To enhance sustainability within chemical industry supply chains, the TfS initiative was launched in 2011 by six multinational chemical companies: BASF, Bayer, Evonik Industries, Henkel, Lanxess and Solvay. Since its inception, TfS has grown into a worldwide network of 29 chemical companies delivering a global standard for the environmental, social and governance performance of chemical supply chains.
To drive and foster resilience, efficiency, and sustainability, TfS has developed and implemented a global program to assess, audit and improve sustainability practices within the supply chains of the chemical industry. SGS is one of the few certification bodies approved by TfS to perform audits as part of this program.
What is a TfS audit?
A Together for Sustainability audit is an on-site examination performed by a professional and independent audit company that has been pre-approved by TfS, such as SGS. TfS audits are always announced. The TfS audit program includes an initial audit, and depending on the findings, a follow-up (either an onsite inspection or a document review). The cycle is a repeated at a frequency based on the audit results.
The audit is conducted in accordance with a defined set of criteria and covers the following sustainability topics:
- Management
- Environment
- Health and safety
- Labor and human rights
- Governance
Audit reports are sent to the TfS office and then uploaded to a web based platform, where they are available for the audited company and all TfS member companies.
The TfS audit program is not a certification scheme or a pass/fail exercise; instead, it is a starting point for implementing sustainability improvements.
Why choose TfS audits from SGS?
A TfS audit will allow you to:
- Improve your sustainability performance and reduce sustainability risks
- Ensure high quality by selecting qualified partners
- Engage with customers regarding sustainability requirements and challenges
- Build long term relationships with customers
As a participant in the TfS audit program, you can:
- Avoid duplicate audits
- Assure the quality of your audit results
- Share your results with multiple customers on one platform
Contact us to learn more about our TfS audits.