Deforestation and Conversion-Free Policy

Purpose

Deforestation, forest degradation, and natural ecosystem conversion remain major global challenges with broad and far-reaching implications for future generations to come. Link Snacks, Inc.’s (“LSI”) products rely on a global supply chain. LSI therefore has a role to play in helping to combat supply chain driving deforestation and conversion and their associated impacts on the communities where we live, work, and source our ingredients. The purpose of this Deforestation and Conversion-Free Policy is to document LSI’s commitment to responsible supply chain practices and to achieving a deforestation and conversion-free supply chain, and set forth LSI’s framework for meeting this commitment and how we will report on our progress.

Commitment

• LSI’s broader environmental goals include managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, as well as protecting biodiversity, natural habitats, and water sources.
• In support of its vision and pursuing its environmental, social, and governance goals, LSI is dedicated to minimizing deforestation and natural ecosystem conversion from our supply chains and pushing our suppliers toward continuous improvement of their environmental policies and practices. This includes incentivizing long-term protection and, where possible, supporting remediation.
• LSI has targeted a deforestation and conversion-free supply chain across its primary deforestation-linked commodities by 2026. LSI aims to implement conversion-free sourcing policies within its operations and with suppliers and business partners by 2030.
• This Policy aligns with the Accountability Framework initiative guidance and the Science Based Targets initiative, as well as relevant sectorial approaches. LSI is committed to working collaboratively with suppliers and business partners to facilitate compliance with this Policy.

Raw Material Specific Requirements

• This Policy establishes specific commitments for certain raw materials, and includes endorsed cut-off dates, target dates, certification schemes, and the scope of supply chain coverage. The risk assessments carried out for each raw material will help LSI prioritize its actions and determine the best approaches or tools to be used based on the identified risk levels. LSI will review its prioritization regularly and will update the Policy accordingly.
• Beef Deforestation and Conversion Requirements – LSI recognizes that countries and organizations have identified deforestation and conversion risks associated with beef production within its supply chain. Consequently, these materials fall under the scope of this Policy, which encompasses all sources of beef, whether directly or indirectly sourced. LSI strives to ensure that 100% of the beef it directly sources is deforestation-free by 2026 and conversion-free by 2030.
• Palm Oil Deforestation and Conversion Requirements – LSI aims to procure palm oil products ethically, transparently, and sustainably. Thus, palm oil is prioritized under this Policy, which covers all sources of palm, whether directly or indirectly sourced. LSI is working towards ensuring that 100% of the palm oil it sources is both deforestation- and conversion-free by no later than 2026. LSI will endorse certification or verification programs that meet or exceed the expectations of this Policy. Where certified or verified palm volumes are not utilized in sourcing, LSI will collaborate with supply chain partners to address any gaps
• Soy Deforestation and Conversion Requirements – LSI acknowledges that countries and organizations have identified deforestation and conversion risks associated with soy production, placing it under the scope of this Policy. This Policy covers all sources of soy, including beans, derivatives, and embedded soy, whether directly or indirectly sourced. LSI strives to ensure that 100% of the soy oil it directly sources is deforestation-free by 2026 and conversion-free by no later than 2030. LSI will endorse certification or verification programs that align with or surpass the expectations outlined in this Policy. In cases where properly certified or verified soy volumes are not used in sourcing, LSI will work with supply chain partners to address the gaps.
• Pulp and Paper Packaging Deforestation and Conversion Requirements – LSI recognizes that countries and organizations have identified risks posed to biodiversity and natural ecosystems arising from the production of pulp, paper, and packaging materials. Therefore, these materials also fall under the scope of this Policy, regardless of where they are sourced. LSI strives to ensure that 100% of the pulp, paper, and packaging it sources is deforestation-free by 2026 and conversion-free by 2030. LSI endorses the use of certification and verification programs for pulp, paper, and packaging to meet the requirements of this Policy. However, LSI acknowledges that only segregated supply chains can ensure full compliance with LSI’s commitments. Consequently, LSI commits to working with supply chain partners to address gaps related to non-SG certified sources.

Supplier Responsibilities 

• LSI is committed to operating within the law and expects suppliers to do the same by complying with all applicable laws related to their business activities. If there is a conflict between legal requirements and this Policy’s standards, LSI expects suppliers to adhere to the higher standard.
• Suppliers must be able to demonstrate compliance with this Policy upon request and take immediate action to correct any instances of non-compliance.

Monitoring Compliance 

• LSI reserves the right to monitor suppliers’ compliance with this Policy through various methods, including self-declarations, certifications, questionnaires, online assessments, and external audits.
• By becoming an LSI supplier, suppliers authorize LSI and its designated agents, including third parties, to conduct annual monitoring activities at their facilities, which may include on-site audits with reasonable notice.
• LSI reserves the right to conduct additional audits to investigate potential noncompliance, review corrective actions, or address inquiries from regulators or other third parties.

Reporting

• To report a concern or a potential violation of this Policy, please talk to your LSI representative or reach out to reportline@jacklinks.com. Upon request, LSI will maintain the anonymity of any reporter, to the extent possible, consistent with business needs and its investigatory obligations. 

Definitions

Policy Compliance & Enforcement

Team Members found to have violated this Policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, as well as civil or criminal penalties.  LSI will terminate any agreement or arrangement with suppliers or business partners who have been found to violate this Policy and reserve the right to terminate suppliers or business partners who fail to demonstrate compliance with this Policy. 

LSI retains discretion to interpret and administer this Policy. LSI expressly reserves the right to change, modify, or delete provisions of this Policy with or without notice.

Version History

Adopted by Link Snacks, Inc. as of November 17, 2025

By: ________________________________

Its:  Corporate Secretary