TOPIC GUIDE
Responsible sourcing
Responsible sourcing is not a single certification program. It is an approach that connects environmental, labor, chemical, and material-traceability requirements across a supply chain.
Understand multiple programs through one supply-chain lens
Buyer and brand requirements vary by product and supply-chain context. Identifying the risk and data to be addressed first helps determine the relevant assessment, verification, or certification framework.
PROGRAM MAP
Relevant programs by requirement
- 01
Facility environmental performance and annual data
Higg FEM · Higg FDM
Assessment and verification of facility energy, GHG, water, waste, chemical, and related environmental data.
- 02
Social and labor conditions
Higg FSLM / SLCP
Verification of facility working-condition and social and labor data under a converged framework.
- 03
Chemical inventory
ZDHC Verified InCheck
Review of facility chemical inventories against applicable ZDHC requirements.
- 04
Forest materials and chain-of-custody traceability
KFCC(PEFC) FM · CoC
Certification of forest management and controls for forest-based materials through processing and distribution.
WHERE TO START
Which program should you review first?
Review the buyer request, applicable product, production process, materials, and available data to define the right program scope.
- 01
Confirm the requested program and applicable reporting year.
- 02
Identify whether the scope concerns a facility, working conditions, chemicals, or forest-based materials.
- 03
Determine whether self-assessment, data development, verification, or certification is required.
- 04
Review the scope and preparation documents with the RST service team.