EcoVadis measures the sustainability performance of companies on a scale from 0 to 100. The rating takes into account the categories of environment, labor and human rights, ethics/integrity, and sustainable procurement. The Dürr Group is among the top 25% of all companies rated by EcoVadis. The interest rates of several of its financing instruments are linked to the EcoVadis rating. This makes Dürr AG one of the pioneers of sustainability-oriented financing.
Dr. Jochen Weyrauch, Deputy CEO of Dürr AG and in charge of sustainability, stated: “Our customers are increasingly investing in energy- and resource-efficient production technology to reduce their ecological footprint. And – just like us – they set store by good corporate governance and fair working relationships. The rating improvement demonstrates that we are on the right track with our sustainability strategy.”
The Dürr Group’s revised supplier code is part of all agreements that the company concludes with its roughly 30,000 suppliers worldwide. It is complemented by a policy statement, issued at the beginning of 2021, acknowledging respect for human rights and fair working conditions. The code provides that suppliers should be increasingly selected based on social and ecological criteria. Evaluation takes place through self-assessment forms and audits performed by the purchasing departments of the Group companies. Furthermore, a system for categorizing social and ecological risks on the supplier side is due to be introduced before the end of the year. In addition, an e-learning program will be launched to train buyers in how to deal with sustainability criteria when awarding contracts.
The supply chain is one of three current priorities at the Dürr Group in the area of sustainability. Other focal points are the new EU taxonomy for promoting sustainable investment and defining a climate strategy for the Dürr Group. The latter is due to be published this year and will contain specific targets for reducing the company’s greenhouse gas emissions.
