What steps would you take when faced with suppliers who refuse to comply with sustainability guidelines?

Before taking any drastic measures, it's essential to understand why your supplier is not complying with sustainability guidelines. Investigate the underlying reasons, whether they are related to operational challenges, resource limitations, or misalignment with the guidelines. Addressing these issues through open communication and support can often lead to more constructive solutions and improved compliance, rather than resorting to punitive actions that may damage the relationship.

In our training programs & projects, we always focus on the importance of the extended value chain. And, knowing well that sustainability is one of the various bottom-lines, I will also consider the following: a) our past relationships. b) the financial implications. c) availability of alternatives. In the case under review, I see 3 scenarios: 1) Right supplier, Wrong Focus: COLLABORATE by emphasizing on the need to focus on longer term goals for the benefit of all. 2) Wrong supplier, Right Focus: EDUCATE by sharing your vision & propose a tuning partnership approach where you can start on a trial project to learn throughout. 3) Wrong supplier, Wrong Focus: AVOID by continuing your search for the right supplier with the right focus.

Start by engaging them in open dialogue to understand their concerns, limitations and provide support - such as training or resources to facilitate compliance. Clearly communicate your expectations and the potential business benefits of sustainable practices. If resistance persists, consider implementing a monitoring system with regular audits and establishing incentives for compliance or penalties for non-compliance. Leverage the power of having sustainability clauses built in the contract document with suppliers. If necessary, explore alternative suppliers who align with your sustainability goals to ensure your supply chain remains responsible and aligned with your company’s values.

1. Comunicação Aberta e Transparente • Entender as Razões • Educação e Sensibilização 2. Negociação de Soluções Alternativas • Propor um Plano Gradual • Oferecer Incentivos 3. Revisão de Contratos • Incluir Cláusulas de Sustentabilidade • Auditoria e Monitoramento 4. Parcerias e Colaborações • Parceria para Inovação • Compartilhamento de Custos e Recursos 5. Exploração de Alternativas • Buscar Novos Fornecedores • Diversificação da Cadeia de Suprimentos 6. Pressão Competitiva e de Mercado • Apoiar a Sustentabilidade como Diferencial • Expor as Consequências Reputacionais 7. Avaliação Contínua • Monitoramento e Reavaliação 8. Impacto Social e Ambiental • Estabelecer Expectativas Claras

Si se encuentra con proveedores que se niegan a cumplir con compromisos sostenibles acordados, evite una reacción instantánea y ofensiva, los prejuicios y las presunciones solo alejan acuerdos. Entable un diálogo abierto y empático, esfuércese por saber todos los detalles antes de tomar alguna decisión. Podría deberse a limitaciones financieras, falta de conocimiento o incluso falta de comunicación sobre las pautas, la paciencia y resiliencia ayuda en estos casos. Utilice su capacidad de persuasión y negociadora para abordar los problemas con eficacia.

If reluctance to comply stems from a lack of awareness, take the time to educate your suppliers about the importance of sustainability. Provide clear information on the benefits of adhering to sustainability guidelines, offer resources or training, and explain how compliance can positively impact their operations and reputation. By fostering understanding and providing support, you can encourage a more proactive approach to sustainability and strengthen the overall partnership.

"Un buen proveedor deber tener agudizado su conciencia y compromiso con la sostenibilidad." Puede ser un buen paso, el ser claros en cuanto a expectativas y los beneficios que aporta la sostenibilidad, compartiendo información relevante. Ofrece programas de capacitación que expliquen cómo implementar la sostenibilidad. Imagina que tienes un restaurante y quieres que tu proveedor de alimentos utilice prácticas sostenibles. Puedes comenzar explicándoles cómo el uso de pesticidas y fertilizantes afecta negativamente al medio ambiente y la salud Luego, puedes ofrecerles capacitación y proporcionarles recursos para hacer la transición, esto puede ayudarle al proveedor a hacer la transición a la vez de adoptar prácticas mas sostenibles.

Educar os fornecedores sobre os benefícios e a importância da sustentabilidade pode transformar sua resistência em colaboração. Ofereça workshops, materiais educativos e suporte técnico para ajudar na transição para práticas mais sustentáveis. Ao aumentar o conhecimento e a compreensão dos fornecedores, você facilita a adoção das diretrizes e fortalece a parceria, promovendo uma cadeia de suprimentos mais responsável.

Assess the supplier’s current understanding of sustainability. Provide clear explanations on the benefits of sustainable practices for the environment and their business. Offer educational resources, such as workshops or informational materials. Arrange site visits to successful sustainable suppliers for practical examples. Share best practices and case studies to illustrate successful transitions. Provide ongoing support and guidance to facilitate their shift to sustainable operations. Encourage open communication and address any questions or concerns they may have.

They may feel as if you just changed their entire business model overnight - they may not feel prepared, equipped, or feel as if you sprung this on them. You need to make them feel supported and empowered. Provide resources, training, or financial incentives to help them meet your sustainability goals. For instance, you might offer to share the cost of necessary equipment or training. This communicates that they aren't alone - it's a partnership, not just a casual mandate.

Contracts are powerful tools for enforcing compliance with sustainability standards. Review your agreements with suppliers to ensure they include clear and specific sustainability clauses. These clauses should outline expectations, requirements, and consequences for non-compliance, providing a solid framework for accountability. By integrating such terms into contracts, you establish formal commitments that support your sustainability goals and provide a basis for addressing any issues that arise.

I think it should always be a 2-step process: 1. Try to find collaborative solutions to get to common sustainability goals 2. If this fails, there is no other way than to enforce it through contracts. Set goals like "reduce emissions 50% until xX" or others.

Incluir cláusulas de sostenibilidad en los acuerdos con los proveedores es crucial, para asegurar el buen trato. Por ejemplo Detalla las prácticas sostenibles que esperas que los proveedores adopten, su cumplimiento y sus penalizaciones. Esto implica, que los proveedores proporcionen informes regulares sobre sus esfuerzos y logros en sostenibilidad. En el acuerdo, puedes incluir una cláusula que el proveedor debe reducir el uso de productos químicos nocivos en el proceso de producción. Además, puedes establecer que se realicen auditorías anuales para verificar el cumplimiento y ofrecer un incentivo económico si el proveedor logra reducir su huella de carbono en un determinado porcentaje.

Revisite os contratos existentes para incluir cláusulas que reforcem o cumprimento das diretrizes de sustentabilidade. Essas cláusulas podem estabelecer penalidades para o não cumprimento ou incentivos para a adoção de práticas sustentáveis. Garantir que os contratos refletem os valores da empresa em termos de sustentabilidade proporciona uma base legal para exigir conformidade, fortalecendo o compromisso dos fornecedores com essas práticas.

Contracts should act as a roadmap for sustainability expectations. By embedding detailed sustainability clauses, you create a structured framework that outlines precise goals and consequences. This not only holds suppliers accountable but also demonstrates your commitment to sustainability. Additionally, setting up regular reviews of these contracts can ensure ongoing alignment and adaptability to new sustainability developments, reinforcing the importance of compliance over time.

As true partners and especially for the most important suppliers you can work together to tackle the issue. For example, reporting could be part of the problem and you could share the tool you use.

Propor soluções colaborativas pode ser uma maneira eficaz de superar a resistência. Trabalhe junto com os fornecedores para identificar desafios e desenvolver planos de ação conjuntos. Isso pode incluir assistência técnica, prazos realistas e metas progressivas. A colaboração cria um senso de parceria e responsabilidade compartilhada, aumentando as chances de que os fornecedores adotem as diretrizes de sustentabilidade com maior comprometimento.

To address genuine obstacles suppliers may face, engage in collaborative problem-solving by identifying their specific challenges and offering support. This could include co-investing in sustainable technology, providing financial security through longer-term contracts, or assisting in securing grants or loans for green investments. By actively helping to overcome these barriers, you demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and strengthen your supplier relationships.

Cuando se hace alianzas con otros profesionales, el trabajar en equipo redunda en mayor efectividad. Esto podría implicar la inversión conjunta en tecnología sostenible, ofreciendo contratos a largo plazo para garantizar la seguridad financiera o ayudarles a encontrar subvenciones o préstamos para inversiones ecológicas. En este sentido, saber escoger a los futuros colaboradores, analizando el perfil y el aporte apropiado que puede brindar a su empresa es fundamental para seguir con el compromiso y los valores de la sostenibilidad.

Supporting suppliers in overcoming obstacles not only aligns with your sustainability goals but also fosters a deeper partnership. Consider co-developing solutions tailored to their specific challenges, such as joint ventures in sustainability projects or providing access to your network of resources and expertise. This collaborative approach not only helps suppliers meet your standards but also builds trust and loyalty, transforming compliance challenges into opportunities for shared growth and innovation.

The 80/20 rule in business, aka the Pareto Principle, is real. Focus your efforts here for the most impact. Establish a purchasing policy that gives preference to suppliers who prioritize sustainability. Clearly communicate this policy, give a timeline, and work with your suppliers to maximize their efforts. Depending on the supplier, your spending levels, and the availability of alternatives, they are likely to adjust their practices when faced with the prospect of losing your business. If little alternatives exist, consider offering incentives to compel action. You should expect some resistance to change and be prepared to address it. Follow through on your commitment and seek out suppliers whose values are in line with your own.

En la medida que tu empresa y marca vayan avanzando en el posicionamiento de sus atributos organizacionales y valores responsables, irás irradiando y contagiando a ; empleados, colaboradores, aliados, proveedores, etc. Estamos frente a un desafío de cambio cultural, pero no solo en las empresas, en la sociedad como un todo. Debes ser actor que contagie.

Leveraging your influence as a major client can be a powerful motivator for suppliers to align with your sustainability guidelines. Use this influence to set clear expectations and communicate the importance of sustainability in your business relationship. Frame it as a partnership where both parties benefit from compliance. Approach this tactfully to avoid creating friction; emphasize that adherence to sustainability standards is integral to the continued success of your collaboration. This way, you drive change while maintaining a positive and productive relationship.

Use sua influência como cliente para alavancar mudanças. Deixe claro que a conformidade com as diretrizes de sustentabilidade é uma condição para manter a parceria comercial. Fornecedores tendem a reconsiderar suas posições quando entendem que o não cumprimento pode resultar na perda de contratos importantes. A alavancagem de influência deve ser usada de forma estratégica, equilibrando firmeza com apoio, para incentivar a mudança.

Muchos proveedores fallan por el desconocimiento del impacto establecer Incentivos y Reconocimiento, considerando la posibilidad de implementar incentivos para los proveedores que cumplen o superan las expectativas de sostenibilidad, como descuentos, contratos a largo plazo o reconocimiento público. Esto puede motivar a otros proveedores a seguir el ejemplo y adoptar prácticas más sostenibles

Se os fornecedores se recusarem a cumprir as diretrizes, explore alternativas. Pesquise novos fornecedores que já estejam alinhados com seus padrões de sustentabilidade. A mudança para fornecedores comprometidos com práticas sustentáveis não só garante o cumprimento das diretrizes, mas também fortalece a cadeia de suprimentos. Manter uma lista de fornecedores alternativos permite uma transição mais suave, minimizando impactos operacionais.

When collaboration and dialogue don't drive the necessary change, being ready to explore alternatives is essential. While switching suppliers can be time-consuming and costly, it's often necessary to uphold your company's sustainability values. This move sends a strong message: sustainability is non-negotiable. Sometimes, the mere possibility of losing business can push current suppliers to take action. Be transparent and give them enough notice to make adjustments, but be firm in your commitment to finding partners who align with your sustainability goals.