Collaboration with Suppliers
Sustainability in the supply chain can only be achieved through close collaboration. That is why we prioritize transparency, shared goals, and ongoing dialogue with our suppliers – particularly in the areas of the environment and human rights.
Our Approach
Together with our partners, we are working to
- reduce environmental impacts
- strengthen social standards
- Increase transparency in the supply chain
- Identify and minimize risks early on
Why is a supplier engagement strategy important?
The active involvement of suppliers is a key component of our approach to responsible supply chains. It facilitates the exchange of information and collaboration on issues such as human rights, working conditions, compliance and traceability. This enables us to better identify and address potential risks in the supply chain, whilst supporting statutory and internal company requirements. As products account for a significant proportion of METRO’s carbon footprint, we work with suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote appropriate measures.
Are you a METRO supplier interested in collaborating with us on sustainability?
If so, please contact us at cr@metro.de and become part of our Supplier Engagement Journey.
Reduce CO2
METRO aligns its climate goals with the Paris Agreement and is actively involved in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In doing so, we take into account not only our own emissions but also emissions throughout the entire value chain.
Since a large portion of our carbon footprint is generated by the products we receive from our suppliers, a particular focus is placed on collaboration with our suppliers.
Deforestation-Free Supply Chains
One of the main drivers of climate change is deforestation – the loss of natural forests and vegetation, for example, through their conversion to agricultural or other non-forestry lands. As a wholesaler, we are part of the supply chain and contribute to transparency within it. We strive to source from deforestation-free areas in order to help eliminate illegal logging practices.
Through our own METRO policy, we at METRO are committed to working with our suppliers to ensure deforestation-free supply chains.
Joint action is crucial to advancing and accelerating efforts to end deforestation.
Traceability of Fishery Products
The EU Fisheries Control Regulation establishes binding rules to ensure the legality, digital traceability, and safety of fishery products. METRO actively implements these requirements by specifically requiring its suppliers to maintain detailed records of origin, species, quantities, and fishing and production methods. In addition, METRO is committed to ensuring that all relevant identification data is fully recorded and that documentation requirements are consistently met.
Social Responsibility in the Supply Chain
Respect for human rights and fair working conditions is essential to us. Our social compliance standards form the basis for our collaboration with our suppliers.
Our goal is to strengthen human rights and ensure socially just working conditions in our private-label procurement channels by 2030.
Resilient Supply Chain
Our comprehensive understanding of human rights and environmental issues is reflected in our commitment.
In doing so, we follow a clear approach:
Through close collaboration with our suppliers, we can improve working conditions and build stable, long-term partnerships.
METRO approach to Social Compliance Due Diligence
Jul ’26 - .pdf - 0.27 MB