What is TFS-CI?

(Together for Sustainability-Chemical Initiative TfS-CI) “ Working together for sustainable development” - The Chemical Alliance, whose members include BASF, Bayer, Evonik Industries, Henkel, LANXess and Solvay.

Member companies are sharing sustainability assessment, audit and capacity building initiatives that help reduce duplication and free up resources to make more effective improvements. To this end, member companies have jointly developed TfS sustainability requirements for suppliers based on reference frameworks such as the UN Global Compact, the Charter for Responsible Care and the ILO Conventions.

What is EcoVadis?

EcoVadis was founded in 2007 in Paris, France, as an international supply chain management platform built by ngos such as Working Together for Sustainable Development - Global Chemistry Alliance (TFS-CI) and UN Global Compact. So far, it has developed into the most trusted global corporate sustainability rating system, and maintains friendly exchanges and close cooperation with major sustainability initiatives.

According to the data released by TFS, in 2022, the suppliers of member enterprises conducted 8,386 assessments, of which 14% were Chinese chemical suppliers, and 378 audits were conducted, of which 52% were Chinese chemical suppliers. The former evaluation refers to the EcoVadis online evaluation, while the latter refers to the on-site TFS audit. EcoVadis is suitable for all types of enterprises, not only for factories, but also for other types of companies including chemical trade, technology research and development.

TFS-CI Partnership with EcoVadis

Common ground between TFS-CI and EcoVadis audits

The biggest common denominator of TfS and EcoVadis projects is the CSR assessment involving the suppliers of well-known global brands and multinational groups, and the final audit report can be widely recognized by the project members and customers to avoid unnecessary duplication of audits.

Differences between TFS-CI and EcoVadis audit

Difference 1:

TfS is mainly aimed at chemical related enterprises, and its initiator group is also the project of the world famous chemical giant TfS, which is also concentrated in chemical related industries, such as chemical factories, chemical logistics and chemical packaging containers.

EcoVadis involves a wide range of industries, chemical industry is only one of them.

Difference 2:

TfS projects are commissioned to the world's well-known audit institutions for on-site audit (ITS and SGS, Allen consultant can PR), the final report will be scored and issued by the CAP, are all in English audit reports. For members of TfS, they have also tailored a special self-evaluation form.

EcoVadis is an online self-assessment and evidence submission that does not require an on-site audit. EcoVadis questionnaires are different for different industries and sizes. After online self-assessment and evidence submission, EcoVadis experts will conduct a comprehensive assessment and finally give a score and rating. (EcoVadis online submission of documents, file complexity and coincidence rate will be detected, the world can get gold MEDALS less than 2%, you can see its rigor).

Which one is used for TFS-CI and EcoVadis projects?

Chemical plant: Both standards are possible. Please confirm with the customer whether TFS or EcoVadis should be used.

Chemical trading or technology research and development companies: then only EcoVadis online assessment is right for you.

EcoVadis is widely applicable, including chemical trading companies can use online assessment, while TFS on-site audit is only for chemical production enterprises.

No matter TFS or EcoVadis is adopted, chemical enterprises need to operate in compliance with laws and regulations, constantly improve CSR management system, actively implement sustainable development measures, and continuously improve environmental, labor and human rights and other related performance.