Not an obligation, an endeavour born from conviction: the WILD Group is voluntarily improving its supply chains in numerous areas.

PHOTONIC and WILD not only stand for innovation and quality. For decades, they have also  endeavoured to act in an environmentally-sound, sustainable and forward-looking manner. “Though EU supply chain legislation does not affect us from a legal point of view, we are currently evaluating our entire supply chain for risks regarding compliance with human rights, corruption or environmental standards“, explains Managing Director Arthur Primus. The technology partner benefits from having secured a commitment from its suppliers at an early stage. “They already had to declare compliance with specific standards that go far beyond what is required today“, adds Primus.

The company now also examines whether suppliers are operating in regions in which child labour exists or where no remuneration  systems similar to collective bargaining agreements are in place. “We are also critical with regard to countries which, according to Transparency International, present a higher corruption risk or have not signed treaties like the Minimata or the Basel Convention“, says SCM Manager Thomas Obertautsch. Based on this analysis,  WILD draws up a shortlist with suppliers to be examined in greater detail.

ACTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
In addition, WILD is now voluntarily preparing itself for ISO 14001 environmental management certification, which is scheduled for early 2025. The audit will further consolidate standards and redefine requirements for suppliers. “Greater priority is given, for instance, to recyclable packaging or CO2-reduced deliveries,“ as Obertautsch points out. Yet a lot more is being implemented based on an ESG strategy aimed at further improving WILD‘s ecological footprint. “We can already proudly claim today that the environmental impact of
the WILD Group is extremely low. Social standards at our sites are high and compliance with applicable laws is an absolute must“, says Primus.

OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH NEW DIRECTIVES
Though formalities in connection with supply chain due diligence are time-consuming and costly and require that staff members are regularly trained and internal processes adjusted, the management believes they also offer opportunities. “All of this is forcing us to look even closer and to further improve ourselves,“ Primus stresses. The WILD Group will therefore continue to meet these requirements with great care. “Respecting people and the environment has always been the standard for us. A legal requirement has now been added to that common sense.“