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Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies

This survey will take less than 10 minutes for an EHS manager or executive to complete.

Based on Third Partners' experience in the manufacturing sector, companies with business-centered sustainability action plans show continuous improvement in risk/cost reduction, customer loyalty, and workforce engagement.

Is your company prepared to meet sustainability and ESG expectations from buyers, investors, and customers?
How do you rival competitors in benchmarking indexes like EcoVadis, CDP, Walmart THESIS, or Costco's sustainability assessment?

Instructions: Complete 10 multiple choice questions to receive a custom evaluation of your company's ESG performance and growth opportunities.

Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies
3. How is waste management handled at your facility?(Required)
Select the response that best reflects your company's current practices.

We comply with waste disposal regulations (e.g. proper handling of hazardous waste and recyclable materials).

We have implemented targeted recycling programs and waste reduction initiatives, including monthly performance metrics at all sites.

Our comprehensive waste management system includes waste segregation, reuse, and closed-loop processes to recover niche materials. We measure and manage waste beyond physical materials, addressing all "7 wastes" as defined by Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g. wasted time, movements, inventory, and process inefficiencies).

We design products and processes to minimize waste generation throughout the entire product lifecycle. Our metrics demonstrate waste reductions both in absolute terms and relative to our production or revenue.

I'm not sure.

Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies
4. How are water resources managed in your manufacturing processes?(Required)
Select the response that best reflects your company's current practices.

We adhere to water discharge permits and have adequate fresh water supplies to meet future needs.

We assess water risk at each location for stress and long-term cost and scarcity impacts. We conserve water and monitor usage to identify improvement areas.

Water management is integrated into our process design, including water recycling and reuse.

We are implementing closed-loop water systems and other related actions to improve the quality and availability of local water resources.

I'm not sure.

Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies
5. How is the environmental impact of your supply chain assessed and managed?(Required)
Select the response that best reflects your company's current practices.

When vetting and onboarding suppliers, we request their compliance with environmental and labor regulations; however, we do not engage further to assess their performance.

We implement environmental and social/labor criteria for our direct (Tier 1) suppliers based on a comprehensive risk assessment process, considering factors such as material type, region, and potential social/labor and environmental risks. These standards are communicated to suppliers through policies or contractual terms.

We audit at-risk Tier 1 suppliers for environmental and labor practices, gaining visibility into their operations and indirect suppliers of raw materials and intermediate goods. Our responsible sourcing programs include extended due diligence, risk assessment, and sub-tier supplier traceability.

Our supply chain is largely transparent and traceable, allowing us to report on social and environmental performance from raw material production to product delivery. We work with suppliers to enhance their environmental performance and promote sustainability through surveys, benchmarking, and corrective action plans.

I'm not sure.

Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies
6. How are chemical management and hazardous materials handled?(Required)
Select the response that best reflects your company's current practices.

We adhere to chemical safety regulations and recognize the need for improved waste management.

Chemical substitution programs have been implemented to reduce the use of hazardous materials, including action plans to detect and eliminate emerging pollutants such as PFAS.

Chemical management is part of our process design, including closed-loop systems and real-time monitoring.

We are actively working towards eliminating hazardous chemicals and developing safer alternatives.

I'm not sure.

Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies
7. Do you have sustainability-related goals and ways to engage employees to achieve those goals?(Required)
Select the response that best reflects your company's current practices.

We have an EH&S training program that addresses all applicable legal requirements (e.g. OSHA and EPA). Internal policies cover legal and compliance topics like safety, ethics, and anti-discrimination practices.

We conducted a strategic planning exercise or materiality assessment to identify key ESG and sustainability issues. Our updated policies now address waste reduction, energy management, supply chain impacts, operational resilience, and human rights.

One or more core values in the company culture relate to sustainability, and employees have specific opportunities to contribute to sustainability goals within their areas of responsibility.

Performance accountability is shared across multiple departments, with employees actively involved in the development and implementation of sustainability innovations.

I'm not sure.

Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies
8. How are community relations and stakeholder engagement addressed?(Required)
Select the response that best reflects your company's current practices.

We comply with community regulations, resolving complaints as they arise.

We proactively engage with community stakeholders to address environmental concerns, with programs that demonstrate “good neighbor” standing in the communities where we operate.

We actively collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to promote sustainable development, earning a reputation as a “force for good” in the communities where we operate.

We are a recognized leader in community sustainability initiatives and actively contribute to local environmental stewardship through volunteering, donations, and economic development (e.g. apprenticeship programs, technical/vocational training, etc).

I'm not sure.

Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies
9. How well does your company communicate and substantiate environmental product claims?(Required)
Select the response that best reflects your company's current practices.

We adhere to product safety and environmental regulations, complying fully with the latest requirements from our buyers. Our product claims are verified to be free of "greenwashing" as per the legal definitions in each market where we operate.

We support environmental claims through product-level data, such as "free from," "made with," and "made without." We have performed multiple lifecycle assessments to identify environmental hotspots, substantiate these claims, and enhance product design.

Lifecycle thinking is integrated into our product development process, including design for recyclability and end-of-life management. We develop and leverage advanced environmental benefits claims as a competitive differentiator.

We are developing innovative “circular economy models” and closed-loop product systems in collaboration with certain suppliers and customers. Life cycle impact assessment tools have been integrated into internal workflows (e.g. ingredient selection, product design, R&D, packaging design).

I'm not sure.

Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies
10. How are climate change risks and opportunities addressed?(Required)
Select the response that best reflects your company's current practices.

We monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions according to legal requirements or customer requests.

We track and report our greenhouse gas emissions using a formal framework like CDP and have conducted a climate risk assessment, implementing necessary policy and procedure updates (e.g. DRPs or BCPs) to address climate-related risks.

We set reduction targets and implement mitigation measures across our direct operations. Climate change considerations are part of our business strategy and operational planning, including formal “science-based targets” and supplier engagement (e.g. “Scope 3” GHG emissions).

We take action beyond our internal operations to address climate resilience (e.g. policy advocacy, community engagement, customer and supplier partnerships).

I'm not sure.

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Sustainability Self-Assessment for Manufacturing Companies