EcoVadis Ratings – Driving Global Business

Toward Sustainable Impact

Introduction

Sustainability is no longer a corporate “nice-to-have” but a business imperative. From regulatory compliance to market competitiveness, companies across industries are under growing pressure to prove their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. EcoVadis has emerged as a global benchmark for ESG performance and supply chain transparency, with more than 125,000 companies assessed worldwide (EcoVadis Index, 2024). As the world moves toward stricter sustainability regulations, EcoVadis ratings offer both a mirror and a roadmap for businesses aiming to future-proof themselves.

“Sustainability ratings like EcoVadis are no longer just about compliance—they are becoming a passport for participating in global supply chains.”

– PwC, Global Supply Chains: The Race to Rebalance (2023)

Why EcoVadis Matters

EcoVadis evaluates companies across four key themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. 

The rating system is designed to be clear and actionable, classifying businesses into five scoring bands: Insufficient, Partial, Good, Advanced, and Outstanding. This structure enables companies to identify gaps and set measurable improvement goals.

Source: EcoVadis (https://support.ecovadis.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002531507-What-is-the-EcoVadis-methodology)

According to EcoVadis, more than 125,000 companies worldwide have been assessed, creating one of the most comprehensive ESG performance databases. As sustainability disclosure requirements intensify—such as under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)—EcoVadis ratings provide a valuable compliance tool while strengthening stakeholder trust.

Leaders Setting the Standard

Several industry leaders consistently achieve high EcoVadis scores, demonstrating the value of continuous improvement. Recent Platinum and Gold medalists include Neste, Siemens, Deloitte Switzerland, and Allianz Trade. Their recognition is not a one-off achievement but reflects repeated evaluations over multiple years.

For example, Hitachi has leveraged EcoVadis ratings to strengthen its global supply chain engagement. By achieving high scores, the company signals its long-term ESG commitment to customers and investors alike.

“Being recognized by EcoVadis reinforces our commitment to continuous ESG improvement and builds confidence with partners across industries.”

– Siemens sustainability executive (Siemens Press Release, 2023)

From Challenges to Opportunities

EcoVadis is more than just a rating—it offers a full solutions suite that helps companies turn ESG compliance into opportunities for growth, differentiation, and innovation. For small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs), a strong EcoVadis score can open doors to supply chain partnerships that were previously inaccessible.

Take Continental AG as an example. The automotive supplier uses EcoVadis to engage with suppliers and drive improvements in sustainable procurement. This proactive approach not only reduces risks but also creates competitive advantages in a fast-changing industry.

“Our EcoVadis engagement helps us ensure resilience in our supply chain while supporting partners in their sustainability journey.” – Continental, Sustainability Report 2025 (Continental, 2025)

Performance Trends

EcoVadis benchmark data (2023) shows that environmental performance scores have improved the fastest, reflecting global progress in climate action and energy efficiency. However, sustainable procurement continues to lag, indicating that companies must go beyond internal measures to foster supplier development.

Deloitte’s Sustainable Supply Chain Survey emphasizes that collaboration is key:

“The next frontier is not individual company action, but supplier ecosystems working together to close sustainability gaps.”

– Deloitte (2023) (Deloitte Supply Chain Survey)

People and Culture at the Core

Sustainability is also shaping corporate culture. Companies with strong ESG commitments report higher employee engagement and success in attracting top talent, especially among younger generations. According to the 2023 Deloitte Gen Z and Millennial Survey, more than 50% of respondents prefer working for companies with clear sustainability values.

“Employees increasingly want to work for organizations that align with their values. ESG has become a magnet for talent.”

– McKinsey & Company, 2023 ESG Report (McKinsey, 2023)

A Southeast Asia Perspective

In Southeast Asia, EcoVadis ratings are particularly impactful for businesses seeking global market access. Genashtim, a Malaysia-based B Corp, leverages ESG frameworks like EcoVadis to demonstrate credibility to international buyers. This recognition has enabled the company to build partnerships with multinational corporations seeking responsible suppliers.

The ADB’s Asia-Pacific Regional Integration Index (2023) highlights how ESG adoption supports cross-border trade and integration:

“EcoVadis provides Southeast Asian SMEs a gateway to global supply chains, aligning local practices with international expectations.”

– Asian Development Bank (ADB, 2023)

The Road Ahead

The future of ESG is shifting from static assessments to continuous, real-time, and data-driven management. Companies are beginning to integrate EcoVadis insights with financial reporting and AI-driven risk monitoring tools. This evolution ensures ESG metrics are not isolated but embedded within corporate strategy.

“Companies that embed ESG into core strategy—not just compliance—are more resilient amid geopolitical, regulatory, and economic volatility.”

– World Economic Forum, Global Risks Report 2023 (WEF, 2023)

Conclusion

EcoVadis is more than a benchmark; it is a transformation tool that enables companies to identify gaps, drive improvements, and build trust across supply chains. Whether a global leader or a local SME, embracing EcoVadis ratings can unlock opportunities, enhance resilience, and ensure longterm relevance in the global economy.

Call to Action: Businesses of all sizes should view transparent sustainability practices not as optional, but as essential for thriving in an increasingly interconnected and regulated world.

References

•       EcoVadis (2024). EcoVadis Index. Available at: https://index.ecovadis.com/  •      PwC (2023). Global Supply Chains: The Race to Rebalance. Available at:

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/asia-pacific/supply-chain/2023-apec-tl-global-supply-chains-therace-to-rebalance.pdf 

•       Deloitte (2023). Sustainable Supply Chain Survey. Available at: https://www.deloitte.com/czsk/en/services/consulting/research/sustainable-supply-chain-survey.html 

•       McKinsey & Company (2023). ESG Report Executive Summary. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/about%20us/social%20responsibility/2023%20esg

%20report/mckinsey-and-company-2023-esg-report-executive-summary.pdf 

•       World Economic Forum (2023). Global Risks Report. Available at:

https://www.weforum.org/reports/global-risks-report-2023 

•       Asian Development Bank (2023). Asia-Pacific Regional Integration Index. Available at:

https://www.adb.org/publications/asia-pacific-regional-integration-index 

•       Siemens AG (2023). Platinum EcoVadis Sustainability Rating. Available at:

https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-earns-platinum-and-highest-everscore-ecovadis-sustainability-rating 

•       Continental AG (2025). EcoVadis Sustainability Rating. Available at:

https://www.continental.com/en/press/press-releases/20250527-sustainability-rating-ecovadis/ 

•       Deloitte (2023). Gen Z and Millennial Survey. Available at: