Supply chains & purchasing

We improve sustainability in our supply chains through fair and sustainable procurement, championing fair trade, and initiatives to combat modern slavery, conflict minerals and issues around palm oil.

Why are supply chains and purchasing important?

Where the raw materials of a product come from, how a product is put together and how it arrives at the University form part of a complex chain. 

Some are very short (usually local), and some are complex global chains. It is often difficult to trace these chains to ensure each individual supplier follows acceptable standards for their workers, the environment and society. 

Watch the animation above to learn what supply chains are, what problems can exist in them, and how the University is striving to make its supply chains more socially responsible and sustainable.