Customer Expectations For CSR

'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;'

After more than 2 decades working across Asia, Europe, and North America, one thing has become consistently clear to me: Supply chains are where sustainability becomes real. Not in beautifully written policies.Not in polished ESG reports. But on the ground — in the day-to-day decisions, trade-offs, and relationships that define how business actually gets done. Right now, many companies are navigating a difficult paradox: → Increasingly complex regulations like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)→ Expanding data and reporting expectations→ Growing pressure placed on suppliers While at the same time: → Standards remain fragmented and often misaligned→ Compliance costs are rising→ Operational teams are stretched, creating real bottlenecks From what I’ve seen firsthand, sustainability is no longer a “corporate function.”It has become a core supply chain capability. And this is where I believe many organisations need to shift their mindset: You cannot outsource responsibility. You cannot push risk indefinitely downstream.And you cannot treat due diligence as a reporting exercise. Regulations like CSDDD — alongside frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance — are not just about compliance. They are pushing companies toward something more fundamental: Visibility, accountability, and shared responsibility across the value chain. The companies that will move faster — and more credibly — are those that: → Invest in long-term supplier relationships, not just audits→ Build real traceability into their systems→ Work with suppliers to solve challenges, not simply impose requirements Because responsible sourcing today is not about ticking boxes. It’s about designing systems that work in practice — commercially, operationally, and ethically. #SupplyChain #ResponsibleSourcing #HumanRights #ESG #DueDiligence #Sustainability #Procurement

🌍 New ESG Supplier Assessment Handbook I've just completed a comprehensive handbook for assessing ESG risk across the supply chain — a practical framework covering screening, scoring, verification, and remediation. The handbook is built around current (2026) regulatory and standards landscape: 📋 EU Regulatory Frameworks: → CSDDD — human rights and environmental due diligence, reflecting the post-Omnibus I scope and timeline → CSRD / ESRS (S2 — Workers in the Value Chain) — value chain disclosure requirements → CBAM — Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, embedded emissions data for EU imports → EUDR — EU Deforestation Regulation, traceability for deforestation-free commodities → EU Forced Labour Regulation — bans products made with forced labour, with no company-size threshold → EU Conflict Minerals Regulation — due diligence for tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold ✅ Verification Standards: → SMETA (Sedex) — ethical trade and labour practice audits → SA8000 — certifiable social accountability standard → EcoVadis — comprehensive ESG scorecard → ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 — environmental and occupational health & safety management The framework is structured around four stages — Screening → Scoring → Verification → Remediation & Monitoring — and is designed to be useful whether or not an organisation falls within direct regulatory scope, since buyer-driven expectations increasingly travel down the supply chain regardless. #ESG #SupplyChain #DueDiligence #CSDDD #CSRD #ComplianceFramework

Understanding Key Certifications in Ethical and Responsible Apparel Manufacturing When sourcing workwear, uniforms, or apparel from global manufacturers, certifications play an important role in ensuring that products are made responsibly, for both people and the planet. Below is a clear breakdown of commonly recognized certifications and what they represent: • WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) Ensures factories follow lawful, safe, and humane manufacturing practices, including worker rights and workplace safety. • Amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) Promotes fair labor conditions such as reasonable working hours, fair wages, and non-discrimination across supply chains. • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Tests fabrics and apparel for harmful substances. Products with this label are confirmed safe to wear directly against the skin. • Sedex Membership Provides a shared platform for transparency in ethical, environmental, and social performance across supply chains. • SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) A widely accepted audit standard that evaluates labor practices, health and safety conditions, business ethics, and environmental responsibility. • RSC (Ready-made Garment Sustainability Council – Bangladesh) Oversees factory inspections and structural, fire, and electrical safety improvements, ensuring safer workplaces. • C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) Strengthens international supply chain security and supports smoother, more predictable customs flow. • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) Covers the full process of manufacturing textiles from certified organic fibers, ensuring both ecological and social criteria are met. • OCS 100 (Organic Content Standard 100) Verifies and tracks the percentage of certified organic material in a final product, without assessing the full manufacturing process. • GRS (Global Recycled Standard) Verifies recycled content and ensures responsible production practices. Also includes requirements for social and environmental processing standards and chemical restrictions. • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Green Building Certification) Applies to factory buildings and operations that meet sustainable construction, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental performance criteria. #EthicalManufacturing #SustainableSupplyChain #ApparelIndustry #ResponsibleSourcing #WorkwearIndustry #TextileStandards

"Ethically made" isn't ethical if women aren't safe. A powerful new piece by Mathangi Swaminathan in Women's eNews asks a vital but too often overlooked question in ESG auditing: Are women safe? Despite billions spent annually on ESG audits, tracking issues like wages, hours, and child labor, gender-based violence (GBV) remains absent from most checklists. That gap isn't just technical. It’s systemic. From garment factories in Bangladesh to farms in India and warehouses in the U.S., workers, especially women, migrants, and informal laborers, face daily abuse. And yet, most audits still pass without asking about harassment, coercion, or retaliation. The article calls out a hard truth: GBV in supply chains is not invisible because it’s rare. It’s invisible because our systems have chosen not to see it. We can't afford to treat GBV as an optional add-on. If companies are serious about ethical sourcing, gender-based safety must be integrated into ESG frameworks, just like child labor and forced labor once had to be. Change will take metrics, yes, but also survivor-led design, trauma-informed reporting systems, and bold regulation. As Mathangi writes: “No audit, certification, or ESG report is credible if it ignores more than half the workforce.” Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eHVCpDkF

You can't claim to be "sustainable"... If you DON'T vet your suppliers. At Pip & Henry, we prioritise: - Quality - Sustainability - Innovation When it comes to choosing partners... Here are 7-steps we follow: 1️⃣ Research and shortlist: Identify suppliers through industry events, online platforms, and referrals. 2️⃣ Review sustainability practices: Evaluate their environmental policies, waste management, and recycling practices. 3️⃣ Assess material innovation: Investigate their investments in R&D, new materials, and technologies to learn from and collaborate. 4️⃣ Analyse quality control processes: Assess quality control measures, testing procedures, and compliance with international standards. 5️⃣ Evaluate supply chain transparency: Look for supply chains where traceability and ethical sourcing practices are visible. 6️⃣ Conduct site visits and audits: Visit suppliers' facilities to verify their capabilities, quality control, and sustainability practices. 7️⃣ Monitor and evaluate performance: Regularly vet suppliers' performance, quality, and compliance to update your list and protect your reputation. Doing this from the start is crucial. Don't just flip to the supplier with the best price point. Foster long-term, trusted relationships. Ones that you can be proud of 💚 (And that don't leave you in a PR nightmare). Any tips to add??

An unethical supply chain can harm your brand's reputation, lead to legal repercussions, and cause significant financial losses. From child labour to unsafe working conditions, the implications of ignoring ethical practices are profound. But it doesn't have to be this way. Here’s how organisations can foster a more ethical supply chain: Conduct Thorough Audits: Regularly audit your suppliers to ensure they adhere to ethical standards. Partner with Certified Suppliers: Choose suppliers with recognised certifications for ethical practices. Transparency is Key: Maintain transparency throughout your supply chain to build trust with consumers and stakeholders. Fair Labour Practices: Ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights. Sustainable Practices: Opt for environmentally sustainable methods to reduce your carbon footprint. Train and Educate: Provide ongoing training and education on ethical practices for your employees and suppliers. By taking these steps, organisations can not only mitigate risks but also contribute to a fairer, more sustainable world. #EthicalSupplyChain #SustainableBusiness #CorporateResponsibility #FairTrade

Building Trust Through a Sustainable & Ethical Supply Chain in the Jewelry Industry In an era where trust is currency, the jewelry industry stands at a critical crossroads. While headlines often spotlight controversies, the truth is that the diamond and jewelry sector has long been a leader in self-regulation, prioritizing transparency, ethical sourcing, and sustainability. Trust and reputation are, after all, the most valuable assets in an industry that crafts symbols of love, commitment, and timeless beauty. The Unseen Strength of Self-Regulation The jewelry industry is one of the few sectors that has proactively developed robust systems to regulate itself. From the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which combats the flow of conflict diamonds, to Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) certifications ensuring ethical practices from mine to market, the industry has set a global standard. These frameworks not only protect communities and the environment but also safeguard the integrity of every gemstone and piece of jewelry that reaches consumers. Despite these measures, misconceptions persist. But for those in the know, the truth is clear: the jewelry industry is built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and a deep respect for ethical business practices. Consumers Demand More – and That’s a Good Thing Today’s consumers are more informed than ever. They want to know where their diamonds come from, how their gold is mined, and whether the jewelry they wear contributes to a better world. This shift isn’t a challenge it’s an opportunity. Companies that embrace transparency and accountability aren’t just doing the right thing—they’re building brands that resonate with the values of modern buyers. Ethical practices foster customer loyalty, attract new markets, and enhance brand reputation. In a competitive landscape, being good isn’t just good—it’s essential. Sustainability: More Than a Trend Sustainability in jewelry isn’t just about the environment. It encompasses fair labor practices, community development, and responsible sourcing. When a jewelry brand commits to sustainability, it invests in the entire supply chain from the miners who extract raw materials to the artisans who craft the final product. Consumers buy more than diamonds and gold; they buy the story behind each piece. They invest in the assurance that their jewelry was sourced, crafted, and sold with care and responsibility. Because in this industry, being good isn’t just a choice it’s the foundation of everything we do. #EthicalJewelry #SustainableLuxury #DiamondsWithIntegrity #ResponsibleSourcing #JewelryTransparency #TrustInJewelry #EthicalSupplyChain #SustainableJewelry #JewelryWithPurpose #LuxuryWithIntegrity #RJC #KimberleyProcess #CraftedWithCare #JewelryIndustryStandards #TransparencyIsKey

What does ethical sourcing actually look like? As someone who has spent decades navigating the intersection of fashion, culture, and social impact, I’m always drawn to brands that show ethics and aesthetics can — and must — coexist. Here are three who are doing just that and what their approach teaches us: 1. Stella McCartney ↳Pioneering cruelty-free luxury since 2001 ↳Developed vegan “leather” from mushrooms (Mylo™) 💡 Lesson: Innovation in sustainability starts with the courage to invest in materials that don’t yet exist. 2. Chopard ↳Committed to using 100% ethical gold since 2018 ↳Partners with Fairmined to support small-scale artisanal miners 💡 Lesson: Transparency isn't just a buzzword. Traceability is now a trust-builder, especially in high-value categories. 3. EILEEN FISHER, INC. ↳Operates a circular model: recycles and upcycles worn garments ↳Collaborates with women-led cooperatives globally 💡 Lesson: Ethical sourcing isn’t just about origin—it’s about honoring the full lifecycle of the product. At Nectar Nectar New York, these principles guide our everyday decisions: ↳We collaborate directly with women artisans, preserving both authenticity and dignity ↳We use heritage techniques like 4,000-year-old dokra metalwork ↳And we measure success not only in sales, but in livelihoods transformed Ethical sourcing isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention and the willingness to grow with purpose. Which brand’s approach resonates most with you? #merchandising #sourcing #luxury #fashion

There's a shrimp farmer in Vietnam named Phạm Thanh Tuấn. He raises black tiger shrimp sustainably. His farm meets rigorous environmental standards. His product is clean, responsible, and traceable. But until recently, his shrimp couldn't command a fair price because he couldn't afford the eco-certifications that U.S. buyers require. That's not a farming problem. That's a systems problem. And three University of California campuses just helped solve it. University of California, Davis, University of California, Santa Cruz, and University of California, Merced are now the first institutions in the U.S. to serve shrimp from small-scale Vietnamese farmers who have earned the Monterey Bay Aquarium's new Verified Green designation. This program was designed specifically to help farms that are doing the right thing but lack the resources to prove it through traditional certification channels. For the Winter and Spring quarters alone, the UC system ordered 57,500 pounds of this shrimp, a purchase that opens a new market for participating farmers while moving the university system meaningfully closer to its goal of procuring 25% of its food sustainably. Here's what the Verified Green program actually does: Monterey Bay Aquarium staff work directly with Vietnamese shrimp farmers who want to demonstrate the environmental performance of their product. Aquarium staff conducts independent assessments against Seafood Watch standards, and that verification process is ongoing, not a one-time stamp. The result? Farmers get access to fair prices for their sustainable products. Buyers get supply chain integrity. And the model is now on the table for every other U.S. institution to follow. As UC Santa Cruz Executive Chef Ryan Yates put it: bringing Verified Green shrimp onto campus "isn't just a menu decision, it also allows us to meet UC's broader sustainability goals." That's the sentence I want every foodservice leader to sit with. A sourcing decision is never just a menu decision. It's a values declaration. It's a market signal. It's a message to farmers, to students, to suppliers, and to the industry watching what you do. At Restaura, we believe that responsible sourcing is one of the most powerful levers we have. Not just for the plate. For the planet. For the people in the supply chain who deserve a fair shot when they're doing the work right. The UC system didn't wait for the perfect eco-label infrastructure. They partnered with an organization solving the problem in real time, and they said yes. That's what culinary leadership looks like in 2026. Who's next? #Sustainability #FoodSystems #ResponsibleSourcing #FoodIsMedicine #CulinaryLeadership #Restaura #ScratchMade #FarmToInstitution #SeniorLiving #WellbeingLeadership #SeafoodWatch