Suntory Achieves 32% Improvement in Supplier Sustainability with Sedex Platform
Suntory, a global leader in the beverage industry, has revolutionised its approach to responsible sourcing and sustainability management through strategic use of the Sedex platform. By leveraging Sedex’s data management and risk assessment tools, Suntory has achieved a remarkable 32% improvement in Management Controls scores across their supplier sites, positioning themselves at the forefront of sustainable business practices.
The Challenge: Navigating Complex Global Supply Chains
As a multinational corporation with an extensive network of suppliers and production sites, Suntory faced the daunting task of ensuring sustainable and ethical practices throughout its supply chain. The company needed a robust system to:
1. Efficiently manage sustainability data across multiple business units
2. Assess and mitigate risks in their global operations
3. Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance
4. Maintain compliance with evolving regulations and stakeholder expectations
The Impact: Risks of Inaction
Without an integrated approach to sustainability management, Suntory risked:
- Falling behind competitors in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market
- Inefficient data collection and analysis, leading to missed opportunities for improvement
- Inconsistent sustainability performance among suppliers, potentially damaging brand reputation
- Inability to proactively identify and address emerging sustainability risks
The Resolution: Sedex’s Comprehensive Solution
Suntory implemented Sedex’s platform as a cornerstone of their sustainability strategy:
1. Innovative Audit Approach: In response to auditor shortages in Japan, Suntory developed alternative methods for assessing and improving sustainability performance, focusing on self-improvement activities.
2. Integrated Data Management: Suntory seamlessly incorporated Sedex data into daily operations, enabling efficient monitoring of supplier sites and internal facilities.
3. Proactive Risk Management: Utilising Sedex’s Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and Management Controls scores, Suntory identified areas for improvement and implemented targeted actions.
4. Supplier Engagement: Suntory collaborated closely with suppliers to enhance their Management Controls scores, aiming for a target of 3 points or higher to reduce overall sustainability risk.
5. Continuous Improvement: The company established a rigorous Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle to monitor progress and provide ongoing support to suppliers.
Results and Benefits
1. Improved Supplier Performance: 32% of Suntory’s supplier sites achieved significant improvements in their Management Controls scores.
2. Enhanced Risk Management: Suntory can now identify and address potential sustainability issues more effectively across its global operations.
3. Increased Efficiency: The integrated data management approach allows Suntory to streamline sustainability reporting and decision-making processes.
4. Industry Recognition: Suntory’s efforts have been acknowledged with prestigious awards, including the highest score among Japanese companies in the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark and the Sedex Sustainability Award in 2023.
5. Strengthened Supplier Relationships: The collaborative approach to improving sustainability performance has fostered stronger partnerships with suppliers.
“Sedex’s platform has been instrumental in transforming our approach to responsible sourcing. By integrating sustainability data into our daily operations and engaging our suppliers in continuous improvement, we’ve not only enhanced our risk management but also strengthened our entire value chain.”
Senior Sustainability Executive at Suntory
For multinational companies seeking to elevate their responsible sourcing practices and achieve measurable improvements in sustainability performance, Sedex offers a comprehensive platform that enables efficient data management, risk assessment, and supplier engagement.
Speak to our team today and learn how Sedex can help your organisation drive sustainability improvements across your global supply chain and position yourself as a leader in responsible business practices.
