Implementing a more responsible purchasing policy

Today, consumers are seen as the ones with the power to drive change. Adopting responsible consumption habits therefore makes it possible, at your own level, to influence how the market offering evolves.
But how can a company put a more responsible purchasing policy in place?

In this article, discover all our advice for running a responsible and ethical purchasing policy within your organization.

Responsible purchasing policy: what is it?

A so-called responsible purchasing policy means taking environmental and social impact into account in your purchasing strategies.

A responsible purchasing policy also aims to adopt sustainable consumption, in other words a purchasing strategy based on the company's real needs, both present and future.

Standards for a responsible purchasing policy

Several tools now exist to frame the components of a responsible purchasing policy.

The ISO 26000 standard

The ISO 26000 standard is the most detailed and clear tool for companies wishing to adopt a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) policy.
ISO 26000 includes an action plan to mitigate companies' environmental impact, particularly through their purchasing policy.

The NF X50-135-1 standard

The NF X50-135-1 standard (a French standard published by AFNOR) is considered an extension of ISO 26000. In particular, it complements it on the subject of responsible purchasing.
NF X50-135-1 makes it possible to link sustainable development with cost reduction, and also addresses long-term relationships between buyers and suppliers and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through your purchasing policy.

Why is a responsible purchasing policy important?

Purchasing is an integral part of how a company operates. Taking sustainable development criteria into account in your purchasing strategy therefore appears to be a strong lever for change within the company.

Strengthening your CSR strategy

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming more and more essential. Beyond its role in improving a company's impact, it is a genuine asset for competitiveness, management and attractiveness.

Discover all the good reasons to adopt a CSR strategy in your company in our dedicated article!

Since purchasing accounts for nearly 50% of a company's revenue (Source: ADEME, the French Agency for Ecological Transition), it seems to be an area where improvement is a priority. Indeed, the purchasing department is in contact with every business unit of a company as well as its suppliers and partners.

Adopting a responsible purchasing strategy therefore means implementing a CSR policy by taking into account the environmental and social impacts of the company's activities, as well as those of its suppliers.

Understanding your needs better

By adopting a responsible purchasing policy, a company adopts more responsible consumption. This involves, in particular, taking its real needs into account. This approach therefore requires taking stock of internal resources and of both present and future needs.

Reducing costs

More responsible consumption and a needs-based purchasing strategy mean savings! By meeting only its real needs, the company ensures greater accuracy in its purchases.

Managing risks

By taking environmental, social and ethical criteria into account in its purchasing policy, the company gains better control over the risks related to its purchases.
Selecting more committed and ethical suppliers, together with better monitoring of purchases, optimizes the purchasing policy and is a real success factor for the company.

Strengthening competitiveness

Adopting a responsible purchasing policy means anticipating regulatory changes, improving your image with customers and employees, and improving your relationships with suppliers.

How to implement a responsible purchasing policy?

Implementing a responsible purchasing policy within a company represents a structural change. Several steps can be taken to support this transition.

Taking stock

First and foremost, an audit of the current situation is essential. It makes it possible to review the processes and policies in place and identify the most important elements. It also helps you better understand the company's real needs and adapt your strategy.

Objectives and KPIs

Once this assessment is complete, you can set quantified and realistic objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
These will be based on the company's current needs and priority areas. They will also allow a smooth rollout, thanks to better cost control.

Labels and standards to follow

Following standards (ISO 26000 or NF X50-135-1, for example) is also a relevant way to move forward methodically.
Along the same lines, obtaining labels makes it possible to take concrete action while gaining independent recognition of these changes, for both customers and employees.

Internal and external communication

A change of this scale cannot happen without communication and training for internal teams. First, training should be offered to purchasing managers to make sure they are able to meet the new challenges.
It is also essential to inform the rest of the company in order to get employees on board with these changes.

Finally, it is important to communicate these changes to your business partners (suppliers, customers, etc.). These changes are part of the company's CSR approach and therefore of its commitment to transparency.

Support from Leasetic

To keep these structural changes under control, it is important to have the right resources and methods. Getting support from industry experts can be a solution!
At Leasetic, our experts have been supporting companies that want to take on the challenges of the 21st century for more than 30 years. Our approach combines finance and eco-responsibility. We support companies in their responsible purchasing policies while taking their economic and structural challenges into account.

Contact one of our experts today!

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