The announcement affects about 3,000 strategic and preferred suppliers in total, providing components, spare-parts, transportation and logistics services.
Sedex Self-Assessment Questionnaire
As Tetra Pak operates in over 170 countries, its key suppliers are located all around the world.
Sam Strömersten, executive VP, supply chain operations, Tetra Pak, told DairyReporter, it is now working with Sedex to help suppliers understand the benefits of registering and offering practical assistance to join the platform successfully.
It is also providing an information pack that explains how Sedex works, including a Sedex Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).
“Having our suppliers join us and share their ethical data on the Sedex platform, helps reduce the need for multiple audits, allowing all of us to concentrate on making improvements,” said Strömersten.
“The platform, which requires the regular filing of ethical performance reports, will ensure Tetra Pak and its suppliers are held to account and drive higher standards across global supply chains.
“We have informed our key suppliers and are generally receiving a positive response.
Labour practice, environment & anti-corruption
“We all recognize responsible sourcing is more important than ever for our industry, as we get more and more demands from customers, consumers, society and government to be responsible and transparent on issues such as human rights, labour practice, environment and anti-corruption.”
Tetra Pak joined Sedex as a supplier member in 2010, reporting data related to labour practices, health and safety, business ethics and environmental performance for its packaging material and closure manufacturing sites worldwide.
Two years later, it extended the practice to all of its production operations, including capital equipment and spare-parts.
In addition to offering transparent reporting, Tetra Pak has worked with Sedex to develop tailor-made training for its employees at more than 60 Tetra Pak sites.
“Tetra Pak has been reporting via Sedex on our own operations since 2010, and we believe it is time to go further, by asking our key suppliers to do the same,” added Strömersten.
“Having suppliers join us and share their ethical data on the Sedex platform will help improve global supply chain transparency and reduce the need for multiple audits.
“Suppliers are increasingly under pressure to provide ethical data to various customers and comply with different codes and standards. Duplicating all of this information can be counter-productive, often preventing suppliers from concentrating resources on improving standards.
“Sedex offers a simple and effective way of managing ethical and responsible practices in the supply chain.”