Responsible Procurement Approach
Within the framework of responsible supply chain management, WAT prioritizes sustainability, ethics, and environmental compliance, developing comprehensive policies to address these areas. The company closely monitors industrial developments and integrates legal directives and regulations such as RoHS, WEEE, and REACH into its procurement activities to ensure environmental compliance. In doing so, WAT aims to establish an environmentally conscious supply chain management system.
Before initiating collaboration with suppliers, WAT conducts self-assessment surveys to evaluate their environmental and social profiles. These surveys provide a detailed examination of suppliers' environmental, social, and ethical performance. Partnerships are not initiated if major non-compliances are detected, while minor non-compliances are addressed through improvement plans and monitored closely. WAT regularly audits its suppliers through third-party organizations, creating action plans based on audit results to ensure continuous improvement among its suppliers.
To support the sustainable development of its suppliers and improve their adaptability to changing conditions, WAT implements comprehensive Supplier Development Programs. These programs include training sessions for suppliers and motorering services focused on machine and process efficiency. The goal is to enhance efficiency in suppliers' production processes, reduce environmental impacts, and align with sustainability criteria.
WAT expects its suppliers to improve their environmental performance, establish environmental management systems, and operate in accordance with the principles of the circular economy. Suppliers are required to comply with national and international environmental legislation, use natural resources efficiently, set goals to improve environmental performance, and manage waste processes effectively. Additionally, suppliers are expected to actively address water risk management, minimize chemical use, and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.
As of 2023, WAT has collaborated with 208 suppliers across 18 different countries and subjected 54 critical suppliers—accounting for 77% of its procurement volume—to third-party audits. These audits focused on ESG performance and compliance with environmental and ethical standards, with necessary actions planned to ensure supplier adherence to these criteria. Special attention was given to suppliers with significant operational impacts, particularly within the scope of WAT’s collaboration with Arçelik, where sustainability risks among key suppliers were closely monitored.
WAT continues to work in collaboration with its suppliers to prevent environmental harm at every stage of the supply chain. The company provides the necessary support to raise awareness and foster improvements among its suppliers regarding sustainability, ethics, and environmental compliance. WAT’s Responsible Supply Chain Policy encompasses environmental and social responsibilities as well as ensuring business continuity. Suppliers are expected to operate in alignment with sustainable development principles. WAT remains committed to protecting the environment and creating a sustainable supply chain, continually improving its collaboration with suppliers to achieve these goals.