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pladis is a global biscuit and confectionery company behind iconic brands like McVitie’s, Ülker, and GODIVA chocolates. It was established in 2016 by Yildiz Holding. With a presence in over 110 countries, pladis combines heritage and innovation to deliver high-quality products enjoyed by millions worldwide.
Earthworm Foundation partners with pladis to strengthen the company’s responsible sourcing practices across key raw materials, including palm oil and cocoa. Through supply chain mapping, supplier engagement, and field-level transformation, Earthworm supports pladis in achieving supply chain traceability, identifying and addressing environmental and social risks, and designing a responsible sourcing approach in palm and cocoa. The partnership also leverages Starling satellite monitoring to detect and respond to deforestation risks in near real-time, enhancing transparency and accountability. Additionally, Earthworm provides a grievance management service for palm, enabling pladis to identify, assess, and work towards a resolution on supply chain concerns.
In Soubre, Côte d'Ivoire, Earthworm and pladis have worked together in financing and the creation of dozens of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), pladis has supported over 900 women in Ivorian farming communities to diversify their household income and start businesses like general stores, staple crop farms and education initiatives.
Together, these efforts support pladis’ commitment to sustainable sourcing and Earthworm's mission to create a positive impact for people and nature.
Earthworm Foundation and pladis initiate collaboration to develop responsible sourcing policies, engage suppliers, assess traceability data, and explore field-level transformation opportunities in palm oil sourcing.
Building on 2018 progress, pladis and EF launch two parallel workstreams: implementing NDPE policy and roadmap and started contributing to Earthworm’s long-term field activities to address deforestation and labor risks in palm oil regions.
pladis launches its NDPE policy. EF supports supply chain performance assessment, risk identification, grievance management and pilots Starling satellite monitoring with one palm supplier to track deforestation risks in near real-time.
Collaboration expands to cocoa, focusing on ethical and sustainable sourcing through supply chain transparency, supplier engagement and monitoring aligned with pladis’ responsible sourcing vision.
A regenerative agriculture pilot with wheat farmers is, alongside ongoing palm oil traceability, grievance management, satellite monitoring, cocoa supplier engagement and Landscapes investment initiatives.
First annual impact review highlights progress in traceability, supplier engagement and grievance resolution. EF begins supporting pladis in preparing for EU Due Diligence Regulation compliance.
Joint strategy session aligns 2024 priorities, emphasizing deeper supplier collaboration, enhanced transparency and scaling Landscape transformation efforts across palm and cocoa sourcing regions.
Collaboration continues with a focus on integrating palm oil and cocoa sourcing policies into pladis’ broader business strategy, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
Palm oil is a highly versatile and inexpensive vegetable oil used in many products. It is also an extremely efficient crop, producing as much as 10 times per hectare as other vegetable oils. But its role as a major driver of economic growth is also associated with the loss of tropical forest habitats.
Earthworm partners with companies like pladis to drive responsible palm oil sourcing through traceability, supplier engagement, and field-level transformation. We help develop and implement NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) policies, monitor deforestation risks using Starling satellite technology, and address non-compliance issues. Our landscape-based approach tackles environmental and social challenges by working closely with local communities, governments, and suppliers. This holistic approach ensures palm oil production supports livelihoods and economic development while safeguarding forests and human rights.
Cocoa is a key ingredient in many products and a vital income source for millions of smallholder farmers. While it supports rural livelihoods, cocoa farming is also linked to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and social issues. As global demand rises, promoting sustainable practices is essential to protect ecosystems and improve conditions for farming communities.
In the cocoa sector, Earthworm Foundation partners with companies to build ethical and sustainable supply chains that protect forests and support farming communities. Our work includes mapping farms, improving traceability, and engaging suppliers to promote responsible practices. We support women’s empowerment through access to financial services and income-generating activities and support regenerative agriculture to restore soil health and biodiversity. By addressing social and environmental risks at the landscape level, we help companies like pladis align cocoa sourcing with their sustainability goals while improving conditions for smallholder farmers and their families.
