Better Health for All

Maxeon Solar Technologies manufactures solar panels. The 'Better Health for All' value focuses on accessible medical treatments, preventative healthcare solutions, mental/physical wellness programs, and reducing health disparities. It explicitly excludes environmental pollution control and workplace safety. While solar panels contribute to environmental sustainability, this is not considered a direct health impact under this value's definition. No evidence was found regarding the company's direct involvement in health-specific initiatives, products, or services.

Therefore, no KPIs could be scored based on the provided articles and the rubric's specific criteria for this value.

Fair Pay & Worker Respect

Maxeon reports zero current cases of non-compliance with human rights and fair labor issues within its internal operations and supply chain.

The company requires material suppliers to attend annual training and provide compliance certifications, and it has terminated suppliers for breaches of its Global Human Rights Policy. Maxeon's human rights policy prohibits forced, bonded, indentured, or involuntary prison labor, and it requires workweeks not to exceed 60 hours, with at least one day off per week. The policy also prohibits harsh and inhumane treatment, including sexual harassment, corporal punishment, and mental or physical coercion. Maxeon has a 24/7 Compliance and Ethics Helpline available.

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing

Maxeon's solar panels were detained by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) in July 2024 under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), with CBP denying Maxeon's request for review.

Maxeon is considering contesting this decision. In 2022, one case of potential non-compliance regarding human rights and fair labor issues was found, addressed through remediation, and verified by a subsequent audit. Maxeon states that currently there are zero cases of non-compliance with human rights and fair labor issues within its operations and supply chain. Maxeon maps its supply chain to identify raw material sources and traces materials through factories using a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and transportation documentation. It provides extra scrutiny to aluminum and metallurgical grade silicon (MGSi) and avoids polysilicon sourced or produced in China, instead using suppliers from Germany, Korea, and the United States. Maxeon's standard supplier contracts and purchase orders include language requiring compliance with modern slavery standards and allow for termination in case of violation. Every supplier's Master Service Agreement and Maxeon’s Supplier Sustainability Guidelines require adherence to the Human Rights Policy and Code of Conduct. Maxeon has a process for timely correction of deficiencies identified by assessments and investigations. Should breaches to the Conflict Minerals Policy arise, remediation measures can include suspension or discontinuation of engagement.

Kind to Animals

Maxeon Solar Technologies, as a solar panel manufacturer, does not have operations that typically involve animal testing, animal-derived ingredients, animal agriculture, or direct animal husbandry. Therefore, most KPIs related to these activities are not applicable to its core business model, and no specific evidence was found to score them. For its manufacturing facility in New Mexico, an environmental assessment concluded that impacts on biological resources would not be significant due to a lack of suitable habitat and the absence of observed individuals during biological surveys, with plans to incorporate native vegetation in landscaping.

Maxeon regularly assesses its supply chain for eco-friendly practices and has had its own factories and critical suppliers audited by third parties, with traceability procedures called 'best in class' by independent auditors. However, there is no specific evidence linking these audits directly to animal welfare compliance.

No War, No Weapons

Maxeon requires all material suppliers to acknowledge its Supplier Sustainability Guidelines and attend annual training, with non-attendance potentially leading to termination.

The company also complies with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and has a Global Human Rights Policy. Human rights due diligence is conducted annually across all operations, with 100% of employees trained on human rights policies and procedures. Maxeon is a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, with full UNGP alignment and third-party assurance of performance. In 2022, one case of potential non-compliance with human rights and fair labor issues was detected, remediated, and verified by a subsequent audit. Currently, there are zero cases of non-compliance with human rights and fair labor issues. Maxeon is committed to avoiding conflict minerals (3TG) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or adjoining countries, and 100% of identified smelters and refiners were listed as conformant as of May 2024. The company does not purchase raw ore or refined 3TG minerals directly from high-risk areas or Covered Countries. Maxeon conducts annual reviews of its suppliers to ensure compliance with its Conflict Minerals Policy and investigates any suppliers identified with a reasonable risk of supporting armed groups.

Planet-Friendly Business

Maxeon Solar Technologies sourced 5% of its total electricity from renewable energy in 2022, which included 0.4% from onsite generation and 12,294 MWh from green power purchases.

In 2022, Maxeon recycled 67.7% of its total waste, and its Mexico facility (SPMX1) has held Zero Waste-to-Landfill Certification since 2015. The company recorded one environmental compliance violation in its Malaysia facility due to improper effluent discharge, which was resolved. Maxeon initiated alignment to the TCFD framework in 2022 and conducted a climate risk assessment. It also performed qualitative climate scenario analysis for medium (2030) and long-term (2050) horizons, considering 1.5°C and >3°C scenarios for its manufacturing plants. In 2022, 1.57% of water withdrawn was from high baseline water stress regions in Mexico. Maxeon implemented a new packaging configuration that reduced corner pieces by 52% per package.

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

Maxeon's product design ensures that over 95% of products sold are recyclable or reusable at end-of-life.

The company's IBC panels are offered with a 40-year warranty, which is stated as the longest in the industry, indicating a strong focus on product durability. Maxeon applies circular design principles in its product development, focusing on longevity and recyclability. The company has achieved Cradle to Cradle Silver certification for its products and NSF landfill-free certification for its Mexicali, Mexico factory. Additionally, Maxeon has five LEED Gold and Platinum certified buildings. The company requires all direct suppliers to adhere to its ESG guidelines, including waste reduction, and monitors their sustainability performance. No waste disposal violations or fines have been mentioned in the provided articles.