VDM Metals, the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance alloys, has been awarded the highest possible rating in this year's assessment by the renowned sustainability platform EcoVadis: platinum. After several consecutive years of gold ratings and a first-time platinum award last year, this is an extraordinary achievement that impressively underscores the consistent improvement in VDM Metals' sustainability performance.
The EcoVadis assessment is considered one of the most demanding and internationally recognized standards for evaluating corporate sustainability performance. It includes a detailed analysis of environmental, social, and ethical practices as well as supply chain responsibility. By repeatedly achieving platinum status, VDM Metals once again ranks among the top one percent of all companies assessed worldwide.
A proof of outstanding performance
"The EcoVadis Platinum award is confirmation of our long-term and holistic commitment to sustainability in all aspects of our business activities," says Dr. Niclas Müller, CEO of VDM Metals. “It is the result of the hard work and dedication of our entire workforce and shows that we take our responsibility towards the environment, our employees, and society very seriously.”
For VDM Metals, sustainability is not just a marketing issue, but a central pillar of its corporate strategy. The success at EcoVadis reflects progress in several key areas:
Environment: VDM Metals has made significant investments in reducing energy consumption, lowering emissions, and increasing recycling rates. The circular economy is an integral part of production, with recycled material accounting for a high proportion of the raw materials used.
Labor and human rights: The assessment recognizes the high standards in occupational safety, training and development, and fair working conditions.
Ethical business practices: Strict adherence to ethical principles and transparent corporate governance form the basis for the trust of customers, partners, and employees.
Sustainable procurement: VDM Metals works closely with its suppliers to ensure high standards in the areas of environment, social affairs, and governance (ESG) throughout its supply chain.
Significince of the award in the economy
In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, sustainability is becoming more and more important in the economy. Customers, investors, and the public demand transparency and demonstrable progress in ESG efforts from companies. The EcoVadis Platinum award sends a strong signal to the market:
Building trust with customers: The rating helps VDM Metals further strengthen the trust of its customers, especially in industries where sustainability is a key criterion.
Competitive advantage: It differentiates the company from its competitors and positions it as a preferred partner for companies that value a sustainable supply chain.
Attractiveness as an employer: The award makes VDM Metals an attractive employer for skilled workers who want to work for a responsible company.
The platinum status is an incentive for VDM Metals to further intensify its sustainability efforts. "This is not the end of the journey, but a milestone on our path. We will continue to invest in sustainable technologies and processes and continuously improve our performance in all areas in order to secure our leading position in the industry in the future," said Dr. Müller.