Working with supply chain partners who share our vision
Creating a better future by working together
To be successful in achieving Net Zero, we have to ensure we’re working with those who share our vision for sustainability and reducing our carbon impact.
By working with those who share similar core values and strive to do business in an ethical, responsible and sustainable manner, we all benefit. That’s why we put a great deal of time and effort into choosing supply chain partners who care as much as we do.
When choosing supply chain partners, we focus on the following values:
- Product traceability and helping us to educate customers about product lifecycles
- Commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
- Supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and creating safe working environments for their employees
- Environmentally conscious including their approach to green energy, manufacturing, packaging, waste and transport
Supply chain partners who value the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
It’s important that our supply chain upholds corporate sustainability and social responsibility standards. We want to track how well our supply chain is doing and want to understand how they’re contributing to positive change.
One aspect we’re interested in is how they’re connecting their day-to-day activities to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
There are 17 SDGs in total relating to environmental and social topics that our supply chain partners align with.
We’re also a proud member and Charter Distributor of The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA), which demonstrates our commitment to promoting our products and services (and those of our supply-chain partners/contractors) in a fair and transparent manner whilst avoiding deceptive, misleading and unethical practices.
The importance of product traceability
Product traceability and the ability to understand the impact of a product from manufacture to end of life, is very important to us at A.D.
We encourage the use of recycled and responsible materials in the products we promote and rely on our supply chain to prove the authenticity of eco credentials so we can confidently recommend sustainable products to our customers.
Some of the certifications we look for are:
RCS blended
The Recycled Claim Standard verifies recycled material (by percentage) and tracks materials from the source to the final product.
RCS 100
This certification proves that the product contains at least 95% certified recycled material.
GRS
Global Recycled Standard certified products contain recycled material that have been independently verified throughout the supply chain from the source to the final product. This certification also demonstrates an organisation's commitment to social, environmental, and chemical standards.
AWARE™
Aware™ uses a physical tracer to verify recycled material. Users can scan a QR code to trace the journey of the recycled material.
FSC®
The Forest Stewardship Council® is a global, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide.
REACH
REACH stands for The Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals and is the main EU law that protects human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals.
RoHS
Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) relates to EU rules that restrict the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment to protect the environment and public health.
Oeko-Tex
OEKO-TEX® is the newest certification verifying textiles from farm to product. Products with this label have been manufactured without GMOs and have been tested for pesticides and other harmful substances.
Fairtrade
Fairtrade is a system of certification that sets standards in the production of goods, ensuring safer working conditions and fairer pay for those working in developing countries.
GOTS
GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, and is the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. It is backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.
Aligning supply chain codes of conduct
We have a strict supplier code of conduct that our supply chain partners must adhere to.
We put a great deal of time and effort into nurturing relationships with partners who share our values and can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, workers’ rights and community support.
Our code of conduct is fundamental in preserving the strong reputation of our brand so we can build and maintain confidence with our customers.
Simply click on the links to learn more about specific areas of our supplier code of conduct relating to the environment, our community and our team on matters relating to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and creating safe working standards for their employees.
Choosing environmentally conscious supply chain partners
Our supplier code of conduct also extends to environmental matters, specifically relating to environmental facilities, including our impact on water, land and life.
However, in addition to this, we have also taken great strides to work with partners who can help offset our carbon footprint.
For example, we work with Greenify® to help offset carbon emissions and recover ocean-bound plastic waste for repurposing.
Our logistics partner, UPS, has also helped us to offset over 5.65 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions across 1.3k shipments.
We’re proud to say that the efforts we’ve taken to date have enabled us to become a carbon-neutral company.
FAQs
How important is the supply chain as part of ESG?
- Environmental: Being accountable for their carbon footprint and the impact they have on the environment and local communities. They’re also accountable for responsible sourcing of raw materials and sustainable resource management
- Social: Ensuring they have fair labour practices and value human rights throughout their business. They must also value diversity and inclusion and have a positive impact on their local communities.
- Governance: They must have ethical business practices, including transparency, anti-corruption measures, and fair competition. They must also be proactive in the assessment and mitigation of risks within the supply chain as part of their accountability.
How is A.D. enhancing its supply chain accountability within the ESG framework?
- Transparency and reporting: We ask that our partners regularly report on matters relating to ESG metrics so we can monitor performance and support where necessary.
- Supplier engagement: We collaborate with suppliers to improve ESG practices, set clear expectations, and provide compliance support.
- Audits and certifications: We conduct regular audits with our supply chain to ensure they can continue to provide assurance to stakeholders.
- Continuous improvement: We’re happy to work with our supply chain to provide advice and guidance on what we expect of them as a partner to ensure top performance and accountability at all times.
Can you provide information about the environmental impact of your supply chain?
Do you monitor and address issues like child labour or unfair working conditions in your supply chain?
Discover how our business is transforming on our ESG journey…
Environmental
We’re proud to say that we are a carbon-neutral company, but we’re going to keep going until we’re Net Zero. Take a look at the steps we’re making to get there.
Team
From our office environment to the benefits we offer, we believe in doing everything we can to help our team thrive.
Community
We’re proud to play an active role in supporting our local communities. Discover what we’re doing to make a difference.
Governance
We’re committed to achieving a Net Zero status. Discover how we’re showing the world how we’re changing.
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