Sustainability in supply chains has become one of the most critical themes in responsible manufacturing practices. In a recent interview, Päivi Isomäki, Head of QMS at Innokas, shared how the company approaches supply chain sustainability in a practical, systematic, and collaborative way.

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Supplier classification based on risk and impact

When Innokas Sourcing selects a supplier, it's given an overall assessment for approval. The supplier's sustainability practices are relevant already at this initial stage.

The first step of the responsibility assessment itself is supplier classification. At Innokas, this is done using a scoring system that considers factors such as purchase volume and the risk level of the supplier’s country. Päivi emphasizes that larger purchases mean greater influence over the supplier’s operations – and with that, greater responsibility. While smaller purchases offer limited leverage, all suppliers are still carefully assessed.

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Sustainability surveys and contractual commitments

The work doesn’t stop at classification. Innokas collects sustainability data from suppliers using a questionnaire developed by an intern. For new suppliers, the company aims to establish a quality agreement and complete a material inquiry form. Suppliers are expected to either have their own sustainability program or commit to Innokas’ Supplier Code of Conduct. This ensures that sustainability is documented and traceable.

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Evaluation criteria from human rights to environmental responsibility

Supplier sustainability is evaluated through several key criteria, including:

• Human rights and labor policies
• Anti-corruption measures
• Fair business practices
• Environmental responsibility, such as raw material sourcing and waste management

According to Päivi, these criteria help identify potential risks and areas for improvement and are an essential part of ongoing supplier collaboration.

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The customer’s role in responsible choices

While Innokas actively promotes responsible sourcing and recommends sustainable suppliers, the final decision often lies with the customer Innokas provides services for. The company can provide information and guidance but cannot enforce responsible choices. This highlights the importance of transparent communication and collaboration; sustainability is a shared goal that requires commitment from all parties.

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Long-term supplier relationships as a foundation for trust

Päivi points out that most of Innokas’ suppliers have been long-term partners. The company avoids spot purchases and instead focuses on building lasting relationships with trusted and reliable suppliers. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the supply chain and strengthens trust and accountability.

Sustainability in supply chains is a continuous process that requires systematic evaluation, collaboration, and transparency. We always strive to demonstrate that responsibility can be embedded into everyday operations not just as a requirement, but as a core value guiding decision-making.

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