ISM has once again been awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal for outstanding sustainability efforts.

For the second year in succession, ISM has been awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal for comprehensive sustainability efforts in the fields of environmental protection, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. They thus rank among the top 25% percent of companies assessed by EcoVadis in their sector

ISM has once again won the Silver Medal awarded by EcoVadis, the leading global provider of corporate sustainability ratings. This is the second year in a row that they have received this prestigious award. The award highlights the continuous efforts towards sustainability and social responsibility undertaken by the Lippstadt-based manufacturer of safety footwear and workwear.
EcoVadis ranked ISM amongst the top 25% of companies in the sector overall.

EcoVadis rates companies on the basis of 21 sustainability criteria covering four key areas: environmental protection, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. To date, EcoVadis has assessed more than 85,000 companies worldwide, providing comprehensive, evidence-based insight into the sustainability activities of organisations.

The evidence-based assessments are converted into easy-to-read scorecards that use a points system ranging from one to one hundred (01–100) and medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum). The scorecards show the strengths of the respective companies and also indicate potential for improvement. Companies can utilise these suggestions to make their sustainability efforts more purposeful.

ISM had improved significantly in two areas: their Sustainable procurement mark had risen from 40 to 60 points and their Environment score improved from 60 to 70 points.

They achieved the higher Sustainable procurement score by introducing a sustainability code of conduct to impose stricter sustainability standards on suppliers. They also conducted on-site audits of suppliers with regard to environmental and social factors and performed sustainability-related risk analyses prior to supplier assessments or audits.

They improved their Environment score by optimising processes in waste management, reducing material consumption and improving energy efficiency by modernising technology and plant equipment. This was accompanied by the improved documentation and enforcement of environmental guidelines.

In this way, they achieved Good or Advanced sustainability scores in all areas assessed.

“This recognition of our efforts makes us very proud”, says Julia Krämer-Gümüs, Managing Director of ISM. “The award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability in all areas of our business.” We always strive to incorporate environmental, social and ethical best practice standards into our work. We will keep on working as a team to ensure continuous improvement in all areas.”

The EcoVadis assessment is based on internationally recognised sustainability standards including the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard and the ISO 26000 standard. This ensures that the ratings are both thorough and reliable. It gives companies an actionable roadmap for continuous improvement.

The award is a clear indication of ISM's commitment to sustainability and an important milestone in their ongoing mission to minimise the impact of their operations on the environment and strengthen social and ethical responsibility in their core business practices.

The Silver Recognition Level remains valid for one year. All information about ISM's extensive sustainability efforts can be found at https://www.ism-europa.de/de/ism-betterworld.html