What is “Together for Sustainability”?
The “Together for Sustainability” (TfS) initiative was founded by leading chemical companies and aims to improve CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) standards in the chemical industry and create sustainable supply chains worldwide. The companies work closely together and use uniform standards to achieve global sustainability goals.
The initiative helps companies to operate efficiently and responsibly through a harmonized assessment of sustainability practices.
A key objective of TfS is to raise awareness of sustainable practices and share knowledge. By working together and sharing knowledge, the use of resources becomes more efficient and the administrative burden is minimized.
Why sustainable practices in the chemical industry?
The chemical industry is often associated with extreme pollution, high resource consumption and high greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable practices such as “green chemistry”, energy efficiency and material use measures, responsible handling of chemicals and waste and ethical procurement management can help to minimize the relative large environmental impact.
The focus is on human health, resource efficiency, customer requirements and legal/regulatory requirements in order to maintain the long-term health of the entire planet.
All the advantages of Together for Sustainability at a glance
Our services:
Our services are designed to support companies and organizations on their path to environmental and social responsibility. We offer a wide range of services relating to the topic of “Together for Sustainability”. From preparation to successful implementation of the TfS audit, we support you with the following services:
- Advice and support with the implementation of the TfS standards
- Carrying out as-is assessments and gap analyses
- Preparation and revision of required documents
- Internal audits and audit support
- Documentation and follow-up
- Support with the implementation of new processes
- Implementation of controls and monitoring
Unique advantages with PPP
Working with PPP brings unique benefits. They not only support the implementation of the TfS initiative, but also the promotion of sustainable business practices. Ongoing support and training for employees are an integral part of our services, enabling a successful implementation process.
- Fast turnaround: Thanks to state-of-the-art software systems, we deliver results in record time.
- International team: Our global team is on hand to help you create and optimize your product carbon footprint.
- Industry expertise: Our team has in-depth knowledge of sustainability, environmental management and social responsibility and can draw on extensive experience in various industries.
- Customized solutions: Every business is unique, and therefore we offer customized and individual solutions to meet your specific needs. Our aim is to ensure that your sustainability strategy is put to the best possible use.
- Measurable improvements: Our created PCF’s enable product improvements, precise marketing statements and process optimizations.
- Ongoing support: We are your long-term partner for sustainability. Our support does not end with the creation of the PCF, but includes the development of a sustainable strategy for the future.
- Improved sustainability practices and a strengthened image: Improved sustainability practices can strengthen the image of the brand and the company. We help you to use the findings for your marketing strategy.
Free initial consultation
Would you like to learn more about “Together for Sustainability” and implementing sustainable practices in your company? Do not hesitate to contact us and arrange a free initial consultation. Our experts are at your disposal to discuss your specific requirements and offer you tailor-made solutions.
Patrick Wortner
CEO | MBA and Eng., Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
Procedure for the TfS audit
In a TfS audit, a single or combined company location of a supplier is reviewed for a one to three-day audit. The TfS assessment is normally carried out at the request of a TfS member. The supplier provides documents in the areas of management, environment, health & safety, labor & human rights and governance and completes an online questionnaire. The audit is carried out through remote and on-site inspections, employee interviews and document reviews to assess compliance with the standards.
The audit result can be viewed in the audit report after the supplier has signed a “Data Sharing Agreement” at the beginning. Based on the result, the supplier draws up an action plan for improvement and the initiative decides on certification or further measures. The assessment ranges from 0 to 100 points and comprises the levels Insufficient, Partial, Moderate, Advanced and Outstanding.
TfS standards and criteria
TfS has developed clear standards and criteria based on the principles of Responsible Care® and the UN Global Compact. These cover compliance with environmental and social standards along the supply chains in the chemical industry. The assessment is based on a comprehensive catalog of criteria that is regularly updated to meet changing requirements.
Mitglieder und Partner von TfS
Die TfS-Initiative zählt derzeit 51 Mitglieder, darunter führende Unternehmen der chemischen Industrie. Darunter stehen unter anderem die Gründungsmitglieder BASF, Bayer, Henkel, Evonik Industries, Lanxess und Solvay. Partner hat TfS in drei Chemieinstitutionen:
CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council), VCI (Deutscher Chemierat) und CPCIF (China Petroleum and Chemistry Industry Federation). Gemeinsam treiben sie die Nachhaltigkeitsziele weiter voran.
Outlook
TfS offers companies a strong network to continuously improve their sustainability performance. By sharing knowledge and working together, companies can meet their customer requirements, save costs and resources and strengthen their corporate image. With a view to future regulatory requirements and societal expectations, TfS is a strategic initiative for long-term success. TfS brings numerous benefits to companies.
They have the opportunity to improve their sustainability performance, reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions and strengthen their corporate image. By collaborating with other members, companies can work more efficiently, reduce costs and strengthen their market position.
Free initial consultation
Would you like to learn more about “Together for Sustainability” and implementing sustainable practices in your company? Do not hesitate to contact us and arrange a free initial consultation. Our experts are at your disposal to discuss your specific requirements and offer you tailor-made solutions.
Patrick Wortner
CEO | MBA and Eng., Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
Frequently asked questions
What is "Together for Sustainability" (TfS) and why is it important?
Together for Sustainability (TfS) is a sustainability initiative in the chemical industry. By promoting more transparent and sustainable supply chains, TfS helps to make a valuable contribution to global environmental protection, the protection of human rights and the global sustainability agenda.
What are the goals of the TfS initiative?
The objectives of TfS include the establishment of uniform global environmental and social standards in the chemical industry’s supply chains. By promoting transparency in the supply chains, the risk of disruption is to be reduced and the corporate image strengthened. TfS strives for continuous improvement and aims to increase efficiency, gain market advantages and reduce costs through collaboration.
What standards do companies have to meet to become a TfS member?
To become a member of TfS, companies must support and implement the principles of Responsible Care®, comply with the principles of the UN Global Compact and apply sustainable practices. They must also achieve a satisfactory score in the TfS audit.
How does a TfS audit work and what costs are involved?
The TfS audit comprises an assessment using an online questionnaire, the provision of documents and a 360° observation. The audit usually takes 1-3 days and can be conducted on-site or remotely. The cost of the audit depends on the number of locations and employees.