Evaluation metrics, recognition program outlined in first global Suppliers Day program
More than 300 direct and indirect suppliers of raw materials, energy, logistics and other services were invited to share the sustainability, collaboration and innovation goals of specialty chemical producer Indovinya during the company’s first annual Suppliers Day, hosted virtually yesterday.
Indovinya’s John Smith, chief delivery officer and member of the Indovinya executive committee, predicted that a shared approach across key metrics can ensure growth and business success for suppliers as well as Indovinya, especially in a turbulent economic environment. “Resilience doesn’t come from scale alone,” he said. “It comes from a shared commitment toward common goals that help to ensure long-term, productive relationships.”
The sustainability, collaboration and innovation themes were underscored by Dr. Gabrielle Unger, general manager of Together for Sustainability (TfS), a 6,000-member chemical industry consortium working to accelerate the development of sustainable and resilient chemical supply chains. Achieving sustainability goals “is not just about compliance,” she said. “It’s also essential for a successful business. And sustainability requires collaboration.”
Indovinya works with TfS and sustainability rating agency EcoVadis to measure suppliers’ sustainability performance across numerous metrics, including environmental compliance, industrial safety, transparency, labor practices, governance, and other categories.
Indovinya procurement director Rafael Bica explained details of the company’s Responsible Sourcing policy and Supplier Performance Index which together incorporate sustainability ratings with other metrics including reliability, backup sourcing, quality control, and cost competitiveness. He also outlined a new supplier recognition program to highlight innovations and initiatives among large and small, regional and global suppliers.
Fellow global procurement director Cindy Wu explained benefits of local, as well as global sourcing within Indovinya’s Global Category Management tool. “Our goal is to strengthen our supplier ecosystem — ensuring that every partnership contributes to reliability, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. By aligning categories globally, we can anticipate market shifts, respond faster to customer needs, and enhance efficiency across our operations.”
Indovinya also looks to suppliers to identify opportunities to improve their partnerships. According to procurement director Dub Edwards, “Our suppliers play a critical role in co-developing solutions that improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability across our value chain.”
Smith concluded, “Every solution we develop and every innovation we bring to market is the result of collaboration — between people, ideas, and partners who share the same commitment to progress. That is why our suppliers are not just part of our supply chain. You are essential partners in building a more innovative, sustainable, and resilient future.”
