Partner day for our suppliers

Going towards a sustainable future together

On October 10th, 2012, the Dutch Day of Sustainability, we organised our first Partner Day for its suppliers. The day was intended to inform them about our vision, results and key developments in the area of material handling. The day focused on our strategies in supply chain and the embracement of the theme of sustainability. Vanderlande considers sustainability key and inseparably linked to innovation and partnership throughout the chain.

We are engaged in and committed to a challenging quest to obtain the best conceivable balance between People, Planet and Profit. We have called this ‘the Triple Bottom Line’. We take responsibility for a sustainable future by developing and implementing products that re-use natural resources and minimise CO2 emissions while simultaneously keeping sharp focus on quality, costs and timely delivery.

Vanderlande Industries applies the Cradle to Cradle® concept of William McDonough and Michael Braungart. “We involve our suppliers in the realisation of our goals. We ask and encourage them to take the initiative in finding new ways to restrict any negative environmental impact and to reduce costs. Making sustainable choices together allows us to take the necessary step forwards. A step towards a sustainable future,” says Edgar Beers, CPO Vanderlande Industries.

We started a highly appreciated dialogue, both with and between our suppliers. This was preceded by various presentations of VI staff. Professor Michael Braungart, the founder of the Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency (EPEA), and mr. Ruud Sondag, former CEO of Van Gansewinkel, inspired our suppliers about the most recent developments in interactive sessions. During a closing guided tour at the Vanderlande Industries Innovation Centre, the representatives of the various organisations exchanged ideas. In short, an instructive and inspirational day that will certainly be repeated in the future.

We received very enthusiastic feedback from our suppliers, regarding initiatives, ideas and atmosphere.

For additional readings on our Triple Bottom Line – philosophy read our brochure "Material Handling for a triple bottom line".

For additional questions contact

Remko de Lange – Program Manager Sustainability
Edgar Beers – Manager Corporate Procurement & Logistics