Environment Stewardship

Reducing Our Environmental Footprint

Harris Spice is committed to minimizing environmental impact through sustainable sourcing, responsible farming practices, and biodiversity protection while reducing water and energy consumption across our operations.

Renewable Energy

Our Anaheim, California facility was among the first U.S. spice plants powered by solar energy. Solar panels installed at our Binh Duong, Vietnam facility in 2020 further expanded renewable energy use, helping avoid emissions equivalent to the carbon sequestration of ~48,000–50,000 trees. Energy efficiency is also improved through initiatives such as motion-sensor lighting and annual energy performance reviews.

Water Stewardship

Water is a critical resource in our operations. At our Vietnam facility, investments in wastewater treatment enable ~80% of total water to be recycled, supporting circular water use. In 2025, comprehensive water-use mapping and additional metering were implemented to identify further reduction opportunities.

Waste Management

Harris Spice achieved a 95% solid waste diversion rate and maintains strict hazardous waste management practices, ensuring regulatory compliance and zero hazardous waste sent to landfill.

Sustainable Packaging

We prioritize recyclable materials such as PET and PP and optimize packaging design to reduce material use. In 2025, we initiated the transition to 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in retail PET bottles, with pilot implementation underway.

Our People

People, Safety & Responsible Workplace

At Harris Spice, employee health, safety, and well-being are fundamental to our operations. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive workplace supported by strong labor standards and social protection. All employees are covered under health insurance, and our labor practices align with the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) Base Code, ensuring fair treatment, safe working conditions, and prohibition of child or forced labor across our operations and supply chain.

Health & Safety Management

Our Occupational Health and Safety system proactively identifies and mitigates workplace risks and is independently verified through SMETA 7.0 (Four-Pillar) audits. We also comply with OSHA safety requirements. Our employees completed safety training, covering critical areas such as confined spaces, working at heights, machinery operation, hazard identification, and LOTOTO procedures

Quality & Food Safety Culture

Quality and food safety are embedded across our value chain. Our processes align with BRCGS Issue 9, a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized standard. Our ISO/IEC 17025 certified laboratory and trained quality teams support rigorous product testing and compliance. Our employees completed quality training on cGMP, GLP, and HACCP.

Responsible Supply Chain

Through Sedex, we monitor supplier performance on labor, safety, environmental practices, and business ethics. Our Supplier Code of Conduct, aligned with UN Global Compact principles, sets strict expectations on human rights, fair labor, workplace safety, environmental responsibility, and ethical business conduct.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Harris Spice promotes an inclusive workplace and diverse leadership. Women represented 55% of senior leadership, 57% of managerial roles in Vietnam, and 44% of managerial roles in Anaheim, reflecting our commitment to equitable opportunities and inclusive growth.

Value Chain

Responsible Partnerships & Sustainable Sourcing

At Harris Spice, employee health, safety, and well-being are fundamental to our operations. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive workplace supported by strong labor standards and social protection. All employees are covered under health insurance, and our labor practices align with the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) Base Code, ensuring fair treatment, safe working conditions, and prohibition of child or forced labor across our operations and supply chain.

Ethical & Transparent Supply Chains

Our Supplier Code of Conduct, aligned with the United Nations Global Compact principles, defines clear expectations on human rights, fair labor practices, environmental responsibility, and ethical business conduct. Through supplier engagement, risk assessments, and periodic audits, we strengthen transparency, traceability, and accountability across our supply chain while supporting inclusive participation of smallholder farmers.

Quality, Standards & Independent Assurance

Quality and food safety are embedded across our value chain. Our systems align with internationally recognized frameworks including BRCGS Food Safety Standard, ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory competence, and Sedex SMETA 7.0 ethical trade audits, ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance, and product integrity.

Industry Collaboration

Harris Spice actively contributes to industry progress through memberships in organizations such as the American Spice Trade Association, European Spice Association, International Pepper Community, Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, and the Sustainable Spices Initiative, supporting responsible sourcing, farmer empowerment, and sustainable trade across the global spice sector.

Pepper Initiative Vietnam

Responsible Sourcing of Pepper, transform local farming practices, emphasize biodiversity, environmental preservation and economic sustainability. Aims to achieve RA Certification to these projects.

Cassia Vietnam Project

Responsible Sourcing of Cassia - To improve the livelihoods of 165 cassia farmers in Northern Vietnam. Attaining UEBT certification for these cassia farmers and providing them with a market.

Pepper Project Indonesia

Organic and Sustainable Farming in Sumatra Island, Lampung, Indonesia - The project aims to support 800 pepper farmers in achieving US Organic certification and 200 farmers in obtaining Rainforest Alliance certification, enabling the transition to sustainable and responsible farming practices aligned with international standards. Through targeted technical and agronomic support, the initiative promotes environmentally responsible production, improves access to premium markets, and enhances farm performance. These interventions are expected to deliver a 20% increase in average productivity and a 20% improvement in net farmer income, strengthening long-term livelihood resilience.

Chili Pepper Project Africa

Harris Spice is advancing a sustainable chili pepper sourcing initiative in Tanzania to support smallholder farmers and strengthen the local value chain. While the country offers favorable growing conditions and strong regional demand, farmers often face challenges such as limited access to quality inputs, technical knowledge, and reliable market linkages.Working with Farm Africa (an NGO that works with growers in Africa to promote sustainable agricultural practices, strengthen markets, and protect the environment in rural Africa), the program focuses on improving farming practices, strengthening post-harvest handling, and connecting farmers to high-value markets. The initiative aims to enhance productivity, improve product quality, and create sustainable income opportunities for rural communities.