Strukton wants to do business with suppliers that behave responsibly, honestly, and sustainably. For that reason, Strukton has tightened its purchasing policy. Starting 1 January 2010, Strukton will require all its suppliers to complete a sustainability statement.

The goal of sustainable purchasing is to reduce the negative effects on the environment and on society relating to the production and use of goods and services Strukton purchases and contracts out.

Strukton expects its suppliers to have a demonstrable, operational policy concerning (the improvement of) environmental, social and economic aspects. For that reason, Strukton would eventually like to do business exclusively with suppliers that feel jointly responsibly for the interpretation and implementation of Strukton’s CSR goals.

The sustainability statement includes questions about People, Planet and Profit, the three Ps of Corporate Social Responsibility. In Strukton’s vision, before any decision is made, the human, business and environmental aspects must be considered. The sustainability statement is also intended to give an overview of the suppliers that employ the safety regulations, comply with environmental legislation, process waste according to the legal requirements, respect Strukton’s ‘Code of conduct for honest business’ and have a policy for CO2 reduction. Each of the Strukton group companies considers price and quality as well as environmental aspects (including energy use, toxic substances, CO2 emissions and packaging) and social aspects (including child labour and fair pay).

Strukton’s goal is to achieve a 2% reduction of annual CO2 emissions. Considering that the CO2 emissions are expected to increase from more than 42,000 tons in 2008 to 43,690 tons this year, it is an extremely ambitious target.

For a company that wants to do business in a socially responsible manner, purchasing is an essential issue. The contribution of every supplier is required to achieve the targets that Strukton has set for itself. With its new Socially Responsible Purchasing policy, Strukton is taking a pioneering role in making the entire supply chain aware of sustainability and forcing it into action.

External parties – suppliers, subcontractors, as well as clients, supply chain partners and other visitors to the Strukton Rail website – are enthusiastically invited to brainstorm on how Strukton can reduce its CO2 emissions. Ideas may be submitted to CO2@strukton.com.