Month: April 2025

DALLAS, April 22, 2025 /3BL/ – EarthX and Sustainable Brands® (SB) proudly honor 10 Brand Heroes whose visionary leadership and groundbreaking sustainability initiatives are reshaping industries. These trailblazers are driving bold innovations, setting new standards, and redefining what is possible in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.

“Recognizing the efforts and commitment of these 10 exceptional Brand Heroes is vital to emphasizing the significant impact that businesses can have on global sustainability and making it a transformative reality,” said Mike Dupee, CEO of SB. “The brands being recognized redefine what leadership and innovation in sustainability look like on our collective quest for a better future.” 

The 10 Brand Heroes were honored during the opening session of the Circular Economy Conference, which marked the kick-off of Earthx2025, happening April 21 – 25, 2025 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX.

The 10 Brand Heroes selected from SB’s member organizations – a circle of brands committed to building market leadership and meaningful change – include: Amazon, Crocs, General Mills, Henkel, Logitech, Mars, Procter & Gamble, REI, Sephora, and Walmart. Today we are thrilled to share more about the specific marketplace changes and progress each brand is making to advance a more sustainable future: 

Amazon – Sustainable Cargo and Shipping:
Amazon is recognized for its leadership in Sustainable Cargo and Shipping, making significant strides toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. As a founding member of The Climate Pledge, the company is transforming global logistics with 100,000 electric Rivian vans, cutting emissions in last-mile delivery.

Amazon is also advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), working with the First Movers Coalition to expand SAF adoption for long-haul transport. Its commitment extends to powering logistics hubs with 100% renewable energy by 2025, optimizing AI-driven shipping routes to reduce fuel use, and minimizing packaging waste through Frustration-Free Packaging innovations.

Through technology, strategic partnerships, and sustainable practices, Amazon is setting new industry benchmarks for low-carbon shipping and responsible logistics.

Crocs – Circular Economy Solutions:
Crocs is recognized for its innovation in Circular Economy Solutions, driving sustainability through shoe recycling, material innovation, and waste reduction. The Crocs Recycles Program repurposes used footwear, extending product life and minimizing landfill waste.

The company is advancing bio-based Croslite™ materials, aiming to cut its carbon footprint per pair by 50% by 2030, while pursuing carbon-neutral products through durable, long-lasting designs. Its take-back and donation initiatives, including partnerships with Soles4Souls, ensure pre-loved shoes find new homes.

By reducing packaging waste and integrating renewable and recyclable materials, Crocs is redefining circular fashion.

General Mills – Sustainable Farms and Ranches:
General Mills is recognized for its advancements in Sustainable Farms and Ranches, driving change through regenerative agriculture, farmer education, and responsible ingredient sourcing. The company is implementing regenerative practices across 1 million acres by 2030, improving soil health, carbon sequestration, and water conservation in collaboration with farmers.

Investing in sustainable farming education, General Mills partners with groups like the Soil Health Academy to help farmers adopt methods that enhance biodiversity and reduce chemical runoff. Its commitment to sustainable ingredient sourcing, seen in brands like Cascadian Farm, ensures responsible agricultural practices.

With transparent supply chain reporting and industry-wide advocacy, including its role in the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, General Mills is advancing regenerative agriculture and setting a new standard for sustainability in food production.

Henkel – Price Signals that Reward Sustainable Practices:
Henkel is recognized for its leadership in Price Signals that Reward Sustainable Practices, using financial incentives, partnerships, and responsible sourcing to drive environmental progress. Through its TerraCycle recycling rewards program, Henkel offers discounts and loyalty points to encourage packaging returns.

The company supports Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives, helping fund recycling infrastructure and advancing circular packaging solutions. Its ProNature product line ensures sustainable products remain affordable, making eco-friendly choices more accessible.

Henkel also advocates for Deposit Return Systems, rewarding consumers for returning bottles and packaging for reuse. Additionally, it prioritizes sustainable suppliers, offering financial incentives and long-term contracts to those meeting strict environmental standards. 

By integrating price-based incentives with industry collaboration, Henkel is shaping a more sustainable marketplace with financial rewards that drive lasting environmental change.

Logitech – Sustainable Mining:
Logitech is recognized for its leadership in Sustainable Mining, driving responsible material sourcing through recycled plastics, ethical minerals, and carbon neutrality. More than 50% of its mouse and keyboard lines now incorporate post-consumer recycled plastics, cutting reliance on virgin resources.

The company champions circular product design, ensuring products are repairable and recyclable, while adhering to conflict-free mineral sourcing through its membership in the Responsible Minerals Initiative. Logitech has also achieved carbon neutrality across its product portfolio, offsetting emissions through renewable energy investments and recycled materials.

Through industry partnerships and innovative recycling initiatives, Logitech is redefining sustainability in tech.

Mars – Sustainable Seafood:
Mars is recognized for its leadership in Sustainable Seafood, advancing ocean conservation through responsible sourcing, industry collaboration, and ecosystem restoration. The company is committed to sourcing 100% sustainable fish, ensuring fisheries protect biodiversity and avoid endangered species.

Through its partnership with WWF, Mars drives sustainable seafood practices, supports fishery improvement projects, and enhances supply chain traceability by aligning with Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability standards.

Beyond sourcing, Mars invests in coral reef restoration through its MARRS program, which has achieved over 50% new coral coverage in less than two years, strengthening marine ecosystems.

By integrating ethical sourcing, industry advocacy, and habitat restoration, Mars is setting a higher standard for responsible seafood practices and ocean sustainability.

Procter & Gamble – Plastic Waste Solutions:
Procter & Gamble (P&G) is recognized as a leader in Plastic Waste Solutions, advancing sustainable packaging and waste reduction. The company is making strides toward its 2030 goal of 100% recyclable or reusable consumer packaging, already achieving 78% as of FY 22/23, while also cutting virgin petroleum plastic use by 50% per unit of production.

Through innovative materials like recyclable cardboard for Gillette, Venus, and Ariel, strategic partnerships—including the Alliance to End Plastic Waste—and investment in recycling infrastructure, P&G is driving industry-wide progress. It has also maintained zero manufacturing waste to landfill, reinforcing its commitment to a circular economy.

REI – Sustainable Forest Practices:
REI is recognized for its efforts in Sustainable Forest Practices, prioritizing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified materials, responsible sourcing, and supply chain transparency. The company actively promotes FSC-certification, ensuring products come from sustainably managed forests.

Through its Product Impact Standards, REI holds brands accountable for ethical sourcing and enforces strict paper and forest product purchasing policies that emphasize traceability and recycled content. The company also reduces reliance on virgin forest products by integrating recycled materials across its offerings.

By collaborating with suppliers to increase transparency and establish a verifiable chain of custody, REI is setting a high industry standard.

Sephora – Support for Diversity, Justice, and Freedom:
Sephora is recognized for driving Support for Diversity, Justice, and Freedom, advancing equity through inclusive retail practices, workforce diversity, and community investment. As the first major retailer to sign the 15% Pledge, Sephora has committed 15% of its shelf space to Black-owned brands, increasing representation in the beauty industry.

The company led the Racial Bias in Retail Study, driving policy reforms to foster a more inclusive shopping experience. Sephora also prioritizes diverse hiring, expanding leadership opportunities for underrepresented employees, and implements anti-bias training across its workforce.

Beyond retail, Sephora supports LGBTQIA+ inclusion, partnering with The Trevor Project, and invests in underserved communities through initiatives like National CARES Mentoring Movement.

By integrating representation, advocacy, and systemic change, Sephora is setting new standards for inclusivity in beauty and beyond.

Walmart – Sustainable Energy Choices:
Walmart is recognized for its leadership in Sustainable Energy Choices, driving the shift to renewable power, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction. The company is committed to sourcing 100% renewable energy by 2035, investing in solar and wind projects while deploying solar panels across its stores.

Through Project Gigaton, Walmart engages suppliers in reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency, further extending its sustainability impact. The company is also transitioning to low-impact refrigerants, cutting greenhouse gas emissions across its operations.

Beyond corporate initiatives, Walmart advocates for clean energy policies, supporting renewable energy tax credits, streamlined permitting, and large-scale procurement initiatives to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

By combining renewable investments, supply chain collaboration, and policy advocacy, Walmart is setting a new benchmark for corporate sustainability.

“We are excited to partner with EarthX in celebrating these 10 pioneering brands that are driving sustainability forward and reshaping the industry,” said KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz, Founder & Chief Catalyst and Community Builder of SB. “Their commitment to innovation and responsible business practices sets a high standard for the marketplace. By recognizing their achievements, we aim to inspire more companies to follow their lead, accelerating the shift toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

Follow the conversation at Earthx2025 and learn more about the 10 Brand Heroes on EarthX and Sustainable Brands Linkedin pages.

To schedule a 15-minute interview with CEO of SB, Mike Dupee, Founder & Chief Catalyst and Community Builder of SB, KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz, or a leader from one of the 10 Brand Heroes, please send an email to media@sustainablebrands.com.

About Sustainable Brands
Sustainable Brands® is the global community of brand innovators shaping the future of commerce. Our mission is to inspire and equip business leaders to prosper while leading the way to a better, more sustainable future. For more information, visit SustainableBrands.com.

About EarthX
EarthX is a global environmental non-profit founded to inform, inspire, and drive impact towards securing a sustainable future for the planet. We apply an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, creating events, media, education, and public advocacy initiatives to galvanize awareness and action around key ecological and economic challenges.

About Earthx2025
Earthx2025 is a premier five-day forum that brings together leaders from business, investment, innovation, philanthropy, and environmental advocacy to advance the latest sustainability solutions. Ranked as one of the top 3 sustainability events in the U.S. by Sustainability Magazine, Earthx2025 is a dynamic platform that covers the full spectrum of industries, policies, and initiatives shaping the future of our planet. The conference fosters an environment for respectful engagement across diverse perspectives, driving progress toward environmental solutions. For more details, visit www.earthx.org.

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Media Contact: media@sustainablebrands.com

• Project supported by U.S. DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program
• Represents a key milestone toward bringing advanced nuclear energy to fruition in the U.S.

MIDLAND, Mich. and ROCKVILLE, Md., April 22, 2025 /3BL/ – Dow (NYSE: DOW) and X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy”) announced the submission of a construction permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) for a proposed advanced nuclear project in Seadrift, Texas.

Dow’s proposed advanced small modular reactor (“SMR”) project is being developed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Long Mott Energy LLC. The project is focused on providing Dow’s UCC¹ Seadrift Operations manufacturing site (“Seadrift” or the “site”) with safe, reliable, and clean power and industrial steam replacing existing energy and steam assets that are near end-of-life. The project is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (“ARDP”) which is designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced reactors through cost-shared partnerships with U.S. industry.

Since 2018, X-energy, and subsequently Dow, have worked with the NRC through extensive pre-application engagements to demonstrate the unparalleled safety profile of the Xe-100 advanced SMR through its advanced fuel design, passive safety features, and state-of-the-art analysis techniques. This has culminated in a comprehensive application submittal that exceeds NRC regulations for the protection of public health and safety, as well as the environment, with substantial safety features.

Approval of the construction permit is an important step forward that could take up to 30 months. Once the permit is received and upon Dow confirming the ability to deliver the project while achieving its financial return targets, construction could begin. Dow expects the cost of energy ‐ net of all subsidies ‐ to be competitive with other alternatives for firm, clean energy.

“This is an important next step in expanding access to safe, clean, reliable, cost-competitive nuclear energy in the U.S.,” said Edward Stones, business vice president, Energy & Climate, Dow. “We look forward to engaging with the NRC, DOE, our business partners and the community throughout the application process.”

“The construction permit application is a critical step to deliver on the vision of Congress and DOE to position the U.S. at the forefront of commercializing advanced reactor technology,” said J. Clay Sell, chief executive officer of X-energy. “Together with our world-class partner, Dow, we will demonstrate how the technology deployed at Seadrift, Texas, can be quickly and efficiently replicated to meet incredible power demand growth across America.”

The proposed project could begin construction later this decade and start up early next decade. The nuclear power and steam assets would eliminate most Scope 1 and 2 emissions at the site and ensure the site remains competitively advantaged for the life of the facility.

X-energy was selected by the DOE in 2020 to develop, license, and build an operational Xe-100 advanced SMR and TRISO-X fuel fabrication facility. Since that award, X-energy has completed the engineering and preliminary design of the nuclear reactor, has begun development and licensing of a fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and has secured approximately $1.1 billion in private capital to commercialize its technology. Once complete, Long Mott Generating Station is expected to be the first grid-scale advanced nuclear reactor deployed to serve an industrial site in North America.

Dow’s Seadrift site covers 4,700 acres and manufactures more than 4 billion pounds of materials per year used across a wide variety of applications including food packaging and preservation, footwear, wire and cable insulation, solar cell membranes, and packaging for medical and pharmaceutical products.

Available pictures for download:
XE-100 reactor
Plant rendering

Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

About X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC
X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and affordable energy to people around the world. X-energy’s simplified, modular, and intrinsically safe SMR design expands applications and markets for deployment of nuclear technology and drives enhanced safety, lower cost and faster construction timelines when compared with other SMRs and conventional nuclear. For more information, visit X-energy.com or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Dow
Investors:
Andrew Riker
ajriker@dow.com
+1 989-633-5564

Media:
Sarah Young
media@dow.com
+1-989.638.6871

X-energy
Media:
Robert McEntyre
240.673.6565
inquiries@x-energy.com

¹ Union Carbide Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company

SOURCE The Dow Chemical Company

We’re fostering a low-carbon economy
As we transform our generation portfolio to cleaner resources, we are also delivering meaningful
environmental, social and economic value to the communities we serve, now and in the future. We are continuing to expand our power generation fleet to meet the need of anticipated growth in our service area — including new data centers and other large customers — with cleaner technologies. This strategy supports Entergy’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and helps customers meet their own environmental goals through the use of low- and zero- carbon power.

Climate strategy
Entergy is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Our net-zero goal is inclusive of all scopes, all applicable greenhouse gases and all businesses. Our path assumes continued technology advancements and marries Entergy’s climate objectives with those of our customers. On our journey to net-zero, we have interimgoals to measure our progress. We are uniquely positioned to accelerate the transitionto a low-carbon economy by investing in low- to zero-carbon power sources and magnifying our impact by collaborating with customers and suppliers to reduce their emissions. Our regional economy and the demand for clean energy are growing. Sustainable investments by us, which are increasingly being driven by demand from our customers as well as our investors and other stakeholders, will ensure that this growth is increasingly powered by cleaner energy and results in substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across the economy. This clean growth can attract jobs, enhance economic development opportunities and improve overall quality of life in our region.

Sustainable growth: opportunity and challenge
Due to stronger than initially expected sales growth, necessitating the development of new generation capacity that is cleaner but not carbon-free, Entergy expects that our 50% carbon-free energy-generating capacity goal will be delayed for an as-yet undeterminedperiod beyond 2030. In addition, while current planningassumptions indicate the 2030 emission rate goal remains achievable, its achievement could also be challenged if demand increases beyond the current forecast and supply plan. Despite these challenges, Entergy’s long-term commitment to net-zero emissions remains unchanged.

Read the full report here.

As the City of Indio, CA geared up for the return of the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, AEG Present’s Goldenvoice shined a spotlight on emerging artists and local culinary talent with CHELLA—a community-focused music event that took place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in downtown Indio.

The free concert was put on in conjunction with the City of Indio and will take place between weekend 1 and weekend 2 of Goldenvoice’s renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. This year’s CHELLA featured a fun night of live music, food, and celebration, all centered around showcasing rising musicians and supporting local vendors.

CHELLA’s lineup brought together an exciting mix of up and coming and established artists, including El Malilla, Bolo, Gasolina Party featuring DXSKO, J. Patron, Lizz, Castles, and Bass Moves. Headlining the event is El Malilla, recently featured by Rolling Stone as one of the leading voices in the rising “reggaeton mexa” movement. Fans also had the chance to catch him at Coachella, where he closed out the Sonora Stage on April 12 and 19.

“We’re proud to partner with the City of Indio on this dynamic event which will showcase the vibrant community that is thriving here in the desert and celebrate the region’s incredible local talent and culture,” said Rene Contreras, Talent Buyer, Goldenvoice. “CHELLA is about more than just night of music —it’s about creating a space where people of all ages can come together, discover new artists, and enjoy an unforgettable night that belongs to the community.”

Beyond the music, CHELLA offered locals and visitors evening of culinary exploration. A variety of local food trucks and vendors were on hand serving up delicious bites, while guests 21 and over can kick back with a drink at the Indio Taphouse beer garden.

 

COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR

Understanding ESG Assurance: A Comprehensive Introduction

May 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM PT/ 1:00 PM EDT

REGISTER HERE

Tracking Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is crucial for your organization’s long-term sustainability, risk management, and value creation for stakeholders. Companies prioritizing ESG are better equipped to handle environmental and social challenges, protect their reputation in a competitive market, and minimize both legal and financial risks. Assuring progress on ESG initiatives often involves intricate processes and methodologies that can be difficult to understand and execute properly without the help of a knowledgeable third-party certification body.

Need help determining the difference between mandatory and voluntary reporting, and the opportunities each present for your sustainability goals and risk management? Join SCS Global Services for this informative webinar on the intricacies of ESG. Danielle Stapleton, ESG Assurance Program Manager, will discuss:

• The planning and process of ESG evaluation and reporting
• The benefits to ESG Assurance
• The regulatory landscape for both voluntary and mandatory reporting
• And, more.

Seats are limited, register now to secure your spot!

Sophie Beckham, our Chief Sustainability Officer, had an opportunity to chat with Harald Neidhardt, the host of the futur/io Institute CSO Impact Podcast, about our company’s transformation into a global packaging leader, our sustainability initiatives, and the challenges faced in the industry. 

Watch on YouTube to hear more about biodiversity, forests, sustainability, leadership, and corporate sustainability:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSAe2ySfdXw

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com

Originally published in Lenovo’s 2023/24 ESG Report

Supply chain ESG practices

As a global business offering a variety of products and services in 180 markets around the world, Lenovo manages a diverse and dynamic supply chain. Lenovo’s supply base is comprised of the following categories: internal manufacturing centers, production procurement, original design manufacturers (ODM), and general procurement. Production procurement includes all suppliers that provide materials or components that become part of Lenovo’s products. ODMs include manufacturing partners who manufacture products on behalf of Lenovo. General procurement includes all suppliers that provide materials and products which support Lenovo’s operations but do not become part of its products.

Lenovo’s supply base is comprised of multiple tiers in which lower tiers of suppliers provide materials and parts to higher tiers – and eventually to its Tier 1 suppliers, the suppliers with whom Lenovo has a direct contractual relationship.

The disclosures in Section 6.0 apply to Lenovo’s production procurement supplier base unless noted otherwise. The majority of Lenovo’s spend is with production procurement suppliers which often have ESG impacts and risks. Production procurement suppliers may pose social risks due to their reliance on significant labor forces, often drawing from extensive pools of lower-skilled workers who may be vulnerable to exploitation. Production procurement suppliers typically contribute to environmental impacts, encompassing factors such as energy, water, and materials required for production. The distribution of suppliers is restricted to production procurement suppliers, given their notable ESG risk profile.

Distribution of suppliers

Lenovo recognizes that there can be many benefits in utilizing local suppliers, including reduced logistics costs, potential decreases in GHG emissions, the opportunity to support local economies, and the preservation of community relationships. Lenovo considers local suppliers as those that operate in the same country as its significant locations of operations. In FY 2023/24, its significant locations of operations included manufacturing locations in China, US, Mexico, Brazil, Hungary, Japan, and India.

Lenovo estimates that 80 percent of production supply spend in China is with local suppliers. In other manufacturing countries or regions, Lenovo estimates that 20 percent of spend is with local suppliers.

The chart¹ above shows the geographic distribution of Lenovo’s 533 production procurement suppliers as of the end of 2023. Lenovo has identified all production procurement suppliers as critical suppliers and all the identified suppliers are included in the chart.

ESG in the supply chain

Lenovo is committed to sound ESG management across its end-to-end supply chain process. It has ESG-specific systems in place, supported by contractual requirements to help ensure that suppliers meet or exceed applicable labor, environmental, health and safety, and ethics standards. The practices disclosed in Section 6.0 align with Lenovo’s ESG-related internal corporate policies including:

• Lenovo’s environmental commitments which are codified in its Environmental Affairs Policy, Climate and Energy Policy, and Water Resiliency Policy, and
• Lenovo’s human rights commitments which are codified through its Human Rights Policy and further explained in its Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement.

Commitments that apply to its supply chain are extended to suppliers through its Supplier Code of Conduct.

Lenovo considers the supply chain a vital part of its operations and views effective supply chain management as an important contributor to its success. Given this, Lenovo has implemented a robust set of controls and programs to manage its overall procurement process.

Additionally, Lenovo recognizes that ESG risks and impacts exist among its suppliers which may differ from the ESG impacts and risks associated with Lenovo’s own operations. Lenovo implemented various practices to identify environmental and social risks along the supply chain and continue to monitor those efforts such as surveying new suppliers, performing ongoing supplier audits and assessments, and integrating several ESG-specific controls and practices into its Master Procurement Process.

Lenovo’s risk identification, practices, their implementation and monitoring are detailed throughout this section.

Master procurement process

Lenovo’s Master Procurement Process is designed to oversee all purchase commitments for production materials and the goods and services that support its worldwide operations. With a mission to deliver the best pricing, quality, supply, technology, and service in a sustainable manner, this model provides a controlled procurement approach that is applied across the organization for commodities, including the following elements for production procurement and general procurement:

• Delegation of authority
  • Lenovo’s Code of Conduct includes requirements for the formal delegation which support accountability and responsible procurement practices. The ‘Authority to Make Lenovo Commitments’ section outlines the requirements for delegations with defined authority for commitments and other contract terms and conditions. Most importantly, it explicitly emphasizes that making business commitments outside these processes is not permitted.
• Supplier selection
  • Implementing a controlled approach to awarding Lenovo’s business to suppliers is critical to meet its procurement objectives and to establish a trusted base of suppliers. Therefore, even the perception of favoritism or bias is unacceptable. To ensure business awards are conducted ethically and fairly, Lenovo has defined and approved sourcing methods to ensure the following:
    • Suppliers have a fair opportunity to compete for Lenovo’s business
    • Buyers conduct an ethical evaluation on carefully understood facts such as supplier prices, terms, and conditions
    • The most capable suppliers are selected based on the best overall acquisition value
    • Business awards are reviewed and approved with proper delegation of authority
• New supplier validation
  • New suppliers are assessed for numerous capabilities including their operational aspects, financial stability, product or information security, and ESG performance. This assessment is facilitated through a supplier onboarding tool. More specifically, all new production procurement suppliers are assessed on their sustainability policies, codes of conduct, ISO certifications, ESG standards, environmental impact aspects, controls to prevent forced labor, and public reporting. Of particular concern are suppliers that may be listed as restricted or denied parties identified by governments and/or international agencies. Lenovo’s policy and formal practice is that under no circumstances shall Lenovo’s personnel purchase, sell, or ship any product contrary to applicable export laws or to any individual or firm appearing in any relevant government list of any party who has been denied export or import privileges.
  • During FY 2023/24, 169 production procurement suppliers were assessed using this process.
• Contract management
  • Supplier relationships are best managed when there are clear stipulations of responsibilities, deliverables, and relevant terms and conditions. Lenovo’s supplier contracts incorporate legal and operational agreements and address various types of engagement. Additionally, all suppliers must comply with Lenovo’s Supplier Code of Conduct, in which they are required to comply with the latest version of Responsible Business Alliance’s (RBA) Code of Conduct as well.
  • There are multiple code elements and requirements under the Supplier Code of Conduct relating to environmental, labor, and human rights matters. Instead of asking suppliers to sign separate Supplier Code of Conduct contract one by one, their compliance with the comprehensive Supplier Code of Conduct is executed via Lenovo’s standard purchase agreements or standard purchase orders. To ensure all target agreements include clauses on the Supplier Code of Conduct, the continuous monitoring is in place, including the accessibility check of related links. Lenovo’s Supplier Code of Conduct and the RBA Code of Conduct strictly prohibit bribery and corruption. The RBA audit protocol also includes consideration of anti-bribery and anti-corruption.
• Supplier performance evaluation
  • Supplier performance evaluation is to provide timely feedback to suppliers to improve performance, move business volume to best suppliers, to reduce or eliminate business to poor performing suppliers. Performance management includes key criteria such as cost, quality, supply, technology, service and ESG as deemed appropriate.

In addition, Lenovo has implemented practices used to promote environmentally preferable products and services when selecting suppliers including validating new suppliers and evaluating suppliers based on ESG considerations. Ongoing monitoring of supplier management efforts include audits of suppliers’ relevant ESG performance and third party ESG ratings. The master procurement process continues to reinforce ESG as a criterion in supplier selection.

Internal training

To ensure those with delegated authority are informed on ESG best practices, Lenovo conducts comprehensive communication and education activities throughout the year for its global supply chain team. In FY 2023/24, Lenovo enhanced the global supply chain ESG education program by holding additional live training sessions in multiple ESG areas to help the procurement team build on knowledge and skills. Offered in both Chinese and English, the overall attendance in those training sessions reached 2,009. In addition, Lenovo provides compulsory ESG courses and required a 100 percent completion rate with the production procurement team. Procurement team were also surveyed on their understanding of ESG so improvements can be monitored annually.

Education module	Training sessions/courses
ESG Overall	ESG Overall live session Master Supplier ESG Scorecard and SPE Penalty & Credits online course Master Supplier ESG Scorecard Indicators Introduction online course
ESG Focus	RBA Compliance live session Protection Against Forced Labor online course EcoVadis Program live session Source Right live session Responsible Sourcing of Raw Materials live session Environmental Impact live session Supplier Code of Conduct live session

Read more

¹The allocation chart based on the registered legal entity of the headquarters of suppliers. No significant change in data or calculation methodology compared with previous year.