Emery Oleochemicals Embarks on "Sourcing with Respect" Guidelines as Response to the Rising Demand for Transparency Within Supply Chain

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Emery Oleochemicals, is stepping forward in its sustainability initiative with the introduction of "Sourcing with Respect" Guidelines (SRG), as a response to the growing need for transparency within supply chain. The SRG has been developed with an aspirational spirit to minimise environmental footprint, safeguard human rights, eliminate poor labour practices, and prevent corruption within Emery Oleochemicals' supply chains.

Emery Oleochemicals' has benchmarked established industry initiatives and has integrated the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to align the SRG framework to industry needs. The UNGC addresses human rights, labour, environment and corruption issues and provides a framework for engagement by global business.

"Our SRG is an aspirational platform towards building a sustainable business with our partners. As we are part of bigger global supply chains, we need to ensure that our suppliers behave in a responsible and ethical manner. We will work with our partners and suppliers to improve our collective environmental, social and financial performance through process efficiencies and innovation," said Hans Peter Eckardt, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emery Oleochemicals. 

The key aspects of Emery Oleochemicals' supply chain sustainability focused behaviours are defined in SRG. In partnership with Ecodesk, a global sustainability supply chain software provider, an online platform has been created for key suppliers to self-audit their performance against the SRG criteria. To ensure the SRG audit is robust as possible, suppliers who have achieved certain types of certifications, such as ISO14001 or the SAA8000, would be automatically qualified. The online platform will also help Emery Oleochemicals to monitor progress and develop supplier development programmes where necessary.

"We have a substantial number of suppliers globally. By partnering with Ecodesk, we sought to develop the quickest, effective and tangible method to engage and collate required sustainability data within our supply chain," added Peter Eckardt.

As the leading natural-based chemicals provider, Emery Oleochemicals offers an extensive product portfolio, including renewable solutions for the Agro Green, Bio-Lubricants, Eco-Friendly Polyols, Green Polymer Additives, Home & Personal Wellness and OleoBasics markets. Having operations in Asia, Europe and the Americas, development of SRG is timely as each of these regions offer unique sustainability challenges as well as opportunities to have a positive footprint.

About Emery Oleochemicals

Emery Oleochemicals is a leading producer of natural-based chemicals made predominantly from natural oils and fats such as plant-based oil and tallow. We offer an extensive product portfolio, including renewable solutions for the Agro Green, Bio-Lubricants, Eco-Friendly Polyols, Green Polymer Additives, Home & Personal Wellness and OleoBasics markets. 

With revenue of US$1billion (2013), the company is headquartered in Malaysia with manufacturing plants spanning three continents - Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. Emery Oleochemicals' global operations are backed by a diverse workforce and an extensive distribution network covering over 50 countries worldwide.

SOURCE Emery Oleochemicals