Modern Slavery Statement 2020
BERRY GLOBAL GROUP, INC. MODERN SLAVERY ACT STATEMENT 2020
Introduction
This statement is made in accordance with Section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out actions taken by Berry Global Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including UK-based RPC Containers Limited, British Polythene Limited, Maynard & Harris Plastics, Massmould Limited and Plasgran Limited (collectively, “Berry Global”) to understand potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. During the 2020 fiscal year we focused on the integration of recently acquired RPC Group plc with Berry Global, including efforts to build a comprehensive compliance program across our global organization.
Berry Global is a leading global supplier of a broad range of innovative rigid, flexible, and non-woven products used every day within consumer and industrial end markets. We have more than 47,000 employees and generated approximately $13 billion of sales in fiscal year 2020 on a combined pro forma basis from operations that span over 290 locations on six continents. Berry Global’s supply chains include the sourcing of polyolefin-based resins, inks, and other raw materials, packaging components, and equipment. Berry’s approach to its supply chain is one of “local value delivery,” that is, we try to source intra-country whenever possible. We develop long-lasting relationships with our suppliers, which allows us to better understand their business models and commitment to following our Supplier Code of Conduct, including anti-slavery and anti-trafficking expectations.
As part of a global economy, our organization recognizes that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. Berry Global is deeply committed to compliance with laws of all jurisdictions in which we do business, including laws designed to eliminate slavery and human trafficking, and expects all employees to adopt this commitment. Berry Global expects the same high standard of our diverse supply chain.
Slavery and human trafficking are serious problems in many parts of the world. While we have not been directly affected by these issues, as an organization, Berry Global understands our responsibility to be aware of them and intends to do our part to combat slavery and human trafficking. The functions of Purchasing, Legal, Human Resources, and Ethics and Compliance work together to track applicable laws, develop risk assessments, raise awareness around policies and procedures, and conduct training.
Relevant Policies and Procedures
Berry Global operates under the following policies and procedures that describe its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations and supply chain. We continue to transition these policies and procedures as part of our ongoing integration of the recently acquired RPC group entities:
Risk Assessment and Due diligence
Berry Global performs an annual risk assessment, which includes cross-functional participants from each of our four major divisions, along with Senior Management, including the heads of Legal, Ethics and Compliance, Human Resources and Purchasing. We believe that the risk of slavery and human trafficking in our supply chain is very low. However, Berry also recognizes that the severity of such activities should it become real. This is one reason why Berry Global undertakes due diligence when considering working with new suppliers. New suppliers are required to agree to our current Supplier Code of Conduct and provide relevant certifications, including that (i) no materials supplied to Berry Global are produced directly or indirectly by means of slavery or human trafficking and (ii) they comply with all applicable laws regarding slavery and human trafficking of the country or countries in which they do business.
This has been a uniquely challenging year with COVID-19 and a period during which we have had to remain alert to the potential for modern slavery risks to be impacted, including with respect to the health and safety of workers. While we have not identified new risks, we have worked with teams at all levels in our supply chain to react to the changing landscape to maintain the integrity of a safe and secure supply chain. Most importantly, this has continued to reinforce our ongoing commitment that the health and wellness of our team members remains a top priority.
Monitoring
Berry Global not only performs due diligence on new suppliers, but regularly reviews existing suppliers. The main purpose of these reviews and onsite visits is to ensure they are meeting our standards (e.g., in regards to quality and delivery). However, while reviewing and/or visiting a supplier, we may check their practices to ensure they are not participating in any form of slavery or human trafficking.
Training / Awareness-Raising Program
The Berry Global Legal Department provided live training to the Purchasing Department on matters relating to the eradication of slavery and human trafficking in connection with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010. In addition, Berry Global sales and purchasing functions receive yearly online training on transparency in the supply chain, including issues of slavery and human trafficking. These trainings include Senior Management, which we believe is important in order to set the right tone at the top.
As well as training employees, Berry Global has raised awareness of modern slavery issues by distributing flyers, putting up posters across the organization’s premises, circulating emails, and posting information on the intranet and internal televisions describing the problem of slavery and human trafficking, the importance of being a proactive company to help eliminate the problem, and persons to contact with questions.
Board Approval
This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors of Berry Global Group, Inc., who will review and update it annually.