We believe that a successful business is one that not only thrives economically but also uplifts the communities it serves. Through responsible business practices, ethical sourcing, and community engagement, we strive to make a positive impact on society. From minimizing our environmental footprint to advocating fair labor practices, Ramko is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and inclusive future.
Social Sustainability
To take our sustainability program a step further, we partnered with WeForest in January 2020, who are not only committed to addressing climate issues, but also helping the local communities who are suffering from the effects of deforestation.
We have worked on projects in Brazil (2020), Zambia (2021), Tanzania (2022 & 2023), and Ethiopia resulting in the growing of 27,365 trees, but just as importantly, helping to ensure local communities can survive and support themselves without the destruction of the plant and their future security.
Brazil Pontal
Restoring the Atlantic Forest to bring back wildlife
In 2024, our attention is turning to the Desa'a Forest in Ethiopia where the goal is to reverse land degradation and poverty through forest landscape restoration. In the Desa’a Forest over 26 000 people live below the poverty line, relying on the forest for water, energy and to feed their cattle.
This ambitious, award-winning project aims to restore and protect arid Afromontane and bring water back to this region, which is directly threatened by desertification coming from the north, and lift the rural communities out of extreme poverty.
Click here to find out more.
Zambia
Engaging smallholder farms in reversing deforestation
Tanzania Mara
Transitioning villages to agroforestry
Ethiopia Desa’a
Reversing land degradation and poverty through forest landscape restoration
27,365
Trees Planted
15.75
Hectares Restored
4
Communities Served
©DVCorstanje_WeForest
At Ramko, we are proud to be a participant in the UN Global Compact, a voluntary initiative that encourages businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact advocates for aligning business strategies and operations with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
As part of our commitment, we submit an annual Communication on Progress (COP) report to transparently share our efforts and advancements in these areas.
10 Principals of the UN Global Compact
At Ramko, we are committed to the highest standards of ethical and responsible business practices, which is why we are proud members of Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange). Sedex is a global membership organization that promotes improvements in labor standards, health and safety, environmental sustainability, and business ethics within supply chains.
By participating in Sedex, we ensure transparency and accountability in our operations, uphold rigorous ethical standards, and continuously seek improvements in our practices.
Pinotage Youth Development Academy
At Ramko, we are deeply committed to fostering positive social change and empowering the next generation. That’s why we proudly support the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA). The PYDA is a transformative initiative that focuses on equipping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the wine, tourism, and fruit industries. The academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes technical training, personal development, and practical work experience.
By supporting the PYDA, Ramko:
Empowers Youth: We provide quality education and training, opening career opportunities.
Promotes Economic Growth: We develop a skilled workforce to drive growth and innovation.
Fosters Social Change: We support initiatives that uplift communities and reduce unemployment.
Invests in the Future: We nurture talent and potential for a brighter future
Fibre Circle
We are proud members of Fibre Circle, driving the future of paper and packaging sustainability in South Africa. Through this partnership, we support responsible recycling, reducing waste, and contributing to a thriving circular economy.