About Us
Responsibility
Sustainability at All Levels
Sustainability is not a program that can be written once and used as is. Our sustainability program is managed by a 14-person committee comprised of all levels of management within our organization, and is constantly evolving our commitment to sustainable business practices as an integral part of our decision-making process.
We understand this. Whether we are procuring a new coffee maker, cups for the break room, or a new piece of multi-million-dollar production equipment, sustainability is at the forefront of our decision-making criteria. Our environmental sustainability practices focus on four core initiatives: fulfilling corporate targets, building a responsible supply chain, manufacturing sustainably and delivering innovative products that reduce environmental impact.
Corporate Targets
We have determined the operational areas in which CII can make the greatest positive environmental changes, and set targets in each of these areas to take action.
- Reduce Metric tons of CO2 per pound produced at least 25% by 2030
- Reduce waste to between 8-12%
- Exceed 2020 volunteer hours and Charitable donations
- Install Energy Monitoring Equipment on 2 production lines
- Implement 2 energy efficiency or climate impact reduction initiatives
- Complete Installation of LED Lighting
- We know that setting and working toward each of these goals is only the beginning. Goals are reviewed annually in addition to ongoing tracking of chosen sustainability key performance indicators. Our sustainability program is a constantly evolving and deeply ingrained initiative that stems from within our organization’s decision-making process and leadership.
Responsible Supply Chain
We strive to exceed our corporate environmental targets by extending our sustainability efforts throughout CII’s supply chain.
We ensure that each of our supply chain partners meet standards that we are proud of. We review the sustainability programs of each of our partners during the supplier approval process, and frequently update documentation to ensure compliance.
We are constantly seeking ways to engage with our partners in sustainable initiatives that reach beyond our business processes. A recent project helped replant tress that were lost due to cinnamon harvesting, and this is just one example of similar projects we completed with our partners.
Sustainable Manufacturing
Through our manufacturing processes, we aim to increase our sustainable efficiency by reducing additional costs and waste.
Through ordering granulated sugar and other key ingredients in bulk, we have lower transportation emissions, less packaging waste and lower costs.
We are able to reduce water and energy usage through our floor stock plans, which allow for longer runs and less clean-ups of our production line.
We have production scheduling meetings daily which enables our staff to carefully plan product campaigns to eliminate unnecessary line changeovers. This drastically reduces water usage, energy usage, chemical usage, and helps us be a reliable on-time supplier foreach of our customers.
Innovative Products
To achieve a truly sustainable business, we start with our own food ingredient solutions. We engage in continued innovation to make products that are more environmentally sustainable.
Our newest line of plant-based proteins provides alternative protein solution for customers, enabling CII to lead the industry towards reducing harmful methane emissions that result from traditional meat production.
Our Values
Our Vision
CII’s early vision continues to guide all of us at CII in our purpose of delivering innovations for better food and stronger communities. As an employee-owned company, we take a people-first approach to everything we do. That means, we are committed to:
- Delivering for our customers through integrity-driven partnerships, high-quality products, and consistently dependable service.
- Empowering our employees to be their best, building a sustainable future for themselves and their families.
- Looking beyond our walls to strengthen our communities by investing our time and resources in the creation of a future we can all be proud of, whether in our hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas or in communities around the world.
Our Commitment
- Here at CII, we are delivering innovation for a better tomorrow.
- We take pride in the positive impact we have on the world around us and take great care to live out our purpose by acting responsibly and continually evaluating our supply chain, products, and practices to ensure we are delivering better food for stronger communities.
- No matter the challenge, we look forward to collaborating with our customers to bring ideas to life through sustainable innovation – providing unique solutions that meet the diverse needs of people around the world, today and for generations to come.
- CII is committed to managing and reducing environmental impact as part of operations and it is our policy to assure the sustainable integrity of our processes and facilities.
- We understand sustainable business practices are essential to be a force for good in the world beyond supplying high quality ingredient solutions to our customers. Sustainability must include considerations for diversity, equity, inclusion, human rights, environmental impact, community engagement, and corporate responsibility.
Business Ethics
- A company’s reputation for integrity is its most valuable asset and is directly related to the conduct of its officers and other employees. CII employees never use their positions with the company, or any of its customers, for private gain, to advance personal interests or to obtain favors or benefits for themselves, members of their families or any other individuals, corporations or business entities. CII conducts business activities in an ethical and forthright manner without bribery, corruption, or fraudulent business practice.
- CII adheres to the highest legal and ethical standards applicable in our business. Business is conducted in strict observance of both the letter and spirit of all applicable laws and the integrity of each employee is of the utmost importance.
- CII employees conduct their personal affairs such that their duties and responsibilities to CII are not jeopardized and/or legal questions do not arise with respect to their association or work with CII.
Equal Employment Opportunity
- Our company is committed to equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
- Our company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. This may include providing reasonable accommodation where appropriate in order for an otherwise qualified individual to perform the essential functions of the job.
Employment Practices
- CII is compliant with all local, state, and federal employment laws & regulations including:
- Health & Safety
- Minimum Age Requirements
- Discrimination
- Abuse & Harassment
- Freedom of Association
- Payment of Wages
- Work Hours & Work Week
A Word about our Employee Relations Philosophy
- We are committed to providing the best possible climate for maximum development and goal achievement for all employees. Our practice is to treat each employee as an individual. We seek to develop a spirit of teamwork; individuals working together to attain a common goal.
- In order to maintain an atmosphere where these goals can be accomplished, we provide a comfortable and progressive workplace. Most importantly, we have a workplace where communication is open and problems can be discussed and resolved in a mutually respectful atmosphere. We take into account individual circumstances and the individual employee.
- We firmly believe that with direct communication, we can continue to resolve any difficulties that may arise and develop a mutually beneficial relationship.
No Harassment
- We prohibit harassment of one employee by another employee, supervisor or third party for any reason based upon an individual’s race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected under federal, state or local law.
- Our supervisors and managers are covered by this policy and are prohibited from engaging in any form of harassing, discriminatory, or retaliatory conduct. No supervisor or other member of management has the authority to suggest to any applicant or employee that employment or advancement will be affected by the individual entering into (or refusing to enter into) a personal relationship with the supervisor or manager, or for tolerating (or refusing to tolerate) conduct or communication that might violate this policy. Such conduct is a direct violation of this policy.
- Even non-employees are covered by this policy. We prohibit harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of our employees in connection with their work by non-employees. Immediately report any harassing or discriminating behavior by non-employees. Any employee who experiences or observes harassment, discrimination, or retaliation should report it using the relevant protocol.
Safety
- Safety can only be achieved through teamwork. Each CII employee, supervisor and manager practices safety awareness by thinking defensively, anticipating unsafe situations and reporting unsafe conditions immediately.
- Our interdisciplinary safety committee comprised of numerous department heads, managers, and staff meets monthly or as needed to effectively and decisively address any safety concerns in the facility.
Supplier Expectations
- Suppliers are accountable for their environmental impact and should work to continuously reduce their negative environmental impact through the use of specific quantifiable goals and metrics. Supplier sustainability and environmental goals should be documented and available upon request.
- Suppliers shall be compliant with all local, state, federal, and regional regulations and requirements regarding food manufacturing and fair labor practices. This includes laws and regulations regarding the environment, employment, labeling, FALCPA, food manufacturing, work hours, work week and payment of wages.
- Suppliers shall provide staff proper working conditions in a safe environment compliant with all relevant regulations and laws for health and safety.
- Suppliers are expected to prohibit bribery, corruption, and fraud while fostering honesty, integrity, loyalty, fairness, concern/respect for others and abiding by all necessary laws within their organization.