At deSter, we are committed to shaping a sustainable future. As a forward-thinking designer and global manufacturer, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Through the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework, we prioritize environmental protection and social responsibility ensuring that our actions align with global goals.
With International ESG Day on November 30, we celebrate the progress made and reaffirm our commitment to driving positive change. Our ESG strategy, anchored in our initiative of #PeoplePlanetProduct, focuses on areas where we can make the biggest impact:
- People: Caring for employees, customers, and stakeholders while fostering fair and ethical practices across our supply chain.
- Planet: Striving for a net-zero carbon footprint, reducing operational waste, and protecting biodiversity.
- Product: Designing products with circular economy principles and responsible resource usage in mind.
Today, we want to take a closer look at a critical aspect of our People pillar, which is sustainable procurement—a key driver of positive change within our value chain. By embedding sustainability into our sourcing practices, we not only uphold human rights and environmental stewardship but also empower our suppliers to adopt responsible practices.
Setting Standards Across the Supply Chain
At deSter, we hold our suppliers to the same high standards we set for ourselves. Our Supplier Code of Conduct, available on our website, outlines our expected social, environmental, and operational commitments. In 2023, we strengthened this commitment by introducing a Sustainable Procurement Policy, which integrates clear ESG objectives into all sourcing activities.
To ensure compliance, we focus on suppliers operating in high-risk regions or industries. These suppliers undergo rigorous assessments, including self-evaluations and on-site audits. Each supplier is rated on a scale from A to E, and those scoring below a C must implement a Corrective Action Plan. Failure to improve within six months can result in the termination of our partnership. By the end of 2025, we aim for all suppliers to achieve at least a C rating.
This process not only guarantees accountability but also fosters collaboration. In 2023, 97% of our suppliers signed our Supplier Code of Conduct, and the majority demonstrated significant improvements in operational practices such as adopting new policies and enhancing record-keeping.
Empowering Change and Building Awareness
Beyond compliance, deSter invests in empowering both our procurement team and suppliers to embrace ESG principles. Our team participates in annual training, including certified courses on sustainable procurement and supplier engagement. In 2023, a focus on greenhouse gas emissions prepared our team for more active collaboration with suppliers to reduce environmental impact.
This year, we also launched a pilot project targeting Scope 3 emissions — those occurring in our supply chain. By engaging suppliers directly in emission reduction strategies, we’re extending our commitment to sustainability beyond our immediate operations.
The positive response from our suppliers reflects the growing awareness of sustainability issues. Many have not only complied with our standards but also implemented changes that align with our shared ESG goals. This progress highlights the strength of partnerships in driving responsible practices and fostering a more resilient supply chain.
Driving Progress Together
Sustainable procurement is more than a goal at deSter—it’s an ongoing effort to create long-term value for people and the planet. This year’s EcoVadis Platinum rating is a testament to our commitment, placing us among the top 1% of companies globally for sustainability practices. By combining clear standards, accountability, and education, we aim to lead by example in the aviation and foodservice industries.
For a deeper look into our sustainable procurement efforts and other ESG initiatives, we invite you to explore our 2023 Sustainability Report.