SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
“ One of the trickiest challenges in the next EU steps is ensuring a harmonised approach in business practices”
PIERRE-YVES DERMAGNE, BELGIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF THE ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
Strategies for integrating sustainability into procurement To comply with the CSDDD, procurement teams must adopt new strategies, including:
• Policy development Crafting sustainable procurement policies aligned with organisational goals.
• Measurable objectives Setting clear targets, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or sourcing from certified sustainable suppliers.
• Sustainability criteria Incorporating sustainability standards into procurement workflow and RFP evaluations.
• Category management Identifying high-risk procurement categories and developing tailored strategies.
• Supplier engagement Communicating expectations, conducting performance assessments and fostering collaboration.
• Training and tools Equipping teams with the knowledge and resources to evaluate suppliers and make sustainable decisions.
• Traceability systems Implementing mechanisms to monitor the origins of goods.
• Continuous improvement Regularly update sustainability targets and practices to align with evolving regulations.
Third-Party certification Many procurement teams have limited resources, so a company may opt to contract a third party to meet the CSDDD’ s expectations.
• Support, not substitution The CSDDD recognises the complexities and additional resources required by procurement teams and addresses the role of third-party verification in compliance efforts. However, it clarifies that third-party verification, including industry initiatives and certification schemes, cannot replace a company’ s due diligence obligations.
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