In oder to develop an effective and profitable long-term growth strategy, more and more companies are voluntarily adopting a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. The inherent challenges in the development of CSR are diverse, and include economic, social and environmental aspects. This requires the implementation of cross-functional actions and tools that are integrated across all the company departments . To optimise this approach, the CSR assessment, which complies with specific standards, serves as a guide. A concrete example is provided by the EcoVadis certification, which rewards overall CSR performance, highlighting additional efforts that have been made, particularly in the area of technological innovation.
EcoVadis: Presentation
EcoVadis is a service designed to assess the integration and impact of corporate social responsibility commitments in companies’ activities, using a SaaS platform. This EcoVadis certification is an assessment at a given period of time of the way in which a company has implemented CSR principles relating to the environment, social responsibility, ethics and the supply chain (responsible purchasing). The company’s size, location and sector of activity are all taken into account. EcoVadis certification gives you a complete overview of your company’s CSR approach at any given time. The assessment shows how the company is positioned, enables it to communicate with external partners about its CSR approach, and encourages them to think about areas for improvement in order to increase its EcoVadis rating.
How does EcoVadis certification assess a company’s CSR approach?
Several steps are required to ensure compliance with the EcoVadis certification. Firstly, the registration details the company’s identity sheet. Based on the company’s size, location and sector of activity, a personalised questionnaire is sent out. This questionnaire covers 21 CSR criteria, grouped into four main categories: environment, social and human rights, ethics, and responsible procurement. To prove that the company has gone beyond mere compliance in these areas, it may provide, in addition to its answers, supporting documents that demonstrate its increased commitment to innovation, for example. An expert analysis is then carried out and the results are recorded on an evaluation sheet. It should be noted that the EcoVadis assessment method is based on international standards, such as ISO 26000 and the Global Compact principles.
Thanks to its exemplary approach to the 4 themes mentioned above, LEBON Group was awarded ECOVADIS Platinum status in December 2023. With an overall score of 80/100, LEBON Group ranks in the top 1% of companies in its sector. This more than satisfactory result stems from a number of improvements to internal policies and processes.
“We are extremely proud and delighted to receive this Ecovadis Platinum medal. We were the first protective glove manufacturer to win a gold medal, and now we’re the first and only glove manufacturer to win a platinum medal.
This award not only demonstrates our performance, but also the lead we have taken in our CSR strategy compared with other players in the PPE sector. Let’s hope the market responds enthusiastically to this award.
Congratulations again to everyone involved in this project.
Maximilien LEBON, COO
Once again, the company has improved in all 4 EcoVadis assessment areas. It was a difficult job that required a great deal of time and precision from us.
Thanks to all the teams for their help, this Platinum medal is the result of our part.
Cathie DUHAMEL, Quality and CSR manager
LEBON: an EcoVadis-certified company
Lebon Protection is concerned about its environmental footprint, its impact on society and its economic responsibilities, and as such has been committed to a strong CSR approach for many years. Its manufacturing processes favour short circuits, recycling and zero waste, all of which are environmentally friendly. Its aim is to design products and protective equipment that are part of a sustainable development approach, all meeting current European standards. The health and safety at work of all its employees is also a guiding principle in its approach, as indicated in its CSR report. One of Lebon’s social concerns is to ensure that its employees develop their potential and become more professional.
Through its commitment, the LEBON group is one of very few French companies to hold the EcoVadis certification.
