Transition Industries LLC, based in Houston, TX, has announced its comprehensive human rights goals for 2025, emphasizing its dedication to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The company’s Human Rights Policy, which is applicable to all its operations, extends specifically to the Pacifico Mexinol project—a significant ultra-low carbon methanol production facility located in the Ahome Municipality of Sinaloa, Mexico. The facility, with a capacity of 6,145 metric tons per day, represents a pivotal element of the company’s commitment to human rights.
As part of its human rights strategy, Transition Industries has outlined several key initiatives for the coming year. These include conducting annual assessments of potential human rights risks and implementing action plans to address any risks identified. The company also plans to enhance its engagement with local stakeholders, particularly vulnerable populations, to ensure the respect of human rights throughout the life of the project. Juan Carlos Franco, Country Security Director at Transition Industries, who is based in Mexico City, emphasized that the company’s approach is rooted in the foundation of the UNGPs and guided by the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. These principles offer a framework for managing corporate and project security in a manner that respects human rights.
In 2024, Transition Industries took significant steps toward ensuring its operations align with international human rights standards. The company contracted both international and local environmental and social consultancies to conduct a rigorous Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Pacifico Mexinol project. This assessment, conducted in line with international best practices, included a predictive analysis of potential human rights risks that may arise once the construction phase begins in 2025. The ESIA provided valuable insights into how the project could affect local communities and rights-holders, particularly in terms of labor rights, land use, and indigenous rights.
One of the critical outcomes of the ESIA was the identification of specific risk mitigations to comply with international human rights standards. As a result, Transition Industries has developed a series of key policies and action plans. These include a Community Relations and Indigenous Rights Policy, a Project Security Management Plan, a Project Community Feedback Mechanism, and an updated Stakeholder Engagement Plan. The company has drawn on over five years of local engagement to build these strategies, which will be enhanced in 2025 to ensure processes such as Informed Consultation and Participation are fully integrated. The full documentation of these policies will be made publicly available through the company’s website and local community outreach efforts in 2025.
Another vital aspect of the company’s human rights strategy is the development of a Project Strategic Community Investment Plan. This plan, which aims to promote human rights by fostering local development, incorporates input from local community members. Data for the plan has been gathered through Community Participatory Studies conducted by social scientists from the Autonomous Indigenous University of Mexico (UAIM). The plan, set to roll out in 2025, reflects a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of local populations.
The ESIA also highlighted the potential risks associated with gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) within the project’s sphere of influence. In response, Transition Industries has implemented a robust Gender Equity and Inclusion Policy and a Project GBVH Risk Management Plan. These initiatives were developed in collaboration with local gender specialists and government institutions, including the Women’s Secretariat in Ahome. In 2025, the company will work closely with the Secretariat and local NGOs to roll out the GBVH Risk Management Plan, including providing training for both the project workforce and local communities. This training will cover critical issues related to legal, psychological, and economic empowerment, all aimed at eliminating GBVH.
To further solidify its commitment to human rights, Transition Industries has also undertaken a corporate-level Human Rights Self-Assessment, utilizing the Human Rights Compliance Assessment (HCRA) tool developed by the Danish Institute for Human Rights. This tool will help the company assess its human rights practices and identify areas for improvement. In 2025, Transition Industries plans to have the results of this self-assessment independently verified through third-party validation. Additionally, the company is preparing to initiate human rights compliance checks with its business partners across its value chain as part of a broader Supplier Code of Conduct, ensuring that human rights considerations are embedded throughout its operations.
Through these initiatives, Transition Industries aims to not only meet but exceed international human rights standards, fostering a positive impact on both its operations and the local communities where it works. The company’s focus on proactive risk management, stakeholder engagement, and community investment underscores its commitment to respecting and promoting human rights in every aspect of its business.
