EcoVadis is a tool that helps companies practically address due diligence requirements.
Its platform enables organizations to map CSR risks across their supply chain, assess supplier performance, and monitor the implementation of corrective measures.
As such, EcoVadis acts as an operational lever to support compliance with the French Duty of Vigilance law and upcoming European regulations.
Due diligence: a demanding legal framework
Introduced in France by the law of March 27, 2017, corporate due diligence requires large French companies to:
- Identify social, environmental and ethical risks linked to their activities and those of their partners.
- Implement prevention and control measures throughout their supply chains.
- Publish an annual vigilance plan, made publicly available.
This plan must include:
- A risk mapping covering the entire value chain.
- Assessment procedures for partners and suppliers.
- Corrective actions and alert mechanisms.
- Ongoing monitoring and reporting of results.
How EcoVadis supports due diligence implementation
EcoVadis helps companies meet these obligations by providing a standardized assessment of suppliers across four sustainability pillars: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.
Practical tools and benefits
- Automated supplier risk mapping, powered by EcoVadis’ global database (over 130,000 assessed companies).
- Documented CSR assessments, based on tangible evidence reviewed by dedicated analysts.
- Progress tracking, through annual updates of supplier scorecards.
- Dashboards and consolidated indicators, facilitating the preparation of vigilance plans.
A recognized tool in responsible procurement strategies
Many French and international companies rely on EcoVadis to structure their responsible purchasing strategies.
This approach allows organizations to select partners based on their EcoVadis score. It also provides documented evidence of suppliers’ actions and commitments, as required by certain legal obligations, while fostering direct and transparent communication with suppliers.
Common best practices
- Integrating EcoVadis assessments into supplier selection processes.
- Defining minimum CSR performance thresholds to maintain business relationships, for example by requiring a Bronze or Silver EcoVadis medal.
- Implementing annual score monitoring and improvement plans.
- Using results to support CSR reporting or vigilance plans.
Anticipating future European requirements
The upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), currently under adoption by the European Union, will require many companies to:
- Assess the social and environmental impacts of their suppliers.
- Implement due diligence procedures.
- Publish annual monitoring reports.
- Ensure traceability across global value chains.
EcoVadis helps anticipate these requirements through:
- A methodological framework aligned with European due diligence expectations.
- Management and reporting tools that integrate with existing CSR systems.
- Objective proof of suppliers’ CSR commitment, via a score reflecting their maturity level, which can be shared across multiple entities or subsidiaries.
Due Diligence and EcoVadis — Key Takeaways
| Key point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Nature of the link | EcoVadis helps operationalize due diligence through supplier CSR assessments |
| Legal framework | French law of March 27, 2017 and the future European CSDDD |
| Tools used | Assessments, risk mapping, action plan monitoring |
| Benefits | Time savings, transparency, reliable supplier CSR data |
| Limit | EcoVadis does not replace a vigilance plan but supports it |
| Final objective | Strengthen compliance, accountability and supply chain sustainability |
