Recent and ongoing projects
Second Stage Human Rights and Labor Impact Assessment of the Sugar Cane Value Chain for L'Oréal, Conducted in Collaboration with the Fair Labor Association in Paraguay
Mission:
The mission consisted of executing a field-based human rights impact assessment to validate and expand upon the preliminary data gathered during the project’s first phase. Insuco’s specialized team, led by an expert in agriculture and development, conducted a technical evaluation of the Internal Monitoring System (IMS) at the Cooperativa Manduvirá. This process utilized specialized tools provided by the FLA to audit documentation and verify the consistency of social management practices.
The team performed extensive field visits to a representative sample of at least ten sugar cane farms, where they held face-to-face interviews with producers and workers. These interactions were crucial for identifying labor risks and understanding the daily challenges faced by actors at the base of the supply chain. Furthermore, Insuco engaged with local stakeholders to capture a holistic view of the socioeconomic and environmental context.
Results:
The primary deliverables included:
- A detailed field visit report following FLA guidelines.
- An updated Internal Monitoring System (IMS) assessment in Excel format.
- A consolidated analysis integrating primary field data with previous findings.
- Specific recommendations for risk mitigation and sustainability enhancement.
By deploying experts on the ground, Insuco facilitated a transparent dialogue between the international brand and local producers. Our work provided the FLA with the evidence needed to refine monitoring protocols and ensured that L’Oréal’s sustainability strategy is grounded in the real-world conditions of Paraguayan agriculture. The mission successfully mapped key actors and identified specific areas where technical support could improve labor conditions and institutional governance within the cooperative.