The Business Case for Ethical Sourcing
Ethical sourcing goes beyond compliance—it's about building a supply chain that respects people, communities, and the environment. Here's how to develop an ethical sourcing program.
Key Principles of Ethical Sourcing
Fair Labor Practices
Ensure suppliers maintain safe working conditions, pay fair wages, and respect workers' rights. Look for certifications like Fair Trade and SA8000.
Environmental Stewardship
Partner with suppliers who minimize environmental impact through sustainable farming practices, responsible water use, and reduced chemical inputs.
Community Impact
Consider how sourcing decisions affect local communities. Support programs that invest in farmer education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Transparency and Traceability
Know your supply chain from farm to fork. Implement traceability systems that provide visibility into sourcing origins.
Implementing an Ethical Sourcing Program
- Develop a supplier code of conduct
- Assess current suppliers against ethical criteria
- Prioritize improvements based on risk and impact
- Engage suppliers in improvement programs
- Monitor and verify compliance through audits
- Report progress transparently
Certifications to Look For
- Fair Trade
- Rainforest Alliance
- UTZ (now Rainforest Alliance)
- Organic certifications
- B Corp certification
Foodchain is committed to ethical sourcing and works continuously to improve social and environmental performance across our supply chain.