PARIS, 7 September 2020 - The Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) is pleased to announce it has received a benchmark application from the BRCGS, the first step in recognising the BRCGS as meeting industry expectations for third-party social compliance programmes. The SSCI is committed to building trust in the consumer goods industry by recognising programmes that respect key sustainability criteria, as defined by leading industry stakeholders, in their evaluation methods.
Mark Procter, CEO of BRCGS, said: “We are delighted to be working towards SSCI benchmarking to provide global recognition of our Ethical Trading and Responsible Sourcing Program. We bring our existing strengths across standards development and certification to deliver the only Ethical programme to be covered by ISO/IEC 17021 accreditation, that gives consumers the reassurance they seek, and workers the protection they deserve.”
SSCI benchmarking is a comprehensive process that delivers clear guidance on which schemes cover key sustainability criteria and apply relevant verification practices. All schemes must submit an application form for benchmarking to officially apply. The process then begins with a Self-Assessment undertaken by the scheme, followed by a review by an independent expert, a public consultation and office visits. The methodology also includes opportunities for the applicant to take corrective action if and when needed. The benchmark is based on a first set of criteria defined by the SSCI and industry stakeholders in October 2019, and currently focuses on social sustainability and scheme management.
The SSCI welcomes this positive step from the BRCGS and looks forward to reviewing its alignment towards industry values on transparency, social responsibility and sustainability. To monitor the process of our evaluation, visit the SSCI website.
Read a copy of the SSCI press release that has been sent to its membership of that consists of 400 retailers, manufacturers, and service providers.