What is Bonsucro Certification?
Bonsucro Certification is a recognized standard for sustainable sugarcane production worldwide. It sets guidelines and criteria that sugarcane growers, mills, and refineries must meet to demonstrate their commitment to environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
The certification aims to mitigate the negative impacts of sugarcane farming on the environment by promoting practices that conserve resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect biodiversity. It also emphasizes fair labour conditions and community engagement, ensuring that workers’ rights are respected and local communities benefit from sugarcane production.
By obtaining Bonsucro Certification, producers show their dedication to transparency and accountability in their operations. This certification is increasingly valued by consumers, retailers, and manufacturers who seek products sourced from sustainable supply chains. It helps create a market for responsibly produced sugarcane products and encourages continuous improvement in industry practices towards greater sustainability.
Benefits of Bonsucro Certification
Market Access
Bonsucro Certification opens doors to markets that prioritize sustainability. Many retailers and manufacturers require certification as proof that products meet specific environmental and social standards. This access can lead to increased sales opportunities and premium pricing for certified products compared to non-certified counterparts.
Consumer Confidence
Consumers increasingly seek products that align with their values, including environmental and social responsibility. Bonsucro Certification provides assurance that sugarcane products are sourced sustainably, addressing concerns about environmental impact, fair labour practices, and community well-being.
Environmental Impact
The certification encourages practices that minimize the environmental footprint of sugarcane production. This includes reducing water use, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. By adhering to Bonsucro standards, producers contribute to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Social Responsibility
Bonsucro Certification promotes fair treatment of workers throughout the sugarcane supply chain. It ensures compliance with labour laws, supports safe working conditions, and promotes equitable wages. By prioritizing social responsibility, certified producers contribute to improved livelihoods for workers and enhanced social harmony within communities affected by sugarcane production.
Supply Chain Transparency
Certification requires rigorous traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain. This transparency helps identify and address potential risks such as unethical labour practices or environmental degradation. It also enhances accountability among producers, processors, and buyers, fostering trust and integrity in the supply chain.
Improved Efficiency
Certification promotes adoption of best practices that enhance resource efficiency and productivity. This includes optimizing water and energy use, minimizing waste generation, and improving crop yields. Improved efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also supports sustainable agricultural practices that can endure environmental challenges.
Who can apply for Bonsucro Certification?
Sugarcane Growers
Farmers and plantation owners involved in cultivating sugarcane are eligible to seek Bonsucro Certification. This includes smallholder farmers, large-scale plantations, and cooperatives. To qualify, growers must demonstrate adherence to Bonsucro's sustainability criteria, which cover aspects such as responsible land management, etc.
Mills and Refineries
Facilities responsible for processing sugarcane into products like raw sugar, refined sugar, ethanol, or other derivatives can apply for Bonsucro Certification. This includes sugar mills, ethanol distilleries, and refineries. To achieve certification, these facilities must comply with Bonsucro's standards related to energy efficiency, emissions reduction.
Traders and Merchants
Companies involved in the trading, buying, and selling of sugarcane or its products can pursue Bonsucro Certification. This includes traders, exporters, importers, and merchants dealing with sugarcane, sugar, ethanol, or other derivatives. To qualify, these entities must ensure traceability and transparency in their supply chains.
End Product Manufacturers
Industries that utilize sugarcane-derived products as raw materials in their manufacturing processes can also seek Bonsucro Certification. This includes food and beverage manufacturers, biofuel producers, and other industrial users. These manufacturers need to ensure that sugarcane they use meets Bonsucro's sustainability standards.
Industry Associations and Cooperatives
Collective organizations representing sugarcane growers, processors, or traders may apply for Bonsucro Certification on behalf of their members. These associations play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices within their sectors and ensuring that their members adhere to Bonsucro's standards.
Government Agencies and NGOs
In some cases, governmental bodies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may facilitate or apply for Bonsucro Certification. These entities often work to promote sustainable agricultural practices and support local communities affected by sugarcane production.
Documents Required for Bonsucro Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of Bonsucro Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Day 1
GAP Analysis, Certification Body, Selection, Cost Estimates
• Finding the GAP between existing system related to Bonsucro requirements
• Selecting the appropriate certification body
• Based on the scope of your business & certification body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
• Bonsucro Awareness training for the top management and staff
• Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to Bonsucro requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification body
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
• Bonsucro certificates issued
• Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
FAQ
Bonsucro Certification is a globally recognized standard for sustainable sugarcane production and processing. It ensures that sugarcane and its derivatives are produced in an environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable manner.
Any organization involved in sugarcane production, processing, trading, or utilizing sugarcane-derived products can apply for Bonsucro Certification. This includes growers, mills, refineries, traders, merchants, end product manufacturers, industry associations, and NGOs.
Bonsucro Certification offers several benefits, including enhanced market access, improved consumer confidence, reduced environmental impact, promotion of social responsibility, supply chain transparency, compliance with regulations, access to knowledge and networking opportunities, and support for corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
Bonsucro Certification standards cover environmental aspects such as water management, biodiversity conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions. They also include social criteria like fair labour practices, workers’ rights, and community engagement. Economic criteria focus on ensuring economic viability and sustainability of sugarcane production.
Bonsucro Certification standards cover environmental aspects such as water management, biodiversity conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions. They also include social criteria like fair labour practices, workers’ rights, and community engagement. Economic criteria focus on ensuring economic viability and sustainability of sugarcane production.
Bonsucro Certification is voluntary. However, many retailers, manufacturers, and consumers prefer products that are certified as sustainably produced. Certification helps organizations meet market demands for responsible sourcing and sustainability.
Bonsucro Certification is typically valid for a certain period, often three to five years, depending on the certification body and specific circumstances. Organizations must undergo regular audits and assessments to maintain certification and demonstrate continuous improvement in sustainability practices.
The cost of Bonsucro Certification varies depending on factors such as the size of the organization, complexity of operations, and location. It includes fees for initial assessment, audits, and on-going monitoring. Organizations should contact accredited certification bodies for specific cost details.
Bonsucro-certified products are available globally. Many retailers, manufacturers, and brands indicate Bonsucro Certification on their packaging or product information. Consumers can also check Bonsucro's online directory or contact companies directly to inquire about certified products.