Sustainability
Metro Launches Responsible Procurement Policy Metro Inc. launched its Responsible Procurement Framework and Supplier Code of Conduct for responsible procurement in February 2017. The Responsible Procurement Framework aims to structure purchasing and optimize the implementation of responsible practices. The new Code of Conduct is meant to guide the business behaviours that Metro expects from its suppliers. Marie-Claude Bacon, Metro’s senior director, corporate affairs, spoke to Grocery Business about what this new policy will mean for the retailer’s procurement practices. Why is Metro addressing responsible procurement?
Which of Metro’s activities does the Framework target?
Adopting responsible procurement principles is a best practice in every industry. Around the world, businesses of all sizes are working to market products that are developed ethically, responsibly and sustainably. We see two key benefits to doing so: • A better grasp of the social and environmental impacts of our products, and management of potential risks in our supply chain (e.g., related to animal welfare, deforestation, respect for workers). • Enhanced responsiveness to our customers’ expectations, since they want to know more about the products they consume, in terms of health and environmental impact.
The Framework will start by targeting Metro’s food-related activities. More specifically, it applies to the products sold in our supermarkets (Metro, Metro Plus), discount stores (Super C, Food Basics) and neighbourhood stores (Marché Richelieu, Marché AMI, Marché Extra) in Québec and Ontario. We aim to extend the scope of the Framework to our other activity sectors.
What is the purpose of the Framework? The Framework enables Metro to structure its responsible procurement activities, and define the purchasing criteria it will further take into account with its teams and suppliers. 16
March | April 2017
How long has this program been in the works? Roughly 24 months. We started with a materiality analysis of our products, to deepen our understanding of our impact and our supply chain. We consulted with stakeholders across the spectrum – most importantly, with some of our suppliers – to understand where they were in the journey. We built the Framework with the support of the section VPs, and started training buyers in its use and applicability.