How can you ensure responsible sourcing of raw materials?

1 Assess your current situation

The first step is to assess your current situation and identify where you source your raw materials, how much you use, and what risks and opportunities are associated with them. You can use tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA), material flow analysis (MFA), or supplier audits to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of your raw materials along the value chain. You can also consult standards and frameworks such as the ISO 20400, the UN Global Compact, or the Responsible Business Alliance to guide your assessment.

2 Define your goals and criteria

The second step is to define your goals and criteria for responsible sourcing of raw materials. You need to align them with your business strategy, your stakeholder expectations, and your industry best practices. You can use the SMART framework to make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You can also use the RACI matrix to assign roles and responsibilities for achieving your goals. Your criteria should reflect the environmental, social, and ethical aspects of your raw materials, such as their origin, quality, traceability, legality, and certification.

3 Select your suppliers and partners

The third step is to select your suppliers and partners based on your goals and criteria. You need to conduct due diligence and screening to verify their compliance with your requirements and standards. You can use tools such as questionnaires, interviews, site visits, or third-party audits to assess their performance and practices. You can also use platforms such as Sedex, EcoVadis, or CDP to access supplier data and ratings. You should aim to establish long-term and collaborative relationships with your suppliers and partners, and provide them with incentives and support to improve their sustainability.

4 Monitor and evaluate your performance

The fourth step is to monitor and evaluate your performance and progress towards your goals and criteria. You need to collect and analyze data and indicators that measure the environmental, social, and ethical impacts of your raw materials. You can use tools such as dashboards, scorecards, or reports to track and communicate your results. You can also use benchmarks and standards such as the GRI, the SASB, or the SDGs to compare and validate your performance. You should aim to review and update your goals and criteria regularly, and address any gaps or issues that arise.

5 Engage and communicate with your stakeholders

The fifth step is to engage and communicate with your stakeholders about your responsible sourcing of raw materials. You need to identify and understand who your stakeholders are, what their interests and expectations are, and how you can involve them in your decision-making and feedback processes. You can use tools such as stakeholder mapping, surveys, or workshops to engage and consult with them. You can also use tools such as newsletters, websites, or social media to communicate and share your stories and achievements. You should aim to build trust and transparency with your stakeholders, and respond to their concerns and suggestions.

6 Learn and innovate for continuous improvement

The sixth step is to learn and innovate for continuous improvement of your responsible sourcing of raw materials. You need to learn from your experiences and best practices, and identify opportunities and challenges for further improvement. You can use tools such as SWOT analysis, gap analysis, or brainstorming to generate and evaluate ideas. You can also use tools such as pilot projects, prototypes, or experiments to test and implement solutions. You should aim to foster a culture of learning and innovation in your organization, and encourage creativity and collaboration among your teams and partners.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?