In order to develop and implement a global audit assessing and improving sustainability practices within supply chains in the chemical industry, the Together for Sustainability initiative held a conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 18.

Around 300 participants, including suppliers, TfS member company-representatives, local and international associations and non-governmental organizations, joined the conference. The event featured presentations from key sector executives and a discussion panel on the “Creation of Sustainable Competitive Advantages in the Global Supply Chain.”

The member companies have already performed more than 8,000 assessments and audits worldwide. Participating suppliers will now only have to complete one form instead of multiple questionnaires with the relevant sustainability information provided to all participating TfS buyers who would otherwise need separate sustainability assessments or audits from these suppliers.

Rüdiger Eberhard, Chief Procurement Officer of Evonik and President of TfS, delivered the event’s opening speech highlighting the value that TfS can bring to both the suppliers and the regional chemical industry in Brazil. According to Eberhard the initiative plans to establish benchmarks in the supply chain that can cover all the pillars of sustainability and grant relevant long-term gains both to the companies and to their suppliers. “Our goal is the responsible procurement of goods and services and the improvement of environmental and social standards of suppliers of the chemical industry worldwide”, he remarked.