The findings were revealed in a supply chain sustainability survey of more than 1,400 professionals involved in certification across Europe, Asia and America, conducted by quality assurance and risk management firm DNV GL, with GFK Eurisko and Sedex.

Compared with a similar survey in 2014, companies now feel greater pressure to demonstrate a sustainable supply chain, with 76 percent saying that customers are the main drivers, and pressure also coming from direct and indirect stakeholders.

In three years' time the pressure will be greater, 72 percent of respondents believed.

When making their own buying decisions, 90 percent of respondents said that supply chain sustainability was a key factor. The top three markers of sustainability were rated as low environmental impact, health and safety at work and financial management.

The survey points to a group of leaders in the field, mainly large international companies, that are pulling ahead of the others. “They stand out as they are managing their supply chain with a strategic approach, penetrating all tiers of their value chains with a holistic and structured approach,” the report said.

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