GRI launches new project to increase transparency in supply chain reporting

Netherlands 4 Jul 2008

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has launched a new project aimed at increasing transparency in the supply chains of multinational companies. Called the Global Action Network for Transparency in the Supply Chain, it is designed to encourage multinational companies to promote sustainability through greater transparency in disclosing their economic, environmental and social performance throughout their supply chains.

Nelmara Arbex, Director of Learning Services at GRI, said: “We are convinced that only by bringing about transparency throughout the supply chain can companies fully understand and work towards dealing with very serious risks not only to the environment and society, but to brand reputation.”

The GRI intends to release a new publication in the near future that provides a step-by-step approach to sustainability reporting, in particular focussed how large multinationals should interact with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in their supply chain. In the meantime, it has released "Small, Smart and Sustainable", which presents the experiences of a selection of multinational companies in dealing with SME reporting in their global supply chains.