Sustainability is at the core of deSter’s strategy, driving continuous improvements across all business functions. Achieving the EcoVadis Platinum rating in 2024 reflects this commitment, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward responsible business practices. While sustainability is often associated with environmental impact and supply chain management, the Human Resources (HR) team played a crucial role in this achievement.
In this interview, we speak with members of deSter’s HR team to uncover how their involvement in the EcoVadis audit has evolved, what milestones they are most proud of, and how they plan to continue driving sustainability forward.
How has the HR team’s involvement in the EcoVadis audit evolved over the years?
Ilse Santos, People & Culture Specialist (Global): Our approach has evolved significantly over time. Initially focused on providing basic documentation, we laid the groundwork for clear operations and compliance. However, as our organization grew and faced new challenges, we shifted to a more strategic format.
Now, we highlight our current initiatives and outline future commitments, offering a dynamic view of our objectives and values. This new approach enhances transparency, builds trust with stakeholders, and showcases our ongoing projects and innovations.
How has the audit process influenced the way HR operates or makes decisions?
Ilse: EcoVadis has significantly influenced our approach to policy development and implementation. It has prompted us to establish a routine review process for our policies, ensuring that they remain aligned with evolving ethical standards.
Additionally, the audit has encouraged us to adopt a more data-driven approach in our operations. By systematically tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), we are better equipped to support informed decision-making processes. This analytical perspective enables us to identify areas for improvement and evaluate our strategies’ effectiveness.
Can you highlight a specific milestone or achievement that you are particularly proud of?
Amber Bradshaw, HR Manager (USA): This year, we take great pride in the progress we’ve made in engaging our people. Through training programs, employee events, community education, and daily initiatives, we have fostered significant growth and development at deSter while promoting internal growth and decreasing turnover.
Radanat (Ning) Yaibuakhao, HR Manager (Thailand): It’s been incredible to contribute to deSter’s global growth through our work at the Prachinburi plant. We’re constantly recruiting talented individuals to strengthen our production of innovative products like paper cutlery and wet-molded fiber tableware. Beyond manufacturing, we’re committed to making deSter a great place to work—organizing events like our New Year Party, Safety Week, and Company Merit-Making.
Griet Dockx, HR Business Partner (Belgium): I am proud we established a clear wellbeing-policy and started organizing more initiatives. The runs, the personnel party, WarmSter week, afterwork drinks and ‘the icing on the cake’, the short ski with more than 20 colleagues was evidence of how teams across departments can connect. This is so stimulating and makes people very happy to come to work, day after day, month after month and year after year.
What are the HR team’s main goals for the next EcoVadis audit?
Laura Gafke, HR Business Partner (Germany): Our goal is to continue fostering a strong culture of sustainability, ensuring it remains integrated into all our practices. At the same time, we are committed to further enhancing our efforts in HR-related areas to create a better workplace for our employees.
What advice do you have for HR teams facing their first EcoVadis audit?
Laura: See this as an opportunity to collaborate closely with other departments, align on policies, and strengthen your sustainability efforts. Rather than just a compliance exercise, treat the audit as a chance to refine HR strategies and drive meaningful improvements that benefit both the company and its employees.
Thank you to our HR department for this insightful interview. With our team’s efforts, we hope to become a truly great place to work in the future and, of course, increase our scores for EcoVadis in 2025.