Henkel at Brazil event for a sustainable chemical supply chain
07.11.2016
In order to develop and implement a global audit assessing and improving sustainability practices within supply chains in the chemical industry, the Together for Sustainability initiative held a conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 18.
In order to develop and implement a global audit assessing and improving sustainability practices within supply chains in the chemical industry, the Together for Sustainability initiative held a conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 18.
Around 300 participants, including suppliers, TfS member company-representatives, local and international associations and non-governmental organizations, joined the conference. The event featured presentations from key sector executives and a discussion panel on the “Creation of Sustainable Competitive Advantages in the Global Supply Chain.”
Founded in 2011 by six multinational chemical companies, the TfS initiative’s aim is to harmonize complex supply chain management processes and optimize the dialogue among business partners worldwide. TfS is led by AkzoNobel, Arkema, BASF, Bayer, Clariant, Henkel, DSM, Eastman, Evonik, Lanxess, Merck, Solvay and Wacker.
The member companies have already performed more than 8,000 evaluations and audits worldwide. Participating suppliers will now only have to complete one form instead of multiple questionnaires with the relevant sustainability information provided to all participating buyers who would otherwise need separate sustainability assessments or audits from these suppliers.
Since its foundation, participation in the initiative has more than doubled, 32 audit criteria have been defined and over 290 auditors qualified. Moreover, TfS intends to grow its own membership overtime.
A few facts and figures:
1,100 audits were carried out under the TfS initiative at Henkel’s suppliers in 2014. Henkel works regularly with independent experts here. 90 percent of the suppliers who underwent a repeat audit had improved their sustainability performance. 91 percent of the suppliers who participated in a TfS survey in 2014 rated the conducted audits positively.