Together for Sustainability

Together for Sustainability
Name	Together for Sustainability
Founded	0 2011
Type	Non-profit initiative
Focus	Sustainability in the chemical supply chain
Headquarters	Brussels, Belgium
Area served	Global
Key people	(Representatives from member companies)
Website	www.tfs-initiative.com

Together for Sustainability. It is a global, CEO-driven initiative founded by major chemical companies to assess, audit, and improve sustainability practices within their supply chains. The initiative operates through a standardized assessment program and collaborative audit process, aiming to enhance ESG performance, reduce ecological footprints, and foster responsible business conduct across the industry. Its work is closely aligned with broader international frameworks like the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Overview

The initiative functions as a strategic collaboration where leading firms like BASF, Bayer, and Evonik Industries pool resources to develop common tools for evaluating suppliers. This approach reduces audit fatigue for vendors serving multiple members and drives industry-wide standardization in sustainability metrics. Its operational model is centered on a comprehensive assessment that covers areas from health and safety to human rights and life cycle assessment. The program's governance and methodologies are regularly reviewed to align with evolving standards from bodies like the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

History and Formation

Together for Sustainability was formally launched in 2011 by six founding members from the European chemical industry, including BASF, Bayer, and Lanxess. The creation was motivated by the need to address complex sustainability challenges in global supply chains more efficiently than individual company efforts could achieve. Key milestones include the development of its first standardized audit protocol in 2012 and subsequent expansion to include members from Asia and North America, such as Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings and Dow Chemical Company. The initiative's growth reflects the increasing emphasis on CSR following events like the Rana Plaza collapse.

Key Objectives and Principles

The primary objective is to establish a unified, global standard for assessing and improving the sustainability performance of chemical industry suppliers. Core principles include driving continuous improvement through a common auditing and assessment framework, promoting transparency and mutual recognition of audit reports among members, and fostering innovation in sustainable practices. These goals are underpinned by a commitment to fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization and the principles of the United Nations Global Compact. The initiative also emphasizes collaboration over competition to elevate standards across the entire value chain.

Member Companies and Governance

Membership comprises many of the world's largest chemical manufacturers, such as Henkel, Solvay, Covestro, and Wacker Chemie. Governance is overseen by a Steering Committee composed of senior sustainability representatives from each member company, which sets the strategic direction. Day-to-day operations are managed by a dedicated Program Office located in Brussels. The initiative also engages with external stakeholders, including NGOs like the Carbon Disclosure Project and industry associations such as the International Council of Chemical Associations, to ensure its approaches remain robust and credible.

Initiatives and Programs

The cornerstone program is the TfS Audit, an on-site assessment conducted by independent third-party firms like Deloitte or ERM against a strict protocol. Complementing this is the TfS Assessment, a detailed questionnaire managed through platforms like EcoVadis that evaluates suppliers' policies and management systems. Specialized initiatives have also been launched, including guidelines for responsible raw material sourcing and programs focused on Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions calculation. These tools are integrated into the procurement processes of members like Arkema and Clariant, creating a powerful lever for change.

Impact and Recognition

The initiative has significantly reduced the number of redundant supplier audits, with thousands of assessments and audits completed globally, leading to measurable improvements in suppliers' environmental management systems and labor practices. Its methodology has received external validation and awards from organizations within the sustainable procurement community. The work of Together for Sustainability is frequently cited in the sustainability reports of member companies and influences broader industry standards, contributing to the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal.

Category:Chemical industry Category:Sustainability organizations Category:Organizations based in Brussels Category:Organizations established in 2011