Sourcing from sustainable and responsible supply chains
Published on 10/25/2024
SILAB has for many years applied sustainability criteria in its choice of natural raw materials and suppliers, with a view to supporting cultural practices that respect people and the environment.
Potential suppliers are selected on the basis of their ability to provide raw materials of the required quality and in sufficient quantity, but also on the basis of their environmental or social commitments.
Brigitte CLOSS-GONTHIER, Chief Executive Officer of SILAB's Management Board comments: ‘SILAB has always considered nature as a source of inspiration and its primary resource for raw materials. As such, we are committed to responsibility, transparency and solidarity, with the aim of positively and fairly influencing each of our supply chains. In particular, we work closely with our suppliers and producers of natural raw materials to support them in their efforts to achieve greater sustainability.‘
Organic farming: a committed strategy
In 2023, 40% of the plant raw materials supplied by SILAB were from organic farming.
The company has chosen to give priority to organic farming whenever possible, even for its non-certified products, despite the difference in cost compared with conventional materials. This approach encourages the development of crops that are more respectful of people and the natural balance.
For example, SILAB has decided to change its supply of water lentil, used in the manufacturing process for its p-REFINYL® active ingredient, and to purchase a product of equal quality from a certified organic farming chain of the same origin. To this end, the Responsible purchasing team has set up partnerships with several suppliers to secure the volumes needed for this new supply.
This is also the case for chestnuts, the raw material for RECOVERINE®. This is a fine example of local sourcing, as it is located 30 kilometers from the SILAB site and is certified organic. SILAB makes multi-year commitments to local producers to ensure long-term supply.
While offering the same conditions of efficiency, safety and quality, SILAB fosters this type of culture.
A fair sourcing
In line with its values and commitments, SILAB also sources raw materials with a recognized Fair-Trade label: Fair for Life and Fair-Trade. Fair-Trade promotes a responsible supply chain economic model, with exemplary economic and social practices.
SILAB's audit of the Nopal supply chain, carried out in 2023 by Ecocert using the Fair for Life standard, attests to these commitments, with a score of over 92%. The aim is to encourage partnerships with Fair for Life-certified suppliers of raw materials in order to promote their sustainable farming practices and support them in their development projects.
A commitment to responsible sourcing
As a member of the UEBT since 2021, a non-profit association that works for sourcing that respects all people and biodiversity, SILAB affirms its commitment to responsible sourcing.
Since 2021, the UEBT has assessed 13 of the company's supply chains according to its benchmark, enabling the establishment of concrete action plans monitored directly by SILAB in order to improve the sustainability of sourcing.
