Implementing no-deforestation using the Accountability Framework

As demand for Brazilian soy increases, companies in the region are working to address risks like deforestation, natural ecosystem conversion, and human rights abuses within their supply chains.

CJ Selecta is addressing these risks by following the best practice guidance of the Accountability Framework, and supported by AFi Coalition members Imaflora and WWF. The company is one of the world’s largest exporters of soy products, supplying customers in 39 countries with ingredients for animal feed, biofuels, and food. It is part of CJ CheilJedang, one of South Korea’s largest food corporations.

With the Accountability Framework as a guide, CJ Selecta is taking steps to strengthen its approach to responsible soy sourcing through its policies and commitments, risk assessment, and reporting.

Companies can use the Accountability Framework Operational Guidance on Commitments and Progress Pathways as a guide for setting and fulfilling their supply chain commitments, and creating the time-bound plans needed to achieve them. It provides examples of how commodity buyers, processors, manufacturers and other types of companies can apply its best practices.

“As a commodity buyer, CJ Selecta has a role to play in fostering sustainable soy production and protecting forests and other natural ecosystems. The Accountability Framework helped us to understand how to set and strengthen our commitments to deforestation-free soy, as well as identify how to turn those commitments into action across our Brazilian supply chains,” said Patrícia Sugui, Head of ESG and Corporate Communications, CJ Selecta.

Commitments are the foundation for action and progress pathways give clarity

Commitments and progress pathways give companies a roadmap for transitioning to responsible business practices that protect forests, other natural ecosystems, and human rights.  

The new Accountability Framework Operational Guidance emphasises that strong commitments should be specific, comprehensive, time-bound, and linked to implementation and monitoring systems. This allows them to be translated into credible progress pathways, rather than remaining aspirational. 

CJ Selecta’s 2021 Sustainability Policy includes a commitment to deforestation- and conversion- free soy. This is an example of a manufacturer commitment that is well aligned with the Framework’s new guidance. The policy defines the company’s commitment scope, targets, supplier requirements, practical implementation tools, and governance. It applies to all sourcing regions, activities, and operations in the soy supply chain, including direct and indirect suppliers as well as intermediaries, as called for in the guidance.  

Importantly, the policy establishes cutoff dates for the Amazon (2008) and Cerrado and other biomes (2008 or 2020) after which deforestation is considered non-compliant. It also sets target dates for achievement, which is aligned with Accountability Framework Core Principle 3 on the specification of commitments.  

In addition, the Operational Guidance on Commitments and Progress Pathways also recommends that companies specify the sequence of actions and performance improvements they will undertake to advance towards fulfilling their commitments. As part of this sequence, companies should develop action plans that identify measures they will take to achieve their targets.  

CJ Selecta’s Sustainability Policy served as a foundational document for the development of an action plan the company created in 2023 to continuously monitor human rights issues. Together, the policy and action plan strengthen transparency and accountability in relation to the company’s sustainability commitments.   

“CJ Selecta has taken its deforestation- and conversion-free commitment so seriously that it has developed blind monitoring as well as reporting and verification systems to be offered to indirect suppliers, like independent warehouses or cooperatives. The company also discontinued sourcing operations from intermediaries who would not use the system nor follow the procurement rules established in its commitment. This is a great case study for other traders that could eradicate deforestation and conversion if they collectively followed CJ Selecta's example,” said Tiago Reis, Conservation Specialist, WWF-Brazil.

Company systems drive implementation

The Accountability Framework Core Principles 4, 5, and 6 guide companies on how to establish systems and processes to facilitate implementation of their commitments.

In addition to setting a commitment to protect forests and natural ecosystems from deforestation and conversion, CJ Selecta’s policy includes elements needed to make it operational. The policy covers the company’s approaches to traceability, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), collaboration, and policy advocacy.

To assess risks within its soy supply chain, CJ Selecta mapped 100% of its direct suppliers in 2024 and 99.6% of both direct and indirect suppliers in 2025. Using screening tools, satellite monitoring data, national registries, and embargo lists, the company was able to identify potentially high-risk areas or non-compliant producers for further engagement.

To strengthen accountability within the company, CJ Selecta’s policy establishes internal governance through a Sustainability Committee with executive-level representation. The committee is responsible for validating internal protocols, assessing KPIs, and terminating contracts with non-compliant suppliers where necessary.

Following soy sector reporting best practices fosters greater transparency

To meet stakeholder expectations for transparent reporting, CJ Selecta uses the Soy on Track Transparency Guide, which is aligned with the Accountability Framework. Developed by AFi Coalition members Imaflora and The Nature Conservancy, the guide focuses on South America’s Amazon, Cerrado, and Chaco ecosystems.

Get started with the Accountability Framework today

To learn more about CJ Selecta’s sustainability commitments and progress, visit the company website here.

Wherever your company is on its responsible supply chain journey, the Accountability Framework can help. Read our blog to discover how the Operational Guidance on Commitments and Progress Pathways can support your company with policy-setting and implementation.