At the Symposium "Vision Zero for Sustainability along Global Supply Chains - beyond Due Diligence Obligations" held in October 2024 in Berlin, the development of an open-source toolbox to help companies in complying with the European legal framework and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA) was introduced.
Industry and commerce deal with a wide range of raw materials, intermediates and finished products. Many of them are highly specialized and require precise handling. Managing this complexity requires well-coordinated supply chains to ensure that materials are available in the right place, at the right time and in the right quantities. Disruptions can have a significant impact on operations, making supply chain management a critical issue. Efficient supply chain management can help optimize costs, ensuring competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards.
Hazardous materials can be harmful or toxic to people and the environment. Industry and commerce must ensure that all safety and environmental requirements are met during production, transport and disposal along the supply chain. Legislation requires companies to exercise due diligence throughout the supply chain. They must ensure fair labor practices, including human rights standards.
On a national and international basis that might not work without pressure from regulations that put OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) in supply chains higher on the agenda. On both sides of the social partners there must be a commitment for safe and healthy work. A trusting corporate and prevention culture is needed to make sure that prevention pays off.
The European legal framework and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA), require new approaches to supply chain management with the new demands on organizations that provide advice or support in this area. To meet these challenges, practicable guidelines need to be developed for both companies and related organizations.
The development of an open-source toolbox introduced in Berlin during the Symposium is based on a survey of ISSA Chemistry that was conducted in 29 companies and organizations across five European countries (France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany). This resource supports companies in implementing European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requirements, offering customizable tools and multilingual resources.
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The Symposium presentation and abstract will be available on the Vision Zero website in early 2025.