PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS has a longstanding, well-documented record of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations at both the firm and portfolio company-level.
We are committed to addressing real, imminent challenges in the global food and agribusiness sector by championing companies that deliver innovative and meaningful solutions that support:
Economic
Growth
Growth
Human Rights and Fair
Labor Standards
Labor Standards
Positive Environmental
Impacts
Impacts
Safe and Healthy Products
to End Consumers
to End Consumers
Food Supply
Security
Security
Paine Schwartz Partners ESG Policy
PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Since 2018, we have been publishing our Annual Sustainability and Social Responsibility Report. This report details the robust framework we have created for embedding material ESG topics into our investment strategies and the Sustainability and DE&I goals we have set at our portfolio companies.
We are committed to transparency in ESG and DE&I reporting and are guided in our reporting metrics and benchmarking standards by some of the investment industry’s most significant international frameworks.
A Commitment to Responsible Investment And Transparency
PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS has been a proud signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) since April 2019. Supported by the United Nations, PRI establishes a cohesive set of investment principles for ESG integration, transparency, and stewardship.
PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS’ ESG Policy includes alignment with the considerations put forth by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). We have conducted a gap analysis for formal alignment with TCFD.
PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS uses the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) guidance for the Food & Beverage Industry to identify material ESG focus areas.
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) seeks to provide best practice for impact reporting around the world. PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS’ is currently undergoing a gap analysis with the expectation of being able to further our reporting through GRI in the future.
As a member of the ESG Data Convergence Initiative (EDCI), PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS seeks to drive convergence around a standardized set of ESG metrics and mechanism for comparative reporting in the private equity industry.
ESG Integration from Sourcing to Exit
1. Sourcing
ESG and sustainability are key themes underpinning the global food and agribusiness sector. Paine Schwartz adopts a thesis-driven approach to investing that includes careful consideration of these factors. Due diligence and screening processes are conducted alongside a third-party expert to properly assess any potential ESG risks and value creation opportunities.
2. Monitoring
Following the investment, our team monitors all portfolio companies to track progress while partnering closely with management teams to support initiatives and implement a strong corporate responsibility culture within the company.
3. Enhancement
In addition to monitoring and reporting on year-over-year portfolio company ESG metrics, Paine Schwartz also consolidates that data into actionable items to drive ESG achievements for companies. Our objective is to ensure that over the hold period, real measurable changes are made in terms of improving our sustainability footprint in ways that are consistent with driving returns.
4. Exit
At the time of exit, Paine Schwartz ensures that companies have fully integrated ESG frameworks that will remain intact during the period of transition. Potential issues are proactively addressed prior to exit, and significant value enhancement opportunities are identified for the road ahead.
Investing in Global Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal set of 17 objectives, targets, and indicators designed as a blueprint to achieve a better, more sustainable future for all.
PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Learn more about the alignment between our portfolio companies and the SDGs
Alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Throughout our portfolio, each of our investments has elements addressing and providing valuable solutions for significant challenges throughout the global food chain.
2
Zero
Hunger
Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security
and improved nutrition, and promote
sustainable agriculture.
and improved nutrition, and promote
sustainable agriculture.
8
Decent work
and economic
growth
and economic
growth
12
Responsible
consumption
and production
consumption
and production
13
Climate
action
action
15
Life on land
As investors in food and agribusiness, we invest in people:
the people who make our business, the people who power our portfolio companies and the people our products and services influence.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative
At PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS, we are committed to attracting and retaining best-in-class talent, welcoming diverse perspectives, and celebrating transparency. We believe this cultivates an inclusive and respectful work environment where employees bring their true selves to work every day.
We believe fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion improves collaboration and decision-making, nurtures a sense of shared environment, and ultimately results in better investment outcomes.
To further strengthen its commitment to DE&I, PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS proudly became a signatory of ILPA’s Diversity in Action Initiative in March 2022.
In 2023, PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS joined the Women’s Awareness Initiative, a program committed to bridging the gender diversity gap in the asset management industry.
Commitment to the Community
“No Obstacles – A Race for the Warriors” Race Successfully Raised Over $500,000
In October 2022, PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS hosted our first annual “No Obstacles – A Race for the Warriors” event to benefit Hope For The Warriors® (HFTW), a national nonprofit that provides resources and services to veterans and military families.
This 5K/10K race took place on Governor’s Island and featured an obstacle course designed and operated by Spartan Races. We appreciate our event sponsors, all those who came out to join us (154 racers and over 25 volunteers), as well as those who supported our event from afar.
Our event raised over $500,000, the largest single event for Hope For The Warriors®. We are already preparing for our second annual event for October 2023 and hope that you’ll be able to join us. In the meantime, you can learn more about Hope For The Warriors® and the programs and services they offer by visiting their website.
TRANSPARENCY OF SUSTAINABILITY RISK POLICIES
PAINE SCHWARTZ PARTNERS (“PSP”) has a longstanding, well-documented record of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) considerations at both the firm and portfolio company-level. Sustainability risks are integrated into the investment decision-making process through the application of PSP’s ESG Policy and related procedures.
PSP is a proud signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment, the global leading proponent of incorporating ESG factors in investment decisions and processes. As a signatory, PSP commits to taking active ownership of ESG integration into its policies and practices, reporting on activities and advancements within the firm and portfolio-level, and promoting conscientious investment practices throughout the investment management industry. Together with other PRI signatories, PSP continues to adapt our investment activities to the changing imperatives impacting our companies, our communities, and our climate.
More information on PSP’s policies on the integration of sustainability risks in investment decision‐making process can be found on this website page.
TRANSPARENCY OF ADVERSE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACTS AT ENTITY LEVEL
PSP does not consider adverse impacts of investment decisions on sustainability factors as specifically set out in Regulation 2019/2088 on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector dated 27 November 2019 (“SFDR”). PSP has chosen not to do so for the present time as it considers that its existing ESG policies and procedures are appropriate, proportional and tailored to the investment strategies of the funds managed by PSP.
PSP continues to monitor closely regulatory developments with respect to the SFDR and other applicable ESG-focused laws and regulations, including the implementation of related and secondary legislation and regulatory guidance and will, where required or otherwise appropriate, make changes to existing policies and procedures.
TRANSPARENCY OF UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ALIGNMENT
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are aspirational in nature. The analysis involved in determining whether and how certain initiatives may contribute to the SDGs is inherently subjective and dependent on a number of factors. There can be no assurance that reasonable parties will agree on a decision as to whether certain projects or investments contribute to a particular SDG. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on PSP’s application of the SDGs, as such application is subject to change at any time and in PSP’s sole discretion.
