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Editorial by Social Compact: Across India’s industrial sector, over 50% of the workforce keeping business chains afloat comprises impermanent, contractual, and supply chain workers. These individuals often work over 12-hours a day, 6 to 7 days a week, for wages that barely exceed USD 5-7 per day. Their situation is exacerbated by the lack of job contracts and social security cover, which defines their informal status in the workforce and constitutes the bedrock of their vulnerability despite being engaged full time in formal industry.

The German “Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz” (Supply Chain Due Diligence Act) is a law that first took effect on January 1st, 2023. As of January 1^st 2024, the law requires companies in Germany with over 1,000 employees to implement a due diligence system for their global supply chains. The due diligence system must include measures for identifying and assessing human rights and environmental risks in the supply chain and appropriate measures to prevent or mitigate these risks.

As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the milestones achieved with our members and partners. The year has been marked by innovation and steadfast collaboration in navigating the evolving realm of sustainability and responsible business. Here’s a brief roundup of what we did last year:

ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) refers to standards that companies and organisations are expected to adhere to, to ensure sustainable and responsible business practices. ESG standards cover a wide range of issues, including environmental protection, human rights, labour standards, and corporate governance.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the global supply chain has transformed into a complex web, intertwining economies and businesses across continents. While this interconnectivity has fueled growth and innovation, it has also brought to the forefront critical issues related to human rights and environmental protection. The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz – LkSG) and the upcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) reflect a significant shift towards more responsible business practices, highlighting the need for effective due diligence process in supply chains.

Ever faced tensions while implementing a robust human rights and environmental approach with your suppliers? Factors such as cultural differences may spark conflicts. What can be done to defuse these tensions and foster productive relationships with suppliers?

INKOTA Editorial: Discover how proactive adoption of effective grievance systems can drive positive change and compliance beyond regulatory requirements

In our connected world, we source supplies globally in many countries. We face different values in different cultures. How does this affect communication with business partners, and how does it affect how “our” approach to strengthening human rights and protecting the environment is perceived?

SustainMarkets Editorial: Perspectives on reimagining our global economy through the power of collaboration for a more sustainable future.

As businesses increasingly face pressure to operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, we may find companies or suppliers creating a false appearance of responsibility to deceive stakeholders. What are the pitfalls of prioritizing appearances over substance and how do you deal with misleading business partners?