In recent years, the automotive sector has faced increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. With growing consumer awareness and regulatory demands, companies are prioritizing environmental responsibility throughout their supply chains. It’s a necessary evolution for the industry as it seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance social responsibility. To achieve this, companies in the aftermarket must make sure suppliers are following sustainable practices.
Let’s start with transparency. Companies like Schaeffler believe a clear understanding of its supply chain is a must for driving sustainable practices. The company has established a supplier assessment process that evaluates not just economic factors but also environmental and social governance. It’s an approach that ensures suppliers follow sustainable practices from the start.
Schaeffler has implemented audits to monitor compliance with sustainability standards. These audits assess various factors, including waste management, resource consumption and labor practices. By requiring transparency at every level, Schaeffler can identify potential risks and opportunities for improvement across its supply chain.
Next, let’s discuss engagement. Schaeffler actively engages with its suppliers to develop a culture of sustainability. The company offers training programs designed to educate suppliers about best practices in sustainable manufacturing.
Schaeffler recognizes the importance of feedback. The company encourages suppliers to share their challenges and successes in implementing sustainable practices. This open dialogue benefits both the company and its suppliers.
Now, let’s turn to innovation. Schaeffler invests significantly in research and development, focusing on sustainable technologies and materials. This commitment to innovation is reflected in its partnerships with suppliers who share the same vision for a sustainable future.
One notable initiative highlighted in Schaeffler’s 2023 Sustainability Report is the collaboration with suppliers to develop eco-friendly materials. By working together, Schaeffler and its partners are exploring alternatives to traditional materials, reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality. The result? Schaeffler meets customer demand for sustainable solutions and also positions the company as a leader in the industry.
To further illustrate the impact of these strategies, let’s look at some tangible results. Since 2023, Schaeffler said 100% of the electricity purchased at almost every plant in Europe, China and the Americas has come from renewable sources. The Schaeffler Group has seen a reduction in production-related greenhouse gases of around 24% compared with the previous year. The company also reduced its freshwater consumption by 9% in the reporting year, with 27 water-saving measures implemented and verified externally in 2023, according to the company’s report. The measures are expected to account for a minimum annual savings of 265,000 cubic meters.
The journey toward sustainability in the automotive supply chain is a team effort. By working together, companies and suppliers can ensure that sustainable practices become a normal part of their operations.
The post Driving Sustainability Standards in the Automotive Supply Chain appeared first on Counterman Magazine.
