At Mezzanine, our purpose is to empower organisations to lead with purpose, positively impacting people, communities, and the planet. As a Certified B Corporation, we are committed to holding ourselves – and those we work with – to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.
This policy outlines our expectations of suppliers to align with our values and contribute to a sustainable and ethical supply chain.
1. Commitment to Social Responsibility
We expect our suppliers to:
- Ensure Fair Labour Practices:
- Provide safe, healthy, and equitable working conditions.
- Pay all employees fair wages that meet or exceed living wage standards.
- Prohibit child labour, forced labour, and any form of modern slavery.
- Champion Diversity and Inclusion:
- Promote workplace diversity and prevent discrimination based on gender, race, religion, age, disability, or other personal characteristics.
- Support equal opportunities for all employees at every level.
- Respect Human Rights:
- Uphold and respect human rights across all operations, aligning with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
- Provide education and training on human rights issues for employees and supply chain partners.
2. Environmental Stewardship
We expect our suppliers to:
- Minimise Environmental Impact:
- Actively measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Implement energy-efficient and renewable energy solutions in operations.
- Minimise waste and pollution, with a focus on circular economy principles like recycling, reusing, and reducing resource consumption.
- Support Sustainable Sourcing:
- Source materials responsibly, avoiding suppliers linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, or unethical practices.
- Use sustainable packaging materials and avoid single-use plastics.
- Prioritise certified sustainable resources such as FSC-certified wood, organic cotton, and other environmentally friendly options.
- Preserve Natural Resources:
- Conserve water, energy, and raw materials through sustainable practices.
- Commit to biodiversity preservation in areas of operation.
3. Ethical Business Practices
We expect our suppliers to:
- Demonstrate Transparency:
- Regularly disclose progress on social and environmental goals.
- Provide access to relevant audit reports or certifications that verify compliance with this policy.
- Combat Corruption:
- Implement anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies in all business dealings.
- Report any unethical practices or violations of this policy within their supply chain.
4. Community Engagement
We expect our suppliers to:
- Invest in Local Communities:
- Support community projects, especially those that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Create opportunities for local employment and training.
- Educate and Empower:
- Provide training to employees and contractors on sustainability and ethical practices.
- Encourage employees to participate in volunteering and community engagement programs.
5. Compliance and Accountability
Suppliers are required to:
- Adhere to Relevant Standards:
- Comply with local laws and international standards, including the UN Global Compact principles and International Labour Organisation standards.
- Maintain any certifications relevant to ethical and sustainable operations (e.g., ISO 14001, Fair Trade, FSC).
- Participate in Assessments:
- Complete self-assessments and provide evidence of compliance when requested.
- Cooperate with site visits or third-party audits to verify alignment with this policy.
6. Continuous Improvement
We encourage our suppliers to:
- Set measurable social and environmental goals aligned with this policy.
- Regularly review and enhance policies, practices, and operations to improve their impact.
- Share innovative practices that contribute to sustainable development and positive change.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If a supplier fails to meet these expectations, Mezzanine will:
- Engage in dialogue to understand the challenges and offer guidance for improvement.
- Request a corrective action plan with clear timelines.
- Review the partnership if significant progress is not made within the agreed timeframe.
Acknowledgement
By working with Mezzanine, suppliers agree to uphold these principles and actively contribute to a responsible and sustainable supply chain. Together, we can create a positive legacy for future generations.