Umicore
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Worldwide
Developing a smart sustainability strategy in the battery value chain
EDANA, representing over 300 companies in the nonwovens industry, partnered with Sustenuto to enhance industry transparency and trust. Sustenuto supported the development of a voluntary industry charter focused on Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) that sets new quality standards and builds consumer trust through stakeholder engagement and the creation of a robust code of conduct.
Engaging Stakeholders to Establish a New Code of Conduct for Absorbent Hygiene Products
EDANA is the voice of the nonwovens industry in Europe, representing more than 300 companies that produce essential products such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, and fabrics for car seats. To promote innovation, sustainability, and profitable growth, EDANA has consistently worked towards building trust within the industry and with consumers. Over the past five years, Sustenuto has played a critical role in supporting EDANA’s sustainability initiatives, including the development of a Sustainability Vision 2030 and the execution of a materiality analysis.
In alignment with this vision, EDANA sought to enhance consumer trust by developing new quality standards that go beyond existing legislation. Sustenuto was tasked with guiding the development of a voluntary industry charter focused on Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP), involving extensive stakeholder engagement and collaboration across the nonwovens sector.
The Challenge
The nonwovens industry plays a crucial role in manufacturing products for daily human use, making consumer trust paramount. EDANA recognized the need to build and maintain this trust through transparency, product stewardship, and adherence to high-quality standards. The challenge was to go beyond current legislative requirements by adding social and environmental values to the products, particularly those in the Absorbent Hygiene Products category.
With the aim of promoting transparency and product safety, EDANA’s “Building Trust” programme encouraged members to act as guardians of product quality, communicate transparently about product contents, and build credibility through external verification. However, achieving these goals required the development of a formal industry charter that could serve as a voluntary code of conduct, fostering greater accountability and trust within the industry.
Our Approach
To meet EDANA’s objectives, Sustenuto implemented a strategic approach focused on stakeholder engagement and the development of new quality standards:
Base Framework Development:
Sustenuto began by creating a base framework that the industry charter would need to comply with, ensuring it met both the social and environmental goals outlined in EDANA’s Sustainability Vision 2030.
Facilitation of Steering Committee Meetings:
Multiple AHP Steering Committee meetings were facilitated by Sustenuto, where industry leaders, research institutes, and public entities collaborated to shape the charter’s direction and content.
Extensive Stakeholder Engagement:
The process involved engaging a broad range of stakeholders, including EDANA members, academic and research institutions, and public sector representatives. This inclusive approach ensured that the charter addressed the concerns and expectations of all relevant parties.
Industry-Wide Involvement:
Sustenuto ensured that the entire nonwovens sector was involved in the development of the charter. This comprehensive involvement was crucial to gaining buy-in and commitment from all parties, thereby strengthening the charter’s impact.
The result was a charter that set new benchmarks for quality standards in Absorbent Hygiene Products, enhancing transparency and building credibility within the market.
The Results
The collaboration between EDANA and Sustenuto led to the successful development of a voluntary industry charter, which now serves as a code of conduct for the nonwovens industry. This charter encourages EDANA members to uphold higher standards of safety and quality, systematically monitor product use, and respond to consumer concerns. The global commitment to safeguarding the quality and safety of Absorbent Hygiene Products has significantly contributed to building trust with consumers.
“Thanks to the support of Sustenuto, EDANA has been able to develop a clear sustainability vision. This has really put us on the path as an industry to take further joint actions, such as new voluntary codes of conduct.”
Gil Stevens
External Relations and Sustainability Director at EDANA
Conclusion
Through its partnership with Sustenuto, EDANA has successfully advanced its mission to build trust within the nonwovens industry. The development of a voluntary code of conduct for Absorbent Hygiene Products marks a significant step forward in ensuring product safety and quality, while also setting a precedent for future sustainability initiatives within the industry. This project exemplifies the importance of stakeholder engagement and strategic leadership in driving industry-wide change and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
