EcoVadis offers a platform through which suppliers can have their CSR performance evaluated. Customers can then include this evaluation in their purchasing decision.

The evaluation takes place in several steps. The main element of data collection is a questionnaire covering the environment, labor and human rights, sustainable procurement and ethics/compliance. All information must be supported by appropriate evidence.

In the second step, the evaluation is carried out by EcoVadis. The analysis of each topic is based on three key indicators: policies and guidelines, measures and results. After analyzing the responses and related documents, EcoVadis summarizes the results in an overall score and a topic-based score, and provides an overview of strengths and weaknesses.

At the end of 2017, VDM Metals received its first request from a large French group that wanted to introduce an evaluation by EcoVadis as a condition of approval for its suppliers. In 2018, the first evaluation took place, with VDM Metals receiving 35 out of 100 points, and at the end of 2019, VDM Metals scored 43 out of 100 points.