What is the EcoVadis assessment and why does Saipol engage in it?
Mélanie Salles: EcoVadis is a globally recognized organization that evaluates the sustainability performance of more than 150,000 companies in over 185 countries. It has become a key selection criterion for clients and investors, driving Saipol, a subsidiary of Avril, to engage in this structured process.
Four key themes are assessed: Environment, Social & Human Rights, Ethics, and Responsible Purchasing. Each year, companies submit a structured file with concrete evidence (policies, internal procedures, indicators, action plans). EcoVadis analysts then evaluate the maturity of the approach and assign an overall score.
EcoVadis medals (Bronze for the top 35%, Silver for the top 15%, Gold for the top 5%, and Platinum for the top 1%) are awarded based on the company’s ranking relative to other assessed companies over the past 12 months.
Having this assessment gives Saipol a structured, objective, and recognized framework for its CSR efforts, increasing visibility of its commitment for clients, teams, and suppliers.
What does the Gold Medal mean for Saipol?
M.S.: It means that Saipol is among the top 5% of companies rated by EcoVadis over the past 12 months. This demanding recognition reflects a collective and ongoing effort. Every year, data must be updated, progress must be demonstrated, and actions must be thoroughly documented. Maintaining this level of excellence requires rigour and strong team engagement, proving that CSR is deeply integrated into the daily life of the company and supported by all.
CSR Manager at Saipol
Why this evaluation is important for clients
M.S.: Many of our clients are themselves engaged in sustainability initiatives. They need to demonstrate that their supply chain is responsible, traceable, and aligned with their commitments. Saipol’s EcoVadis assessment provides a structured and credible guarantee, reinforcing their confidence in our CSR approach and helping them meet their own obligations. In some cases, this can even be a competitive advantage—being able to demonstrate a solid CSR commitment, beyond regulatory requirements, can make a significant difference.
How Saipol integrates this commitment with its suppliers
M.S.: The EcoVadis evaluation engages us across the entire value chain. Since 2024, we have launched a progressive program to evaluate our suppliers (excluding raw material suppliers) in line with Avril’s responsible purchasing policy. We support them in this process, which can be new for some. The goal is that by 2026, 80% of Saipol’s supplier spend (excluding raw materials) will be evaluated. This dynamic will expand to agricultural raw material suppliers by 2030, starting with our main partners in the agricultural sector.
📌 EcoVadis Evaluation Highlights for Saipol
- Part of the CSR momentum driven by Avril and its subsidiaries.
- Gold Medal obtained in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 for Saipol.
- Positioned among the top 5% of companies evaluated over the last 12 months.
- In 2025, 75% of Saipol’s supplier spend (excluding raw materials) was assessed under EcoVadis.
- Objective for 2026: 80% of supplier spend (excluding raw materials) evaluated.
- Objective for 2030: Extend EcoVadis evaluation to agricultural raw material suppliers.
