What you buy and from whom.
WHY IT MATTERS
Much of a business's impact sits in what it buys rather than what it does.
WHAT LARGER BUYERS INCREASINGLY ASK
Where materials come from Whether suppliers meet standards Whether labour conditions are acceptable
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT YOUR SUPPLIERS
Who they are Where materials originate Whether they meet the requirements you are subject to
WHY ORIGIN MATTERS
Some materials carry restrictions or reputational risk.
WHAT TO BE ALERT TO
Materials from unclear sources Prices substantially below market Suppliers unwilling to disclose origin
WHY UNEXPLAINED LOW PRICES
They frequently indicate poor labour conditions, unauthorised extraction or evasion.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Basic expectations of suppliers.
WHAT THOSE SHOULD COVER
Lawful operation Labour conditions and no child labour Safety Environmental compliance
WHAT TO REQUEST
Confirmation, and evidence for significant suppliers.
WHY EVIDENCE RATHER THAN ASSERTION
Assertions cost nothing to make.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Visiting significant suppliers.
WHY
It is the only reliable verification available to most businesses.
WHAT LOCAL SOURCING PROVIDES
Reduced transport impact Shorter lead times Supply resilience Local economic contribution
WHAT TO BALANCE
Against price and availability.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT PACKAGING
Whether suppliers can reduce it or take it back.
WHY
It is your waste and your cost.
WHAT TO DOCUMENT
Your requirements and supplier responses.
