You've built a strong supplier relationship. How do you navigate sustainability inconsistencies?

Do not assume that your suppliers understand sustainability for your viewpoint. Ensure its clear to you what you address as suitability, then drive the point home with your suppliers so that you speak the same language regarding suitability. You should also contribute to your suppliers' efforts to meet your suitability goals.

You should make sure at the tender stage that you make your commitment to sustainability clear and that you expect the same from your suppliers. That should avoid any ambiguity and issues later on in the contract. Sustainability means different things to different people so make sure you explain what you mean by sustainability and what your expectations are of the supplier.

Start by reassessing both your company’s and the supplier’s sustainability values. Clearly define what sustainability means for your business, whether it’s reducing carbon footprint or ensuring fair labor practices. This clarity can help identify common ground or highlight gaps that need addressing, setting the stage for further actions and decisions.

Before engaging in discussions with your supplier, it's essential to clarify your company's core values and sustainability goals. This will provide a clear framework for evaluating the supplier's practices and determining the appropriate course of action. Review your company's sustainability policy: Identify your company's commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Assess your sustainability goals: Determine the specific areas where you expect your suppliers to contribute. Consider the impact of supplier practices on your brand: Evaluate how your supplier's sustainability inconsistencies may affect your company's reputation.

After evaluating values, initiate an open and respectful dialogue with your supplier. Express your concerns and emphasize the importance of sustainability to your business. Listen to their perspective and any challenges they may face in implementing sustainable practices. This conversation aims to explore potential solutions or compromises that preserve the partnership while enhancing sustainability.

Once you have a clear understanding of your company's values, initiate a dialogue with the supplier to express your concerns. Approach the conversation with a constructive and collaborative mindset. Schedule a meeting: Request a meeting with the supplier's management to discuss the sustainability issues. Be specific: Clearly articulate the areas where the supplier's practices are inconsistent with your expectations. Listen actively: Give the supplier an opportunity to explain their perspective and address your concerns.

Based on your company's values and the supplier's response, set clear sustainability goals for the partnership. These goals should be measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Establish performance metrics: Define specific targets for the supplier to achieve in terms of sustainability. Create a timeline: Set deadlines for the supplier to implement improvements and meet the established goals. Consider incentives or consequences: Determine the rewards or penalties associated with meeting or failing to meet the sustainability goals.

With goals in place, it’s essential to monitor progress regularly. Establish clear metrics and schedule regular check-ins to keep sustainability efforts on track. Monitoring progress not only demonstrates your commitment but also provides opportunities for adjustments if certain strategies aren’t working, ensuring a dynamic approach to sustainability.

Provide education and support to help your supplier overcome barriers to sustainability. This could involve sharing resources, best practices, or even co-investing in sustainable technologies. By helping your supplier, you’re enhancing their operations, strengthening the supply chain, and bolstering your brand’s commitment to sustainability, creating a positive and lasting impact.

Sustainability is not a one-time fix but a continuous journey. Encourage your supplier to think beyond immediate changes and integrate sustainability into their core business strategy. This may involve periodically revisiting and revising goals to reflect new sustainability standards and market expectations, ensuring both you and your supplier are committed to enduring improvements.