 2008, following a consultation with 100,000 members. As a result, we’ve made several changes in our Food stores, including banning the sale of eggs from caged hens, converting our entire own-brand hot beverage range to Fairtrade, radically reducing the weight of packaging for 26 different wines and adding a further 66 pesticides to our prohibited list.
Find out more about The Co-operative Food Ethical Policy.
The Co-operative Bank Ethical Policy
The Co-operative Bank is the only UK bank with an Ethical Policy that’s voted on by its customers. Over the last 17 years, the bank has taken a tough stance on business activities that conflict with customers’ concerns, turning away loans to businesses totalling over £1 billion.