Together for Sustainability (TfS) – Sustainability in the Chemical Industry’s Supply Chain

Together for Sustainability (TfS) is an initiative of leading chemical companies aiming to promote sustainability in global supply chains. TfS seeks to harmonize and continuously improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards throughout the supply chain. The initiative was founded in 2011 by six leading chemical companies, including BASF. Today, over 50 chemical companies are members of TfS.

Mission

TfS supports companies in systematically integrating sustainability into their procurement and supply chain processes. Through common standards, transparent assessments and targeted improvement measures, we lay the foundations for responsible business conduct.

Above all, synergies are to be created so that resources can be used more efficiently and with a minimum of administrative effort, not only among the member companies but also with all of our shared suppliers.

Collaborative approach to sustainable procurement

TfS provides a comprehensive framework for assessing and improving the sustainability performance of suppliers.

This includes, among other things:

• Standardized sustainability ratings by EcoVadis, a global provider of sustainability ratings.
• On-site audits carried out by independent auditors approved by TfS.
• Training programs for suppliers to promote sustainable practices.

Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions

TfS members and suppliers have a shared responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with Scope 3 (upstream) greenhouse gas emissions accounting for a significant proportion of a chemical company's emissions. To this end, TfS has developed a guideline for the uniform calculation of the carbon footprint and a digital solution for the exchange of PCF data. These enable suppliers and member companies to transparently calculate and exchange the carbon footprints of their products.