Supplier Code Of Conduct Development

20 years ago, transparency was seen as a risk. Today, it's become the strongest currency in building customer trust. Take ANITA DONGRE's brand- Grassroots. By being completely transparent about their: > Organic fabric sourcing > Fair wage practices > Sustainable production methods  They've built unprecedented customer loyalty. 65% of shoppers now switch brands based on supply chain transparency (FMI- The Food Industry Association Report, 2024) Transparency has become a cornerstone for fostering customer loyalty, and brands like Anita Dongre’s Grassroots are setting a powerful example. By openly sharing their methods and practices, they build trust with consumers who prioritize honesty and ethical sourcing. Today's customers invest in values, caring about product origins, makers, environmental impact, and fair labor. But here's what most brands miss: transparency isn't just about sharing information—it's about building trust. With over 20+ years in retailing across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, I’ve learned that: > Being transparent about challenges, processes, and mistakes turns customers into trusted partners who understand our value and commitment. > The future belongs to brands brave enough to open their books and share their stories. Because in today's connected world, the most valuable thing we can offer isn't just quality products—it's authentic transparency. What transparency practices would you like to see more brands adopt? #RetailStrategy #CustomerTrust

'the data reveals that artisanal mining for cobalt is a very hazardous vocation undertaken for basic survival, involving long hours, subsistence wages, and severe health impacts. The data further reveals that within the surveyed respondents, there is a high rate of forced labour and an almost 10% rate of child labour' Rights Lab, University of Nottingham recent report, Blood Batteries, The #humanrights and #environmental impacts of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrates the continued issues with cobalt mining. '- 36.8% of respondents met the project’s conservative criteria for forced labour - 9.2% of respondents met the project’s conservative criteria for child labour - 27.7% of respondents began working in artisanal mining as a minor - Not a single respondent was a member of a trade union, as none exist - Not a single respondent had a written agreement for their work . For those #supplychain and #procurement professionals who are able to trace cobalt to source there are potential steps to be taken: 1. Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Ensure traceability from artisanal and industrial mining sites in the DRC to final product, especially for cobalt used in EVs and electronics. Demand transparency from suppliers, require disclosure of sourcing practices, human rights due diligence, and environmental impact assessments. Prioritise suppliers who can demonstrate compliance with international labour standards and reject those linked to exploitative practices. 2. Environmental Stewardship Incorporate geospatial and water toxicity data into supplier evaluations to avoid contributing to ecological degradation. Promote circular economy principles such as battery recycling, reuse, and alternative materials to reduce dependence on high-impact cobalt mining. 3. Compliance and Governance Align with UK Modern Slavery Act, ensure supply chain mapping and annual transparency statements reflect risks in high-impact regions like the DRC. Embed environmental, social, and governance standards into tendering and contract management processes. 4. Practical Procurement Measures Use multi-quote and business case procedures to ensure value for money and ethical sourcing, as outlined in UK finance and procurement policies. Establish KPIs related to ethical sourcing, labour conditions, and environmental impact. Anticipate changes from the Procurement Act 2025 and EU Critical Raw Materials Act that may affect sourcing obligations. For the majority of buying organisations or as consumers this is a very difficult area, but as the report recommends Government's could do a lot more to reduce exploitation: 'Strengthen supply chain transparency and due diligence requirements of consumer-facing tech and EV companies with more robust legislation; laws should include strict and severe penalties as opposed to simple reporting requirements, including a potential import ban;'

How often do you think about the sustainability of your supply chain? Many companies today are pushing to meet their sustainability goals, yet one critical area often gets overlooked: their supply chains. According to a McKinsey & Company study, most sustainability initiatives either directly involve or significantly impact the supply chain. This means that if your company aims to reduce emissions or tackle biodiversity loss, the supply chain must be a priority. Take Tony's Chocolonely, for example. They’ve built a brand around transparency and responsibility in their cocoa supply chain, setting a powerful example of what’s possible. They didn’t just stop at sourcing; they made sure every supplier in the chain adhered to their values of fair trade and ethical labor. By being clear about their expectations and holding their suppliers accountable, they’ve created a ripple effect that goes beyond just chocolate. They’ve built trust with their customers and contributed to real change in their industry. So, where do you start? Begin by evaluating your major suppliers. Build on the performance metrics you already have, but include sustainability measures like water usage, energy consumption, and toxic waste reduction. Set clear expectations with suppliers through codes of conduct or detailed contract terms. And don’t forget the power of data turning sustainability information into actionable insights can help you make smarter decisions and avoid working with suppliers who aren’t aligned with your values. Transparency is key here. A 2022 survey by Gartner revealed that 87% of consumers prefer to buy from companies that are transparent about their environmental impact. Sharing sustainability data across your supply chain allows you to see the full impact of your products and services, and in turn, it helps your suppliers improve their practices. It’s a win-win. Think of your supply chain as a partnership. Is your supply chain helping or hindering your sustainability goals? The answer might surprise you!

Green Procurement Playbook 2025 🌍 Procurement has become one of the most strategic functions shaping corporate sustainability and governance. The new Green Procurement Playbook 2025 by the World Economic Forum and Kearney presents a framework to integrate ESG principles into procurement and unlock business value through responsible supply chains. It highlights that procurement influences up to 90% of corporate emissions, positioning it as a critical lever for decarbonization, transparency, and systemic impact. The document introduces eight building blocks that guide organizations from compliance to leadership across strategy, operations, and enablers. They include executive alignment, governance structures, supplier engagement, collaboration, data systems, and capability building, all designed to embed sustainability into decision making. The playbook emphasizes that meaningful progress comes from governance and incentives that connect sustainability outcomes with corporate strategy. Examples from Iberdrola, Bayer, and DHL show how integrating sustainability into executive accountability and supplier collaboration drives measurable impact. Iberdrola ties executive compensation to sustainability results. Bayer established a global sustainable procurement structure. DHL invests significant resources in decarbonization based on clear business cases. These initiatives reflect how procurement can evolve from cost control to strategic value creation when ESG goals guide operational and financial decisions. The playbook also highlights the need for shared standards, data transparency, and cross sector alliances to accelerate transition and accountability across global supply chains. It reinforces the growing expectation for procurement teams to evaluate suppliers by price, quality, carbon performance, labor conditions, and governance practices. Green procurement has become a foundation for ESG integration, corporate resilience, and long term business performance. How are organizations embedding sustainability criteria into procurement governance frameworks today?

Over the past two decades, global standards on #responsiblemineral sourcing —regardless of the mineral — have established a clear expectation: companies are responsible for conducting robust, ongoing #duediligence on their suppliers and the origins of the minerals entering their #supplychains. The era of trust-based assurances is over. Periodic audits alone are not enough—particularly when sourcing from high-risk areas. Conditions on the ground, especially in #gold production, can shift rapidly. This requires ongoing, risk-based due diligence, paired with clear mitigation strategies to ensure that sourcing does not contribute to the financing of non-state armed groups or criminal networks. Cases like this also underscore the urgent need for greater transparency across mineral supply chains. Without more granular visibility into origin and flows, the sector will continue to face skepticism, and confidence in industry-led due diligence efforts will lack in credibility. Most importantly, it is artisanal miners and their communities who bear the greatest cost. Too often, they are caught in environments shaped by violence, coercion, and economic vulnerability—conditions that allow illicit actors to operate and sustain themselves. Companies need to do their part in ensuring that they are not helping armed groups and criminal actors thrive. Strengthening supply chain integrity is not only about compliance—it is about accountability and impact. Companies must invest in more effective due diligence systems and commit to meaningful, verifiable transparency. https://lnkd.in/e8denhru

I love this week's "𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁." Let’s talk about LOTTA LUDWIGSON. This Berlin-based brand isn’t just checking boxes. They’re redefining what high-quality and transparent fashion can look like. Here’s what they’re doing that’s truly next level: ✔️ Supplier transparency: Every factory, mill, and farm in their supply chain (Tier 1 and Tier 2) is listed on their website. ✔️ Price transparency: Each product page shows a full cost breakdown, from fabric to logistics to social impact donations. ✔️ Customer education: They help consumers understand materials, pricing, and how to care for garments because informed choices lead to lasting change. But what impressed me most is their obsession with detail. Every stitch. Every material. Every choice. They refuse to compromise on their values. When I spoke with co-founder Charlotte Piller, she told me the story of finding the right shoulder pad. The backstory: They couldn’t find shoulder pads that met their standards: plastic-free, compostable, circular. So, they developed their own. Yes, you read that right. The first 100% compostable, plastic-free shoulder pads on the market. Co-created with a German supplier. Paired with custom fabrics developed with a mill in Austria. It took 1.5 years. But they made it happen. So, what can brands learn from LOTTA LUDWIGSON? → 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲. They don’t stop at publishing a map or policy. They go deep. They educate. They evolve. → 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲. Not everyone understands these issues. LOTTA LUDWIGSON doesn’t shame. They inform patiently and clearly. → 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆. It’s one thing to remove plastic packaging. It’s another to reinvent the very structure of a garment. If you care about transparency in fashion, this is one to watch. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆? 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁. Photo credit: LOTTA LUDWIGSON.

🚀 Unlock 100% Supplier Visibility: A Playbook for Enterprises! 🤝 A major retailer is considering end-to-end visibility from supplier to doorstep. It's not magic, it's strategy. Imagine "Eagle Eye Retail" rolling out a program to its vast supplier base. Here's how to ensure total adoption, based on what Roambee has seen work: The "Do's" for Success: ✅ Define the "Why": Show clear benefits for both you and your suppliers (e.g., faster payments, better forecasts). ✅ Educate & Collaborate: Foster partnership, not mandates. Offer workshops, support. ✅ Flexible Tech & Easy Integration: HUGE. Provide options from simple mobile apps/web portals (requiring no special hardware/software for small suppliers) to APIs. Meet them where they are.  ✅ Streamline Data & No Process Change: Request only essential data. Integrate with their existing workflows, don't force new ones. Less disruption = higher adoption. ✅ Robust Onboarding & Support: Dedicated resources, clear docs, responsive help. ✅ Phased Rollout & Smart Incentives: Pilot first. Offer expedited payments, preferred status. ✅ Transparent Data Usage: Build trust. Explain how data helps mutual optimization, not just monitoring. The "Don'ts" to Avoid: ❌ One-Size-Fits-All Mandates: Especially for tech/hardware. Resentment guaranteed. ❌ Unclear Communication on Data: Ambiguity breeds distrust. ❌ Overly Complex/Costly Requirements: High barriers kill adoption. ❌ Insufficient Support: Don't leave suppliers hanging. ❌ Ignoring Feedback: Adapt based on their experience. ❌ Penalty-First Approach: Carrots work better than sticks. The Roambee Takeaway: Successful visibility programs are built on trust and mutual benefit. Offer flexible, easy-to-integrate solutions that don't burden suppliers, and you'll transform your supply chain into a transparent, efficient machine. What's your biggest visibility challenge? Let's discuss! 👇 #SupplyChainVisibility #SupplierCollaboration #RealTimeData #SupplyChainManagement #Innovation #Logistics #BusinessTransformation #ThoughtLeadership

Every company wants to be and look sustainable, but now, thanks to a wave of new global regulations, they’re actually required to prove it. To do that, companies have to trace every product back to its source, sometimes across six or seven layers of suppliers. The problem? Supply chains are messy, global, and opaque. This data is scattered, often unreliable, and currently gathered through manual surveys that take months. Tara Gupta and Issac Hicks, saw an opportunity to fix that. Their insight? Supply chain transparency shouldn’t depend on human surveys, it should be automated. So they built Map Collective, an AI-powered platform that verifies the source of every material in a company’s supply chain and delivers real-time insights. Instead of sending spreadsheets and chasing suppliers, multiple AI agents autonomously collect and cross-verify data from shipping records, satellite imagery, and ERP systems, giving companies full visibility and compliance in weeks, not months. And it’s working! Map-Collective has already launched pilots with defense organizations and major automotive manufacturers, projecting millions in annual savings. A system that makes global supply chains transparent and verifiable? That’s a movement in the making. Highly recommend checking out their Bulletpitch feature, linked in the comments.

As CIOs, the focus is shifting towards embedding sustainability directly into procurement and supply chain decisions to create business value. With 70–90% of total emissions typically in the supply chain (Scope 3), stakeholders like customers, regulators, investors, and private equity owners are emphasizing transparency and accountability. The pivotal role of the CIO lies in leveraging technology to integrate ESG standards, such as ISO 14001 and EcoVadis, into supplier qualification processes. AI and analytics help identify environmentally friendly suppliers, while IoT, TMS, and blockchain enable innovative logistics solutions like traceability and route optimization. Real-time data transparency ensures visibility on sustainability progress for boards and regulators. This strategic shift goes beyond compliance, aiming to build resilient supply chains that cut costs, boost customer trust, and set the stage for long-term growth. Sustainability in procurement and supply chain operations merges digital transformation with environmental and social responsibility, offering a pathway to a sustainable future. How is your organization adapting to embed sustainability into supplier and logistics decisions? #supplychain #esg #sustainability #CIO #leadership #purchasing