Sustainable purchasing is hot, but many companies don't know exactly how to go about it. Where would you find information about standards or extra costs, for example? What should you be especially aware of? If your company wants to embark on sustainable purchasing, you will definitely need a few practical tips!

In the past, the price, quality and 'on-time' delivery of products determined most companies’ purchasing policy. Today, however, sustainability is at least as important for many organizations. They are passionate about sustainable entrepreneurship.

Sustainable purchasing is of course an essential part of this.

Read the five best tips to start sustainable purchasing today.

#1: Define your strategy, objectives and KPIs

Begin by defining what sustainability means or what it should mean for your company, and to what extent you want to commit to sustainability.

The foundations for these objectives are your organisation's values.

List clear objectives and deadlines.

Is this hard to do? The 17 internationally established sustainable development goals (SDGs) help you convert your own sustainability strategy into action areas in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

This includes sustainability aspects such as gender equality and responsible consumption and production.

In our sustainability report, learn how we have converted our 5 CSR pillars into 7 world goals.

It is crucial that your new sustainability policy is supported by everyone in your organisation. (Senior) management often plays an important role in this. Don't forget the effect of honest communication on both your internal and external stakeholders.

#2: Look out for standards and certificates

Not knowing what you're looking for can be a barrier when embarking on sustainable purchasing. Ask your suppliers for certificates that prove that they have their supply chain under control in terms of environmental impact, respect, employee working conditions, and so on.

The ISO 20400 standard can also help to structure the purchasing process in a socially responsible way. It helps you to assess whether a product or supplier is sustainable.

Also, take a close look at the entire supply chain: is it transparent and sustainable?

#3: Look at the costs over the entire cycle

Many companies focus only on the actual purchase price, rather than the entire cycle. Yet this is an important aspect. Initially, sustainable business often costs more, but pays for itself in the end.

High-quality products often have a longer lifespan. As a result, the direct and indirect costs (total cost of ownership and reduced consumption) are less.

Raw materials can also be (partially) recycled. And naturally, fewer disposable products mean reduced consumption of new raw materials.

#4: Be consistent in your choices

Once you immerse yourself in sustainable procurement, you soon find that you often have to make choices where neither option is ideal.

Define clearly and unambiguously the concepts and issues that are crucial to your company. This will help you make the right choices.

Also, test all initiatives in advance to see if they are feasible and conform to the policy and strategy of your company.

#5: Just start!

It is important to just start and get going. Innovative experimentation and the development of new business models that support sustainability are crucial.

Does this still sound complicated? Use your common sense. Often, you will know best what constitutes a good idea and what doesn't. When it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

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