Certification of Management Systems
From Fragmented to Formalized
Aug. 25 2026
Helping a global company strengthen sustainable procurement with Bureau Veritas
at a glance
A global, diversified organization had strong sustainable procurement activity underway, but the program was not yet captured in one clear, consistent framework. Bureau Veritas helped turn those efforts into a more formal, easier-to-communicate sustainable procurement program that could better support external sustainability assessments, including EcoVadis assessments, and improve internal alignment.
The Client
The client is a large, global organization that provides specialized solutions to customers across diverse industries, including packaging, transportation, healthcare, and consumer products. With a broad operational footprint, an extensive manufacturing network, and a complex global supply chain, the company has significant reach across both established and emerging markets. Sustainability was already a visible part of the company’s broader business strategy, supported by ongoing efforts to strengthen responsible sourcing, supplier engagement, and environmental performance. The organization had also demonstrated continued progress through external sustainability assessments and recognition from third-party rating agencies, reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainable procurement and supply chain sustainability practices.
The challenge
Like many large organizations, the client had several sustainable procurement practices in place, but the work was spread across different teams, documents, and day-to-day processes. The result was not a lack of action. It was a lack of centralization.
Strong activities existed, but they were not always easy to point to, consistently describe, or connect back to a single sustainable procurement framework. The organization had established responsible sourcing, supplier engagement, and sustainability initiatives throughout its global supply chain, but these activities were not yet formalized into a unified sustainable procurement program.
This became especially important as the client looked to strengthen its response to external sustainability assessments, including EcoVadis.
bureau veritas' solution
Recognizing the need for expert guidance, the client engaged Bureau Veritas to support the development and formalization of its sustainable procurement program and initiatives. Bureau Veritas, with its deep expertise in supply chain management and sustainability, was uniquely positioned to help the client bridge the gap between its existing informal practices and a mature, documented sustainable procurement framework.
The engagement began with a comprehensive current state assessment, which allowed Bureau Veritas to identify existing gaps, informalities, and opportunities for improvement within the client’s sustainable procurement practices. Complementing this internal analysis, Bureau Veritas conducted a peer benchmarking assessment to evaluate how key competitors and industry peers were approaching sustainable procurement, providing the client with valuable context regarding industry best practices and emerging standards.
As part of the assessment, Bureau Veritas also evaluated existing supply chain sustainability activities and identified opportunities to improve program visibility, consistency, and EcoVadis readiness.
The centerpiece of Bureau Veritas' support was the development of a formalized sustainable procurement policy for the client which communicates the company's commitments for sustainable procurement both internally and to external stakeholders and formally expresses the procurement intentions, objectives, and values of the organization.
The policy also formalized the organization's approach to responsible sourcing, supplier sustainability, and sustainable supply chain management while providing a consistent framework for procurement decision-making across the enterprise.
This policy, grounded in industry standards and informed by peer practices, provides the framework within which procurement decisions are made across the enterprise.
The results
By moving from a collection of good practices to a more formal and documented program, the client was better positioned to communicate its sustainable procurement approach in a clear, consistent way.
Following Bureau Veritas’ recommendations and the formalization of the program, the client’s sustainable procurement score increased from 56 to 73, reflecting improved visibility and recognition of its practices within its updated EcoVadis assessment.
The organization was also better positioned to demonstrate its responsible sourcing practices, supplier sustainability initiatives, and sustainable procurement performance during future sustainability assessments and customer reviews.
More importantly, the work gave the team a practical foundation to continue building from, rather than starting from scratch each time a new assessment, customer request, or internal question came in.
why partner with bureau Veritas?
Bureau Veritas helps organizations turn sustainability activity into programs that are easier to manage, explain, and improve. Whether a company is completing its first EcoVadis assessment or working toward a higher rating, Bureau Veritas brings the technical knowledge, sustainability experience, and practical approach needed to help teams make progress with confidence.
Through expertise in sustainable procurement, responsible sourcing, supplier sustainability, supply chain sustainability, and EcoVadis consulting, Bureau Veritas helps organizations build programs that support both business goals and sustainability objectives.
the takeaway
Strong sustainability work is most valuable when it can be clearly documented, consistently communicated, and put into practice across the organization. A formal sustainable procurement framework not only supports sustainability assessments such as EcoVadis but also helps organizations strengthen responsible sourcing and supply chain sustainability efforts over time.
Let's shape your sustainable future together.
Learn more about Bureau Veritas EcoVadis Consulting Services