In order to address the lack of industry-wide standards for essential oils SEOS Part I and Part II Standards have been developed for Processors. In future, this will be expanded to include other segments of the Value-Added Essential Oil Supply Chain Community.
SEOS Part I Standards for Processors
SEOS Part I Standards include those target segment-specific standards that must be practiced to be in compliance with SEOS Standards.
1. Chain of custody to include: 1.1 Records of sources of all raw materials from growers showing harvest dates and that all sources comply with SEOS Standards 1.2 Prohibition of all CITES-listed (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) material without appropriate permits. 1.3 Freedom from synthetic pesticides 1.4 Freedom from GMO 2. Program for providing a safe work environment for employees and staff
SEOS Part II Standards for Processors
SEOS Part II Sustainable Standards include those target segment-specific standards that should be learned and practiced, and target segments are given some time flexibility in achieving these standards to be in compliance with SEOS Standards.
1. Social Sustainability Standards Enriching and preserving communities through social engagement, community investment, equal access to social resources, equal opportunity, and community-based education while respecting social diversity, respecting community members, and implementing practices that will benefit future generations. 1.1 Policy for interaction with and participation in local Community activities 1.2 Hiring policy of local and/or Indigenous people 1.3 Policy for providing equal opportunities in the workplace 1.4 Program for sharing important value-based information about products and methods of operation 1.5 Website, newsletter and/or other communications for community outreach
2. Environmental Sustainability Standards The ongoing management of a physical environment that supports and enriches biodiversity, protection and preservation of natural resources, and which balances the needs of communities to benefit future generations. 2.1 Energy management plan that includes a Life Cycle Assessment 2.2 Water management plan 2.3 Clean air management plan 2.4 Indigenous plant and animal species protection plan 2.5 Waste management plan 3. Cultural Sustainability Standards Practices based in respect for, and preservation of others’ traditions, values, customs, belief systems, living environments, and lifestyles. 3.1 Policy for the protection of and respect for specific cultural beliefs of employees, staff and regional communities 3.2 Policy for learning or retaining and then passing on the culture and heritage of the plants, flowers, and products produced from them 3.3 Policy for protection of and respect for religious beliefs of employees, staff and regional communities 3.4 Policy for protection of and respect for cultural lifestyle choices of employees, staff and regional communities 3.5 Policy for inclusion of Indigenous processing methods whenever possible
4. Distribution and Labeling Sustainability Standards Accurate and truthful information disclosed to all Community members, and transparency, as well as integrity in distribution practices and policies. 4.1 Accuracy in processing methods and product identification 4.2 Freedom from adulteration and degradation of oil 4.3 Accurate records of batch numbers and date 4.4 Truth in advertising and promotion 4.5 Packaging and PackingManagement Policy
5. Economic Sustainability Standards Practices that support long-term economic growth with fair compensation without compromising social, environmental, and cultural sustainability within the value-added supply chain Community 5.1 Appropriate employee compensation/benefits plan 5.2 Purchasing of raw materials based on value rather than price 5.3 Policies reflecting the economic impact of operations on the rest of the value added supply chain Community 5.4 Accounting practices that follow the guidelines of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB, 2013) 5.5 Marketing practices insuring long-term economic viability necessary for job security