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Driving Responsible Sourcing: Oleon Strengthens Supplier Sustainability Monitoring and Performance

Sustainability

Ertvelde, May 5th 2026 – Oleon, a leading global producer of oleochemicals, reaffirms its commitment to conducting business in line with the highest ethical and legal standards by advancing its responsible sourcing strategy across its global supply chain.

As part of this commitment, Oleon works exclusively with suppliers who share its values on sustainable development and social responsibility. All partners are expected, at a minimum, to comply with the company’s Supplier Code of Conduct (version 2024), which outlines clear expectations on ethical, environmental, and social practices.

To further embed these principles, Oleon launched its Supplier CSR Monitoring Program in 2019. This long-term initiative, running through 2026, is designed to ensure supplier compliance with the Code of Conduct while driving continuous improvement in sustainability performance.

The program focuses on enhancing transparency and accountability, identifying and mitigating sustainability risks, supporting suppliers in strengthening their practices, and aligning procurement activities with internationally recognized standards.

Oleon has set three key targets to be achieved by 2026:

  • Full acknowledgement of the Supplier Code of Conduct by all suppliers
  • Sustainability assessments completed for 80% of targeted suppliers
  • At least 75% of assessed suppliers achieving a sustainability rating above 60%

Supplier performance is evaluated through the EcoVadis sustainability assessment platform, complemented by onsite audits conducted under the Sedex SMETA framework.

By the end of 2025, Oleon had already surpassed its assessment target, with 85% of targeted suppliers evaluated through EcoVadis. Of these, 71% achieved a score above 60%, reflecting a strong level of sustainability maturity across environmental, social, and ethical criteria. According to Ann Demaegdt, Purchasing Manager Indirect Materials, “Oleon sets the 60% score threshold higher than many other companies because Oleon places a high value on sustainability and is committed to collaborating only with partners who share this commitment.”

Oleon's Supplier Summit in Malaysia

 

For suppliers not yet meeting this benchmark, Oleon provides structured support, including the development of corrective action plans through ongoing collaboration between its Procurement and CSR teams and the supplier. Progress is closely monitored to ensure both immediate improvements and long-term impact.

 

“Oleon sets the 60% score threshold higher than many other companies because Oleon places a high value on sustainability and is committed to collaborating only with partners who share this commitment.”

 

Building on the program’s success and strong supplier engagement, Oleon expanded its approach in 2025 to include onsite audits. In early 2026, the company began integrating Sedex SMETA 4-pillar audit reviews into its monitoring framework. Starting in 2026, Oleon will conduct onsite audits for at least five suppliers annually, further strengthening oversight and accountability.

Through this comprehensive approach, Oleon continues to reinforce its commitment to responsible sourcing and to building a more sustainable and transparent global supply chain.