Honouring sustainable initiatives of VARTA AG Group’s suppliers
As an innovator operating in accordance with diverse, social and ecological values, VARTA AG Group strives to ensure fair business practices throughout its value chain. VARTA AG Group’s ethical working principles stated in our Code of Conduct shaped the corporate sustainability strategy and its related sustainability goals. VARTA AG Group’s business activities are based on a complex network of suppliers from whom a wide range of commodities, materials, and services are procured from all over the world. Therefore, your role as a supplier is vital in achieving VARTA AG Group’s sustainability targets!
VARTA AG Group invites its suppliers from all industries to showcase their remarkable efforts in driving sustainability forward. This is an opportunity to highlight the commitment to environmentally friendly practices, social responsibility, and ethical operations. Presenting the Supplier Sustainability Awards, VARTA AG Group aims to recognise and celebrate suppliers who are actively contributing to a more sustainable future. VARTA AG Group welcomes a dialogue with its suppliers in order to learn from each other.
VARTA AG Group honours the following categories:
Environmental Protection Award
This award is intended to give special recognition to a supplier implementing impactful activities which are leading to the protection of climate and environment on site or in supply chains.
VARTA AG Group honours suppliers prioritising ecological aspects such as the preservation of resources at an overall company level. Therefore, innovative energy-saving measures, projects reducing carbon emissions, water management initiatives, employee trainings referring to climate and environmental topics and efficient recycling and waste management concepts are examples of initiatives that would be recognised for the Environmental Protection Award. Further, initiatives aiming at the preservation of biodiversity are eligible for submission.
VARTA AG Group encourages suppliers to share details of management systems as part of the application as well as environmental certifications (e.g. ISO 14001, EMAS) and details of relevant sustainability reporting, e.g. in accordance with CDP and TCFD. Targets supporting the presented initiatives set by the applicant, in particular according to an international standard such as SBTi, and the membership in a thematically suitable sector or cross-industry initiative also have an impact on the final score.
Diversity & Social Responsibility Award
The Social Responsibility Award recognises projects or initiatives that contribute to upholding human rights, demonstrating charitable commitment, engaging with NGOs and peers regarding social topics, and implementing due diligence strategies in supply chains. The award also values actions in the field of diversity and inclusion, and encourages submissions on topics such as occupational safety, employee health and well-being.
To be eligible for the award, suppliers are invited to share information on their initiatives regarding social responsibility. Examples for submissions might be project including initiatives for increasing diversity and encouraging equal opportunities. Possible projects might include the promotion of inclusion of the LGBTQIA* community and/or other minority groups in the workforce and beyond, as well as initiatives to enhance gender parity in the workforce. Submissions can further include details on engagement regarding diversity, such as diversity councils, networking groups, and mentorship programs to foster an inclusive environment.
VARTA AG Group encourages suppliers to share details of management systems as part of the application as well as certifications or audits suitable for the submitted projects (e.g. ISO 45001, amfori BSCI, diversity audit, responsible sourcing audit). Set targets supporting such initiatives and memberships in a thematically suitable internal or cross-industry initiative will impact the final score.
Goal 1:
Shaping the future
Goal 2:
Sincere responsibility for people
Goal 3:
Diversity and equal opportunities
Goal 4:
Sincere responsibility for the planet
Goal 5:
Striving for energy-efficiency
Important information:
Eligible Applicants: All suppliers and service providers of VARTA AG and its associated companies.
Period: 28th October 2024 – 29th November 2024
Application: As an applicant, VARTA AG Group asks you to complete the application form for the respective Supplier Sustainability Award.
Initiatives for submission: The correlation between the submitted projects and the respective award must clearly stated in the application. In terms of content, there are no further specifications regarding the eligible projects. As a supplier of VARTA AG and its affiliated companies, you are eligible to apply with one or more projects per award.
Evaluation: The evaluation process is based on a set of criteria and carried out by VARTA AG Group's Sustainability team. For details on the process please refer to our FAQs.
Benefits of participation: By participating in the competition, you get the opportunity to give your projects a platform and raise awareness for your actions. This can have a positive impact on the perception of your company and is also taken into account positively in some ESG ratings, for example. VARTA AG Group will award a certificate as a price for the winners of each award.
2024 Award Winners
Environmental Protection: Tosoh Hellas Single Member S.A.
Tosoh Hellas is a long-standing and trusted supplier of EMD to VARTA AG. The company undertakes comprehensive measures to save energy and reduce environmental impact, such as recycling of waste gases and the use of renewable energy sources. Its initiatives on air emission control, waste management and the protection of groundwater and soil through regular quality controls and investments should also be emphasised. Tosoh Hellas thus sets an important standard in the area of sustainability and environmental protection.
Diversity & Inclusion: Cabot Corporation
Cabot Corporation, a reliable supplier of carbon black since 2021, impresses with excellent service. The company is characterised by stable or increasing proportions of minority and female managers and promotes this through Employee Resource Groups. Cabot is also committed to employee development through initiatives such as the Leadership Acceleration Programme and LinkedIn Learning. These measures emphasise Cabot's commitment to diversity, inclusion and employee development.
Honourable Mentions:
Imerys Graphite and Seibert Solutions
