Embedding sustainability and responsibility across the supply chain
The Group sources direct materials, packaging, and trading goods both locally and internationally. To complement its global supplier network, Sika strives to collaborate with local suppliers wherever possible. This approach helps reduce lead time, minimize risk and transport, and enhance availability and quality control.
Sika’s values are centered around respecting universal human and workers’ rights, acting in accordance with fundamental international human rights, environmental, health and safety standards, and investing efforts in sustainable development and corporate responsibility. Sustainability is a core element of Sika’s Strategy 2028, with procurement playing a key role in selecting vendors who are committed to the same sustainability standards as Sika. Suppliers must operate in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and international standards – including health, safety, and environmental laws and regulations – effective both for their operations and products.
The Sika Supplier Code of Conduct is an integral element when qualifying Sika’s tier 1 suppliers and sets out the company’s expectations for its supplier network, reflecting the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact initiative, the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the global chemical industry’s Responsible Care® program, and the Conflict Minerals Regulations. It is the expectation of Sika that the supplier network embraces the same set of values and commit to Sika’s zero tolerance policy regarding the respect of basic human rights including, but not limited to, child labor, forced labor, modern slavery, non-discrimination, fair working conditions and the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Sika thereby ensures that suppliers are informed of Sika’s ethical, environmental, and social expectations and guidelines and that they conduct their processes and enforce the same standards and commitments to their respective supply chains. Compliance with the minimum requirements set out in the Supplier Code of Conduct is embedded in Sika Group’s purchasing terms and conditions as a binding requirement.
Sika expects that the highest ethical standards will be applied by its suppliers. Sika’s Supply Chain Due Diligence (SCDD) approach is embedded in supplier relationship management processes and aligned with OECD guidelines. It consists of five key steps: pre-evaluation and ESG risk assessment, qualification, evaluation, development, and termination where necessary.
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The supplier evaluation process helps Sika to obtain ESG-related information, improving transparency, and risk management at supplier level.
Based on such evaluations (TfS assessments with EcoVadis and/or TfS audits), Sika can define action plans and engage with suppliers on the development of tailored improvement roadmaps
Sika also maintains its own Supplier Audit Program, complementing the evaluation of suppliers. Trained and experienced auditors incorporate ESG risk-related topics in their supplier audit process to ensure transparency on sustainability practice in Sika’s own supply chain.
Supplier engagement is a core element of Sika’s responsible procurement approach, enabling the company to actively collaborate with suppliers to address key sustainability and ESG topics across the value chain. Through dedicated engagement activities, assessments, audits and other initiatives, Sika works with its suppliers in areas such as:
Since February 2020, Sika has been an active member of ‘Together for Sustainability’ (TfS) initiative, a member-driven initiative of 50+ chemical companies, working to deliver the de facto global standard for environmental, social, and governance performance of the chemical supply chains. The program is based on the UN Global Compact and Responsible Care® principles. TfS provides member companies with the framework to conduct ESG assessments and audits, by partnering with approved third-party providers specialized in evaluating sustainability performance.
Supplier Training & Development is a critical pillar in the responsible sourcing process, as it plays a vital role in improving sustainability practices across the supply chain. Training equips suppliers with the knowledge and tools necessary to adopt best practices and meet sustainability targets and expectations. By fostering engagement, it promotes sustainable and collaborative relationships, ensuring high standards of sustainability throughout the value chain. This proactive approach helps mitigate and prevent risks associated with non-compliance, environmental or social harm, and potential business vulnerabilities. Moreover, supplier training & development emphasizes that sustainable improvement is an ongoing journey, requiring continuous learning, commitment, and collaboration to achieve lasting results.
TfS Academy: The TfS Academy is a tailored learning and development platform specifically designed to help upskill procurement teams and their suppliers on sustainability-related topics: health and safety, environment, sustainable procurement, labor and human rights, management, and governance.
TfS PCF Guideline: The TfS PCF Guideline is a global guidance for calculating Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) in the chemical industry and beyond. It provides specific calculation instructions for emissions from “cradle-to-gate” for chemical materials. It harmonizes PCF calculation approaches across the industry and is applicable to most chemical products.
TfS PCF Data Model: The Data Model is a detailed and technical document that describes the data aspect model according to which PCF data shall be exchanged compliant with the Product Carbon Footprint Guideline for the Chemical Industry of Together for Sustainability.