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For a socially responsible business

The Balakhna production site of BIAXPLEN has completed a Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA).

280,000

SMETA audits have been conducted to date

Companies use ethical SMETA audits to confirm their high level of social responsibility. The audit represents a simple and effective tool with a transparent data sharing system.

“Once the audit is complete, its results are stored using the Sedex open source product. It is one of the world’s largest platforms for exchanging supply chain information. The Sedex platform enables companies to enhance their reputation as suppliers,” says Ivan Kukhnin, Deloitte’s Head of Sustainability Services.

Explaining SMETA

The SMETA audit methodology is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, which draws from International Labour Organisation conventions and applicable local laws.
The ETI is an international alliance of companies and NGOs that promotes respect for workers' rights. Adopting relevant principles, ETI members expect the same from their suppliers and partners.

The audit started with a thorough inspection of the HR function documents.

SIBUR took an interest in the SMETA methodology and held a pilot audit at the Balakhna production site of BIAXPLEN. “Many clients care about how socially responsible the supplier is,” says Lidia Naumova, Chief Integrated Management System Officer at BIAXPLEN. “A number of global brand owners like Unilever require their suppliers to be SMETA certified for cooperation.”

The audit started with a thorough inspection of the HR function documents. The auditors assessed the HR policy, compliance with the labour laws, the salary level, and health and safety. They also checked on-site accommodation units, locker rooms and canteens to make sure they were comfortable and in line with sanitary standards.

All SMETAs also include a confidential interview with a member of production staff.

The auditors also checked the production site’s environmental policy to make sure it contained adequate provisions on the reduction of emissions and waste treatment practices.

“The only gap identified by the audit was the lack of a trade union, which was formed promptly upon the completion of the inspection, so the site had no trouble obtaining the certificate. This audit has definitely given us a significant competitive edge in the market,” says Lidia Naumova.


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