With the aim of strengthening their business model in accordance with the objectives of Agenda 2030, Andriani S.p.A. Benefit Corporation in 2022 approved their first Supplier Code of Conduct, a tool which the company intends use to actively involve their suppliers in a collective path towards sustainable development.
The Code of Conduct responds to various needs:
- WHAT TO DO: improve the Andriani impact profile through targeted action on goods and services in their supply chain;
- HOW TO DO IT: dialogue with suppliers in terms of cooperation, transparency and commitment to pursue ambitious goals that exceed legal requirements; foster innovative approaches aimed at multifunctionality, research and reporting as drivers of conscious action.
The basic principle of this Code is the concept of extended responsibility according to which no one is exempt from questioning usual production methods. On the contrary its aim is to encourage all suppliers to design targeted plans and innovative monitoring methods suited to their respective sectors to progressively undertake steps to improve their environmental and social performance.
The transversal nature of the majority of the themes of Agenda 2030 invites us to adopt a broader view when it comes to assessing our impact on the planet and the well-being of people. According to this approach the Code consists of 11 material topics:
- Transparent governance;
- Anti-corruption;
- Human rights;
- Safety and wellbeing in the workplace;
- Quality, safety and traceability;
- Energy, emissions and mitigation of climate risks;
- Sustainable mobility;
- Circular economy;
- Biodiversity;
- Diversity, inclusion and development of human resources;
- Open Innovation & shared value.
Every theme has two series of requirements: mandatory and suggested. An approach that reflects the willingness of Andriani to place discussion at the heart of the engagement strategy by evaluating with suppliers the high priority action to be implemented as well as the methods and the time it will take to achieve this.
The method to apply the Code takes into account a final, fundamental element: the existing interdependence between the business world, the social sphere and natural ecosystems, especially in the agri-food sector. Climate change and other challenges of the Third Millennium focus our attention on the fact that the economy, society and the environment are inextricably linked.
This is why it is necessary to embrace a new perspective of doing business at all levels as soon as possible with the knowledge that the negative impact of our actions can no longer be tolerated by the planet and ultimately by ourselves.