New initiative prioritizes responsible procurement, fostering stronger supplier relationships and reducing environmental impact.

Hager Group, leading provider of solutions and services for electrotechnical installations, is proud to announce the launch of its new *Sustainable Procurement Program* as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to building a more sustainable future. “We are committed to our Sustainable Sourcing Program, confident that it will not only advance our sustainability goals but also strengthen collaboration with our strategic partners, bringing greater resilience and value to the entire supply chain.” said Marylene Lombardi, Group Head of Direct Sourcing.

This initiative, developed in partnership with EcoVadis, a globally recognized provider of sustainability ratings, marks a major milestone in Hager Group’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, known as the *E3 strategy*, which focuses on achieving greater environmental and social responsibility throughout its operations.

The *Sustainable Procurement Program* aims to integrate sustainability into every layer of Hager Group’s value chain, ensuring that suppliers adhere to the same high standards for environmental stewardship, ethical practices, and human rights that Hager Group upholds. The program also aligns with Hager’s long-term goals of reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable materials, and fostering fair labour practices.

"At Hager Group, we recognize that sustainability is a shared responsibility. Our products rely heavily on the materials provided by our suppliers, so their commitment to sustainability directly impacts our ability to achieve our goals," said Matthieu Alexandropoulos, Corporate Social Responsibility Senior Director and Sustainable Procurement Program Sponsor. "By collaborating with our supply chain, we are driving collective action towards a more sustainable and inclusive future."

A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability

Through the partnership with EcoVadis, Hager Group is utilizing the EcoVadis IQ Plus tool to evaluate the sustainability performance of its suppliers. This tool leverages supplier data to assess risk profiles across key sustainability areas, including environmental impact, labour practices, and ethical business conduct. Suppliers identified as critical or higher-risk will be invited to participate in a detailed sustainability assessment conducted via the EcoVadis platform.

Upon completing the assessment, suppliers receive a customized sustainability scorecard, offering insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. This not only fosters transparency but also encourages suppliers to take proactive steps toward enhancing their sustainability performance.

Benefits for Suppliers

Participation in Hager Group’s *Sustainable Procurement Program* offers numerous advantages for suppliers:

Performance Benchmarking: Suppliers can compare their sustainability performance against industry peers, helping them to identify areas for improvement.

- Improved Business Opportunities**: Suppliers demonstrating strong sustainability performance are given priority in future tenders and business partnerships.

- Regulatory Compliance: The program helps suppliers align with evolving global sustainability regulations, such as the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG).

- Support for Improvement: Suppliers will have access to EcoVadis’ free improvement webinars and resources, helping them achieve higher sustainability scores and meet Hager’s standards.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

This program plays a key role in advancing Hager Group’s *E3 strategy*, which focuses on reducing environmental impact, promoting social responsibility, and ensuring ethical governance. Eventually, Hager Group aims to eliminate high sustainability risks from its supplier portfolio, ensuring that all suppliers are aligned with its values of environmental stewardship and social equity.