At AkzoNobel, we want to paint a better future. We care passionately about people and building communities, with safety, integrity and sustainability at our core.

We recognize the human rights of all people as outlined in the International Bill on Human Rights, and our responsibility to respect human rights as set out in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

We’re committed to actively and systematically assessing (potential) human rights impacts across our value chain and act where needed to ensure our (indirect) impacts on people’s lives are as positive as possible. We expect all our business partners to respect human rights and apply equivalent principles, and we seek to support them actively in their implementation where needed.  

AkzoNobel is deeply committed to responsible sourcing, as an important part of AkzoNobel’s supplier sustainability commitment. It’s our intention to do our utmost to ensure that the products and components in our supply chain don’t contribute to adverse impacts on human rights.         

Mica minerals

Natural mica is largely known for its application in cosmetic products and paint. It’s also used for insulation and heat resistance, and can be found in some components of electronic and automotive products.

In two major mica-producing countries – India and Madagascar – mica supply chains rely heavily on artisanal and small-scale extraction, as well as manual processing. Reports in recent years have highlighted instances of child labor, illegal operations and unsafe health and safety conditions in mica production and processing. 

Due diligence

We undertake the following activities by working closely together with suppliers that supply mica-containing products:

• Require our suppliers to conduct the necessary due diligence and provide us with proper verification of the country of origin and source of the materials used in the products they supply to AkzoNobel
• Identify processors and mines in our supply chains
• Support initiatives to verify processors and mines that are child labor and modern slavery free, and expect our suppliers to utilize any such supporting programs that are available
• Reserve the right to verify any information received from our suppliers
• Motivate our suppliers becoming a member of the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI)

If a supplier is found to not follow these objectives, the supplier is expected to develop, implement and document plans to remedy such non-compliance in a timely manner. If the non-compliance can’t be resolved, we reserve the right to terminate the relationship with the supplier.         

Responsible Mica Initiative

AkzoNobel has formalized its membership of the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI), having been one of the founding members when it was launched in 2017. The RMI is a global coalition for action comprised of more than 80 organizations committed to establishing a fair, responsible and sustainable mica supply chain in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar in India that will eliminate unacceptable working conditions and eradicate child labor by 2030.

We rigorously enforce the fundamental principle of respecting human rights and only source our mica-based pearlescent pigments from suppliers who are a member of the RMI. Together, we’re committed to banning child labor from the supply chain in a sustainable manner.