Sustainable supplier relationships – future-proof growth
Sustainable entrepreneurship involves building lasting partnerships. Last but not least, long-term cooperation also means planning security for everyone involved. On the one hand, this means that quality can be guaranteed in the long term. On the other hand, it can ensure that suppliers act in accordance with ethical and ecologically compatible principles. The ISO 20400 guidelines therefore not only require the company to ensure the value of the goods, but also to promote cooperation with suppliers who operate sustainably.
For a manufacturing company, a well-evaluated procurement system is the seed of success. It doesn't matter how big the company is. In any case, you are not only faced with the choice of what to buy, but also who to buy from. Both are relevant. As a manufacturer, you always influence the economic, ecological and social impact of your purchasing decisions.
Stable business relationships lead to success
Consequently, a good knowledge of suppliers is part of sustainable purchasing. It is not enough to blindly rely on suppliers to deliver the goods ordered. An on-site inspection, along with getting to know the people responsible personally, is recommended. The advantage of good relationships is that you understand each other's requirements and can ensure that they are not unrealistic and are coordinated. In this way, not only can quality be ensured, but also the risk of delivery failures or potentially fatal effects on people and the environment, with the associated negative publicity, can be avoided.
Sustainable procurement practices mean making purchasing decisions that consider and, ideally, improve everything from working conditions to risk management to environmental impact. This creates a better outcome for everyone by bringing together buyers and suppliers more closely.
ISO 20400 as a guideline
The basic principles of sustainable procurement are summarized in the ISO standard 20400 "Sustainable procurement - Guidance" and provide a guide for the implementation of responsibility, transparency and ethical behavior in the procurement process. It is the world's first international standard of its kind.
The framework conditions of the creation process are not immediately apparent in the end product. Juice is also aware of this and, with ISO 20400 certification, is making its constant efforts towards more sustainable procurement visible to the outside world. In this way, the technology company also ensures transparency towards customers and investors. However, ISO certification is more of an obligation than an award. The greatest challenge with all certifications is not only to obtain them, but also to maintain them. That is why, in this case too, a recurring review by an independent auditor decides on conformity with the ISO standard. Juice was certified according to ISO 20400 for the first time at the end of 2021.
[Sources]
https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/neuer-standard-fuer-nachhalten-beschaffen-iso
https://www.bmk.gv.at/themen/klima_umwelt/nachhaltigkeit/unternehmen/standards/iso20400.html
https://www.forum-csr.net/News/10714/Man-ist-was-man-kauft.html
