Chain management

Van Gansewinkel Groep’s social responsibility goes well beyond our own front door. As an international organization, we aim to improve the social and environmental performance of our activities across the chain.

In our opinion, applying the Cradle to Cradle principle to our activities is an excellent way of working in an environment where waste chain management is crucial. In order to come to a Cradle to Cradle solution, collaboration with customers, suppliers and the suppliers of suppliers is required. We fulfil a significant role in both the back-end (the collection of waste) as well as the front-end (thinking through the design phase and consulting on suitable materials) of the chain. Cradle to Cradle is only achievable if together with chain partners we can close the loop. And so we evolve from chain management to ‘circle management’.

As part of the selection and evaluation of suppliers within Van Gansewinkel Groep, processors and contractors are evaluated on the basis of an audit system. Often, these contractors are in possession of certified quality, environmental and / or health & safety systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and / or OHSAS 18001. Furthermore, various companies distinguish themselves preferably through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, where, among other things, there is evidence of sustainable working practices. In addition, human rights must be respected and child labour totally excluded.

Yet it is not always easy to determine how subcontractors or suppliers operate. That’s why, in 2010, Van Gansewinkel Groep is setting up a watertight system for ‘second layer’ third parties to complement the ‘first layer’. Where is the waste received from us going when the third party is not the final destination?  The Van Gansewinkel Group is identifying and assessing this second layer with special attention paid to parties outside Europe, where the company will also take physical samples and measure whether these companies can meet our stringent business standards in order to do business.

Read more about chain management here.

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