Consider which sustainability topics are important to you
Sustainable purchasing, or socially responsible investing (SRI), is different for every company. Consider which sustainability themes are most important for your company. That determines what requirements you set for your supplier’s products or services.
Avoid purchasing risks
If you buy products abroad, it is important to know the origin. Production may take place in a different country than your supplier’s country. And under different circumstances than in the Netherlands. For example, poor working conditions (in Dutch), corruption or discrimination. Avoid risks that could harm your product or business. Read how you do business abroad responsibly (in Dutch).
Tip: gain insight into critical raw materials in your product
Raw materials necessary for your production may have limited availability. For example due to possible exhaustion, price fluctuations or social risks such as poor working conditions and environmental impact. Use the resources scanner to check whether the delivery of critical raw materials for your production process is at risk. And see what you can do to reduce these risks.
Know your chain
Customers, governments and social organisations expect companies to do business with respect for people and the environment. Internationally, this is laid down in the OECD guidelines for corporate social responsibility (CSR). You are responsible for the entire chain of your product or service.The government requires you to identify, prevent and mitigate CSR risks in your supply chain. This is called due diligence or CSR risk management. Read more about your chain responsibility (in Dutch).
Be aware of corruption abroad
If you do business abroad, you may encounter bribery or corruption (in Dutch). The OECD guideline on corruption is not voluntary. Corruption is punishable under Dutch law. Even if the corrupt acts take place abroad. Read what you can do to avoid difficult situations in the brochure 'Doing business honestly, without corruption'. For example, by using international model contracts.
Government and socially responsible procurement
The national government engages in socially responsible procurement (maatschappelijk verantwoord inkopen, MVI, in Dutch) setting a good example. Other authorities such as municipalities, provinces and water boards are also working on MVI. If you do business in a socially responsible manner, you have a greater chance of winning a government contract. Read more about working for the government through a tender.
Tip: use the CSR Risk Checker
Use the MVO Nederland Risk Checker (in Dutch) to find out which international CSR risks you run with your trading activities. And learn what you can do to mitigate the risks.
