Service

Responsible Sourcing

We offer a full portfolio of responsible sourcing services to address the evolving needs of the marketplace.

Group of Latin American manual workers working at a shoe-making factory

UL Solutions recognizes that a global supply chain presents a unique set of challenges in assessing sustainable practices across different regions and products. The composition of multi-tier supply chains adds an additional layer of complexity to monitoring efforts.

That’s why we take a customizable and holistic approach to support our clients in developing their responsible sourcing program based on clients’ unique business strategies and supply chains, delivering auditing and advisory services that meet the evolving needs of the marketplace.

The six pillars of UL Solutions Responsible Sourcing services

Developing responsible sourcing programs

Code of conduct review
Benchmarking codes and program elements
Environmental policy benchmarks
Specialized standard development
Supplier manuals
CSR manuals
Program manuals

Supply chain risk and due diligence

Supply chain mapping
Risk identification
Risk analysis
Research
Due diligence

Improving audit programs

Development or customization of audit tools
Grading tools
Scoring methodology
Harmonizing social compliance program audits

Specialized audits

Third-party audits
Code of conduct audits
Technical audits
Traceability audits
Investigations
Social labor audits
CTPAT security audits

Audit alternatives

Using existing audit reports to provide regrades, waivers and exemptions
Specialized desktop document review

Improving supplier performance

Training (eg. root cause analysis & management systems training)
Correction action & preventive action (CAPA)

Advantages of UL Solutions’ responsible sourcing solutions

Global reach

UL Solutions has provided auditing and advisory services to more than 500 retailers, brands, and suppliers. Our employees represent over 30 nationalities and languages. Our global footprint covers 120 countries, where we conduct over 20,000 social assessments each year. As such, we can quickly deploy resources to offer service in newly emerging markets.

Trusted expertise

Drawing on more than 20 years of industry leadership experience, UL Solutions provides tailored solutions to responsible sourcing challenges across a variety of industries and regions.

Responsible sourcing audit programs

UL Solutions supports a number of third-party audit schemes and offers key audit services.

Proprietary audit services provided by UL Solutions

Responsible Sourcing Workplace Assessment (RSWA)
Responsible Sourcing Agricultural Assessment (RSAA)
Chemicals Management Audit
Environmental Audit
Wastewater Assessment
Fire Safety Management Systems Audit
Brand Protection Audit
Production Verification Assessment
Security Audit
Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Audit
Traceability Audit
Responsible Minerals Due Diligence Assessment
Responsible Minerals Supplier Verification Assessment

UL Solutions supported audit schemes

amfori’s Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI)
amfori’s Business Environmental Performance Initiative (BEPI)
Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM 3.0)
Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Validated Assessment Process (VAP) and non-VAP Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP)
Seafood Task Force Traceability and Vessel Assessments
Supplier Compliance Audit Network (SCAN) Association
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA)

UL Solutions Abstract Graphics - Full Circuit

Our Complaints and Disputes Procedure is publicly available for review.

Related resources

Enhanced Focus on the Social Pillar of ESG

UL’s responsible sourcing solutions help manufacturers, brands and retailers advance their sustainable business practices with global supply chains.

How to Set Scientific Targets for Saving Energy and Water

UL’s experts provide guidance on setting proper baselines and targets and introduce tips on implementing energy- and water-saving measures.

Human Rights Due Diligence

UL Solutions helps businesses implement standards and assess, develop and improve effective HRDD policies and procedures.

What Is Human Rights Due Diligence?

UL Solutions responsible sourcing team presents an overview on human rights due diligence (HRDD) in a complimentary webinar.

EU Publishes Draft Directive for Corporate Sustainability

The EU Commission has published guidance for member countries to develop corporate due diligence laws to promote responsible corporate behavior.

Related services

amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative Social Audit Program with UL Solutions

The amfori BSCI Social Audit Program with UL Solutions helps clients drive social compliance and improvements within the factories and farms in their supply chains.

Environmental Services

Effectively establish and communicate your responsible sourcing program standards with UL Solutions environmental services.

Raw Materials Traceability Services

Mitigate exposure risks associated with raw materials sourcing with UL Solutions.

Remediation Services

Improve your social responsibility with UL Solutions responsible sourcing program and remediation services.

Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Code of Conduct Audits

Electronics companies source components from suppliers globally, and it can prove challenging to ensure that all those suppliers follow best practices.

Responsible Sourcing Workplace Assessments

UL Solutions’ Responsible Sourcing Workplace Assessments provide customers with key information on workplace conditions across the supply chain.

SMETA Audit for Global Supply Chain

Learn about UL’s support of Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA). Find streamlined social compliance and improved reporting with SMETA and the SEDEX system.