Executive summary

Heiploeg, the market leader in Europe when it comes to the processing of shrimps is in need of a
new image that fits into modern day society. Heiploeg claims that they are a sustainable and
corporate responsible company, but does the company really practice what its preaches?

The company aims to deliver a superior quality fresh shrimp yet they transport the shrimps to
Morocco, have them peeled by a cheap labour force and transport them back to their facility in
Zoutkamp. All this effort in order to reduce production costs. Due to the fact that the shrimps are on
the road for a number of days a lot of energy is needed, the fuel emission used to transport the
shrimps leaves a significant footprint on the eco system. Next to this a lot of conservatives and
preservatives are being used in order to prevent them from spoiling. These conservatives are in turn
consumed by their customers which has a direct negative effect on human health. This is
unacceptable from a CSR point of view and should be improved if the company wants to live up to its
moral values.

Heiploeg is currently in an awkward position when it comes to sustainability; a large factory,

intensive energy, water and chemical consumption, heavy use of transportation infrastructures,
shrimp treatment and aquaculture. All are at odds with the concept of environmental care.

Nowadays customers demand not only a low price and quality, but also fair products, with less
ammonia emissions and fair prices inside the chain. CSR at the producing side will be increasingly
important in the coming years. The consumer expect it and they want to see that Heiploeg is actively
trying to develop on this aspect.

All these factors are indicators for the need of change. Heiploeg has a responsibility to do something
back for its largest recourse, the earth. Next to this they can no longer continue their working
methods as this is no longer accepted by the consumers and thus consequently harms their
existence. In fact if the company doesn’t change rapidly they could experience a serious downturn
when it comes to corporate image.

Heiploeg has an opportunity to live up to their moral values by Investing in alternative processing
methods, so that high-transport costs will decrease and the environmental footprint will reduce.
Peeling machines in Zoutkamp could possibly take over the hand peeling in Morocco in a faster pace
than initially planned by the company. Consequently, the employees in Morocco could be utilized to
handle a new production process of locally caught fish which is sold to Southern markets. As a
market leader Heiploeg should set the example by taking the first serious steps to a genuine
sustainable and corporate social responsible production process.

The report is a clear guideline to help Heiploeg to contributing to a clean worldwide environment
which is the foundation for their products and therefore their existence.