Sustainability in Practice – How Isdalen Works to Ensure Responsible Supply Chains

Why the Supply Chain Is Where Sustainability Is Decided

When talking about sustainability, it’s easy to think of packaging and recycling. But most of it is decided further down the supply chain—by those who grow, produce, and supply the raw materials.

For a product like açaí, gelato, or soft-serve, this means that the choice of suppliers matters more than almost anything else. That’s where the responsibility begins.

Requirements We Set for Our Suppliers

Reliable supply chains are based on documentation, not promises. In practice, this means that a supplier must be able to demonstrate recognized certifications and memberships before a partnership begins.

This may, for example, involve GFSI-approved certification for food products, membership in schemes such as Sedex or BSCI for production sites outside the Nordic region, and a signed framework agreement that governs responsibilities and expectations.

These requirements are in place to ensure product safety, good working conditions, and traceability—all the way from raw materials to the finished product.

Traceability provides peace of mind

A responsible supply chain is about knowing where things come from. When raw materials can be traced, it becomes possible to vouch for both their quality and the conditions under which they were produced.

For you as a customer, this means you can be confident that the products you resell are made in a way you can stand behind.

You can also read more about how sustainability can boost your sales.

Sustainability as Part of Quality

At Isdalen, we don’t view sustainability as something separate from quality—it’s an integral part of it. A good product is also one you know has been made responsibly.

That is why responsible supply chains are not a marketing point, but a prerequisite for how we work.

Do you need help?

Are you wondering how you can communicate sustainability to your own customers, or which products are best suited for your concept?

Please feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you.

FAQ – Sustainability and Supply Chains

What does a responsible supply chain mean?

This means that the entire process—from raw materials to the finished product—is documented and quality-assured, ensuring safe products, good working conditions, and traceability at every stage.

What requirements does Isdalen impose on its suppliers?

Suppliers must be able to demonstrate recognized certifications and memberships, such as GFSI-approved food safety certification and Sedex/BSCI membership for production sites outside the Nordic region, as well as a signed framework agreement.

How do I know that the products are produced sustainably?

Through documentation and traceability. When raw materials can be traced back to their source, we can vouch for both their quality and the conditions under which they were produced.

Is sustainability more expensive for me as a customer?

Responsible choices are part of quality, not an afterthought. Safe, traceable products also provide a stronger selling point for your own customers.