PRESS RELEASE

• The new platform helps users to manage and remediate Human Rights violations and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts of materials used in the automotive value chain.

• Raw Material Outlook currently includes Aluminum/Bauxite, Graphite, Iron ore and Steel, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Tantalum and Zinc.

• The platform will be presented at the European SDG Summit 2021 at the session  “Sustainable Aluminum Sourcing in the Automotive Supply Chain” on 12 October at 14:00-15:30 CET

Brussels, 12 October, 2021 – Drive Sustainability, the leading automotive partnership of 11 Original Equipment Manufacturers, has launched Raw Material Outlook, the new platform dedicated to managing and mitigating the Human Rights violations and the ESG impacts of materials used in the automotive value chain. The platform, now live and accessible, covers the following materials: Aluminum/Bauxite, Graphite, Iron ore, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Rare Earth Elements REE, Tantalum and Zinc.  Findings on these materials are publicly available and updated regularly.

CSR Europe, facilitator of Drive Sustainability, will officially present the platform at the virtual European SDG Roundtable “Sustainable Aluminum Sourcing in the Automotive Supply Chain” on 12 October at 14:00-15:30 CET. The event, which takes places in the framework of the European SDG Summit 2021, will bring together representatives of the European Commission, businesses, civil society organisations to:

• Explore how Raw Material Outlook can be used to nurture dialogue, collaboration, and action in the creation of more sustainable supply chains.

• Showcase how companies can move from risk-identification to responsible sourcing in the automotive supply chain using the case of aluminium.

People and the environment are the automotive industry’s most important resources. It is of great importance that the individuals making vehicles, components, or providing services are afforded decent working conditions and are treated with dignity and respect, while minimizing the environmental impact of the industry and promoting business integrity.

The platform goes beyond the mere collection and analysis of data and provides intelligence to:

• Help users aligning with the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and relevant EU policies on the Green Economy and Corporate Governance & Sustainability.

• Support Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with valuable insights to ensure responsible sourcing and improve their due diligence and ESG risk assessment.

• Guide Drive Sustainability’s engagement and potential collaborative action with Drive Sustainability partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

The Raw Material Outlook uses a value chain approach to identify the most salient impacts and risks, which are assessed following the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The information compiled is the result of an extensive review of secondary data from reports, academic papers, and media articles. The research methodology has also involved industry associations and minerals experts, setting the foundations for broader engagement and dialogue.

The platform - developed by CSR Europe in collaboration with Levin Sources – builds up on the Raw Materials Observatory, a standardized process to identify risks, impacts as well opportunities for collective actions, designed by Drive Sustainability in 2018.

ABOUT DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY

Drive Sustainability is the leading automotive partnership between 11 OEMs. The Partnership, facilitated by CSR Europe, aims to drive sustainability throughout the automotive supply chain by promoting a common approach within the industry and by integrating sustainability in the overall procurement process.

ABOUT CSR EUROPE

CSR Europe is the leading European business network for Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility. With our corporate members, National Partner Organizations (NPOs), and Associated Partners, we unite, inspire & support over 10,000 enterprises at local, European, and global level. We support businesses & industry sectors in their transformation and collaboration towards practical solutions and sustainable growth. We are for systemic change. Following the SDGs, we want to co-build with the European leaders and stakeholders an overarching strategy for a Sustainable Europe 2030.

ABOUT LEVIN SOURCES

Levin Sources is a consultancy specialising in promoting responsible business conduct and good governance in minerals production and sourcing. It builds sustainable minerals sectors and supply chains that generate enduring value for humanity by upholding human rights, protecting the environment, and enabling sustainable development in line with major voluntary and mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.

For more information:

Catalina Pislaru, Drive Sustainability, Manager Materials Team, CSR Europe

Aleksandr Pashnev, Drive Sustainability, Senior Project Manager Materials Team, CSR Europe

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