The Group processes a wide and diverse supplier base containing more than 10,000 active suppliers for purchasing materials, equipment or services, which includes large, multi-national companies as well as small local businesses. The list of suppliers is updated within the framework of developing a sustainable supply chain.

We choose and evaluate our suppliers and partners according to our business criteria, as well as our sustainability criteria. In 2017, we incorporated in all new contracts and purchase orders the “Sustainability Compliance Clause” in order to encourage our suppliers taking ownership over their sustainability and adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies aligned with the principles of UN Global Compact (in the fields of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption).

Particular focus is placed on supporting local communities, choosing local suppliers, wherever possible, always according to our Procurements Procedures.

The Group, has set up a cooperation framework, based on its new Procurements Procedures, implemented from January 1st, 2017 and its Code of Conduct, which is fostering business collaborations and strong, long-term relations, focusing on transparency and respect for competitiveness, meritocracy and equal opportunities.

We cooperate with our suppliers to promote environmental awareness, integrate decent work and respect of human rights.  Through a well-defined cooperation framework, we aspire to secure a suppliers’ network that implements practices of responsible products management in agreement with the sustainable practices and values of our Group.