Our journey to EcoVadis Platinum

 Why EcoVadis matters for SMEs 

Across global supply chains, expectations are changing fast. Large multinational organisations face growing regulatory, investor and consumer pressure to demonstrate credible environmental, social and ethical performance. In response, they are pushing these requirements down their supply chains. 

For SMEs, this can feel daunting. Many organisations are suddenly being asked to complete sustainability assessments, share detailed policies, or meet supplier standards they’ve never encountered before. EcoVadis has become one of the most widely used tools to assess supplier sustainability performance and is increasingly a requirement to win or retain contracts. 

Our path to Platinum 

Achieving a Platinum EcoVadis rating didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of deliberate, structured action across key areas: environment, labour, human rights and ethics. 

We started by being honest about where we were, reviewing existing policies, identifying gaps, and prioritising what would have the biggest impact on our sustainability measures. 

From there, we focused on: 

• Reviewing all of our policies to ensure they are robust and credible, setting clear targets in line with EcoVadis requirements and scheduling regular reviews 

• Collecting clear evidence, from emissions data to supplier codes of conduct 

• Embedding accountability, working as a team and ensuring responsibilities weren’t sitting with one person alone 

• Engaging our stakeholders, bringing them along on the journey with us 

• Continuous improvement, not just aiming for a good score, but real progress year on year 

Crucially, we treated EcoVadis as more than a compliance exercise. It became a lens through which we strengthened governance, clarified decision-making and improved transparency. 

Turning experience into expertise 

Going through this process ourselves means we understand the realities SMEs face – limited time, limited resources, and competing priorities. We know how easy it is to overcomplicate sustainability, and how valuable clear, practical guidance can be. 

That’s why we now support other organisations on their EcoVadis journeys. From first-time assessments to score improvement strategies, we can help SMEs to: 

• Understand what EcoVadis is really asking for 

• Focus effort where it will have the most impact 

• Develop proportionate, credible policies 

• Build confidence when engaging with large customers 

• Develop clear communications strategies to engage all stakeholders 

A competitive advantage, not just a requirement 

For SMEs operating within global supply chains, sustainability is no longer optional. However rather than being seen as a complex requirement,  it can actually become a powerful differentiator – strengthening customer relationships, opening new opportunities and future-proofing the business. 

If you’re feeling the pressure to meet supplier sustainability standards, you don’t need to navigate it on your own. Our Platinum rating shows what’s possible with the right approach and we’re proud to be able to support other organisations through their own EcoVadis certification steps too.  

Ready to start your EcoVadis journey with us? 

Whether you’re preparing for your first EcoVadis assessment or looking to improve an existing score, AG Impact can help. We offer practical, SME-focused EcoVadis support services – from gap analysis and evidence preparation through to policy development and score improvement strategies. 

If you’re part of a global supply chain and feeling the pressure to meet supplier sustainability standards, we’ll help you take a clear, proportionate and confident approach. 

👉 Find out more about our EcoVadis support services
👉 Book a discovery call to discuss where you are now and how we can support your journey