Our approach to sustainability
We are committed to creating value for all of our stakeholders in a manner that is responsible, transparent, and that respects the rights of all. We recognise that to achieve long-term success, we need to deliver our business strategy in a way that creates value not only to Aspen and our shareholders, but also to society and the planet.
Our sustainability commitments
We believe that doing business in a sustainable and responsible manner is integral to our purpose, our values and our philosophy "Healthcare. We Care". Our sustainability commitments are integrated into the Group's strategic objectives and underpin the way we do business. Our sustainability commitments are determined with consideration to the following key aspects:
United Nations Global Compact
We are a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact ("UN Global Compact") and have aligned our sustainability commitments with the principles outlined in the UN Global Compact, which cover human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Our Communication on Progress Report, available online, sets out our approach to the application of these principles.
SDGs
Launched in September 2015, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a global action plan for people, planet and prosperity. The 17 SDGs aim to tackle the world's most pressing challenges through the promotion of sustainable development. As a multinational pharmaceutical company, we play an important role in contributing to the delivery of the SDGs. While all of the SDGs are essential, we have identified eight goals where we believe we are able to have the greatest impact and we have linked these to our sustainability themes and material sustainability topics.
Our commitment to transparency in reporting
We are continuously developing our sustainability and ESG reporting to enhance our ability to respond to the increasing disclosure expectations of our stakeholders, including our investors. In addition to our current reporting commitments to the UN Global Compact and CDP, we are taking further steps to strengthen our reporting in line with global best practice. We have commenced aligning our reporting with leading standards and frameworks. This year we have included GRI, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB") and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD") disclosure indices in our Sustainability and ESG Data Supplement, available online. We have retained our listing in the Top 30 FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series and we are a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index.
Material sustainability topics
We performed a sustainability-related materiality assessment to identify the sustainability issues that are most critical to our business and our stakeholders. This process assists us in identifying sustainability focus areas and informs our strategy and the content of our reporting. We align our identification of material sustainability topics with the GRI standards, UN Global Compact, the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investor Index assessment criteria as well as considering information relating to the pharmaceutical sector, our regulatory requirements and matters raised during engagements with our people and our external stakeholders. More information on our sustainability materiality assessment process and outcomes can be found in our Sustainability and ESG Data Supplement available online.
Our sustainability pillars
We group our sustainability commitments into four key pillars
Strategic objective
Capitals
We are committed to enhancing access to medicines and providing reliable supply of high quality products, improving the health and quality of life of patients and enhancing access across the geographies of our operations.
Material topics
Strategic objective
Capitals
We strive to operate an ethical and responsible business underpinned by our shared values and governance structures. We uphold the dignity, fundamental freedoms and human rights of our employees, contractors and the communities in which we live and work, and others affected by our activities.
Material topics
Transformation and economic inclusion (BBBEE in South Africa)
SED and investment in communities
Economic value generated and distributed
Strategic objective
Capitals
We are committed to creating a healthy and safe work environment, where everyone is treated fairly and with respect and has the opportunity to develop to their full potential.
Material topics
Strategic objective
Capitals
We are committed to practising responsible environmental stewardship, seeking to minimise any negative impact our operations have on the environment and to comply with applicable laws, regulations and other environmental management requirements.
Material topics
