Systemic Change for Responsible Sourcing

Not (just) 5 people talking, let’s come together and make it work better!

Responsible Sourcing is certainly gaining traction both on political and business levels through an increasing number of standards and initiatives, legislations, uptake and innovation of good practices, as well as higher awareness on its importance. At the same time, the effectiveness of these efforts remains under scrutiny by many because evident impact on a larger scale has yet to come. Assuming that a systemic challenge such as the realization of responsible sourcing along and across Global Value Chains (GVCs) does not allow any single actor to independently achieve desired impact, what is missing and how to best move forward instead of waiting for everyone else?

In the final year of the RE-SOURCING project, the conference will present and leverage its key results for setting a future work agenda on responsible sourcing in mineral value chains. The conference will adopt a systemic lens: In interactive sessions participants will work together towards a common understanding of root causes and hot spots inhibiting needed systemic change. Participants will also have the chance to learn more about responsible sourcing in the three focus sectors of renewable energy, mobility and electronics.

Register here!

Day 1 – Launching the OECD Handbook on Environmental Due Diligence in Mineral Supply Chains
Against the backdrop of minerals’ critical role in the energy and digital transitions, the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct has developed a Handbook on Environmental Due Diligence in Mineral Supply Chains to help meet the growing demand for practical support on implementing due diligence recommendations to address adverse environmental impacts in this sector. This session will present the final Handbook and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss how due diligence can help enterprises to put in place effective measures to cease, prevent, mitigate, and in some cases remediate environmental impacts in global mineral supply chains. The German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety provided key support to the project.

Day 2 of the conference will be dedicated to workshops and trainings organised by expert partner organisations on current hot topics in order to expand the technical knowledge base for the implementation of Responsible Sourcing:

• Ensuring responsible sourcing through the application of the UN Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) as holistic classification scheme – EIT Raw Materials, UNECE
  This seminar is showcasing the UNFC project classification, specifically its relevance to assess the environmental, social and governance (ESG) components of raw material projects. It combines theory and real-case experiences, including European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) investment case application.

• How to conduct water and biodiversity risk assessments using the WWF Risk Filter Suite – WWF
  Understanding your nature-related risks is the first step towards taking meaningful action to reduce those risks and contribute to a more sustainable future. The WWF’s Risk Filter tools – the Water Risk Filter and Biodiversity Risk Filter – enable companies and investors to assess and respond to nature-related risks to strengthen resilience. In this training session, you will learn how to conduct water and biodiversity risk assessments for your global value chains using the WWF Risk Filter Suite online platform.

• An approach to CRMS traceability and certification into a digital product passport – MaDiTraCe
  Global commodity flows and regulatory frameworks pertaining to critical raw materials (CRMs) are high on the European economic and political agenda. Companies are also facing increased pressure to responsibly extract, process and source materials as initiatives such as the EU Battery regulation and the EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence come into force. This makes standardised certification schemes, transparent and secure traceability, and decentralised confidential data handling imperative. The Horizon Europe project MaDiTraCe aims to provide tools and solutions in this particular topic.

• Success Stories of Supply Chain Responsibility – Vienna University of Economics and Business
  This workshop hosted by the Institute for Managing Sustainability of the Vienna University of Economics and Business presents key results of a study on supply chain responsibility funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy. The study describes twelve success stories of companies which implemented innovative measures in their supply chains and view supply chain responsibility as a strategic opportunity, enabling them to develop innovative solutions and gain competitive advantages. During the workshop, the success stories of the following twelve companies and the business case for responsible supply chains will be presented and discussed with representatives of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Labour and Economy.

1. The Greiner Group manufactures plastic and foam solutions, as well as machinery and equipment for various industries.
2. The Semperit Group is specialized in the production of industrial rubber and plastic products.
3. As a distinct business unit within the Nestlé Group, Nespresso is a leading provider of coffee and coffee machines.
4. Originally founded in Austria, Kelly Snacks produces and distributes a variety of savory snacks and has been a part of the German Intersnack Group since 2008.
5. RHI Magnesita is an international provider of refractory solutions.
6. Stoelzle Glass Group is a global supplier of glass packaging.
7. ZKW Group is a global provider of lighting systems for the automotive industry.
8. Infineon Technologies AG is a globally operating manufacturer of semiconductor solutions, with a major production site in Austria.
9. Saint-Gobain Austria brings together various companies in the construction industry, such as Rigips and Kaimann.
10. Rhomberg Bau offers services and planning for the construction industry.
11. EVVA Sicherheitstechnologie GmbH provides access control systems.
12. As a medium-sized family-owned business Fahnen Gärtner manufactures flags and banners.

So, join us in Austria from 21 to 22 September 2023 at the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

We are looking forward to discussing with you!

Green Event:
We are aiming at organising and conducting our conference as sustainable as possible. We are considering different options for sustainable catering, waste management, a paperless event, hotels close to the venue and the possibility to reach the location via public transport. We therefore ask your support and hope you consider making your travel arrangements as environmental friendly as possible! If you have any questions and suggestions or need support in this matter, feel free to get in contact: mariana.kovacic-lukic@wu.ac.at