EcoVadis provides a platform through which suppliers such as VDM Metals can have their CSR performance evaluated. Customers can review the evaluation in a web portal and then include it in their purchasing decision.

The evaluation takes place in several steps. The main element of the data collection is a comprehensive questionnaire covering the topics of environment, labor and human rights, sustainable procurement and ethics/compliance. The questionnaire asks, for example, whether measures are implemented to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, or how waste and hazardous substances are handled. All information must be proved with 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.