Though products are increasingly delivered
online, print publications are still a significant
part of RElx Group’s business, and the com-
pany purchases a large amount of paper. The
company’s challenge was to better understand
the sustainability of the paper it uses. To ensure
suppliers meet the ethical standards RELX
Group set for its own behavior, the company
began its Socially Responsible Supplier (SRS)
programme in 2003. The cornerstone is the
RELX Group Supplier Code of Conduct, which
incorporates the ten principles of the UN Global
Compact. Suppliers are asked to sign and
prominently post the Code in their workplaces.
It also helps suppliers spread best practice
through their own supply chain by requiring
subcontractors to enter into a written commit-
ment that they will uphold the Supplier Code.
RELX Group conducts an annual survey asking
suppliers to communicate their performance on
all elements of the Code and the ten principles,
not only on key environmental issues but also
on ensuring they do not use child and involun-
tary labour, avoid workplace discrimination and
promote freedom of association. This data is
complemented by information gathered through
PREPS, a shared industry resource for paper
sustainability. PREPS fosters positive engage-
ment with paper suppliers and RELX Group is a
founding member.