33.
Supply chain responsibility is not new to our
company: certain environmental and social
considerations have been part of our operating
companies' criteria for many years.
Over the past two years, we have worked hard
to define a coherent and consistent approach
towards supply chain responsibility, and to be able
to create a framework that in our opinion meets
stakeholder requirements while also taking into
account legal constraints and other purchasing
realities. Our own Business Principles are central
to this framework.
We state our principles on business integrity,
human rights and environmental care explicitly
and expect our suppliers to help us fulfil our
commitments by reflecting similar principles in
their own business practices. We further encourage
them to comply with internationally recognised
standards on business conduct, human rights and
the environment with due consideration to the
Heineken values and principles.
In practice, we will focus on cooperation to achieve
our goals, rather than termination of contracts in
instances of non-compliance although we will
always reserve the right to take this ultimate course
of action. We believe this approach goes much
further towards creating a positive impact for a
well-guided improvement programme than simply
telling suppliers they no longer qualify to do
business with us.
Full implementation of our Supplier Code at our
major central suppliers and major operating
companies is estimated to take around two years.
In 2006, we will develop material for our Group
purchasers who will all be trained to incorporate
the Supplier Code into business discussions.
We expect that by early 2007 we will have more
knowledge about the practicalities of the Supplier
Code with our major central suppliers and
improvement actions taken or to be undertaken
and are and will be in a position to decide on the
further roll-out of our activities
In 2006, we will also develop effective reporting
indicators to allow our stakeholders to follow our
progress in tackling this important issue.
a
Heineken N.V. - 2004/2005 Sustainability Report