Wal-Mart Stores took the next step in its sustainability journey by hosting an unprecedented gathering of more than 1,000 leading suppliers, Chinese officials and NGOs in Beijing, China. The company outlined a series of aggressive goals and expectations to build a more environmentally and socially responsible global supply chain.
“Sustainability is about building a better business. We think it is essential to our future success as a retailer — and to meeting the expectations of the customers,” said Lee Scott, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores. “Maintaining the trust of our customers — today and in the future — is tied hand-in-hand with improving the quality of our supplier factories and their products.”
The company will focus on areas aimed at meeting or exceeding social and environmental standards, driving innovation and efficiency and building stronger partnerships with suppliers, government and NGOs, according to a company press release.
Addressing suppliers in attendance, Mike Duke, vice chairman for Wal-Mart’s international division outlined a number of requirements and expectations for suppliers who want to do business with Wal-Mart. “Achieving the goals that we lay out today is going to require a common commitment. It is going to take even stronger and deeper relationships,” said Duke. “We are expecting more of ourselves at Wal-Mart, and we will also expect more of our suppliers.”
