Supplier Standards

DS Smith expects suppliers to adhere and act according to the same values as DS Smith.

Supplier Evaluation & Compliance 

Material selection and supplier selection are two distinct processes at DS Smith. Both material and supplier must be evaluated before supply to DS Smith can be authorised. 

If the relationship between DS Smith and the supplier is new, an initial evaluation is conducted to assess the potential supplier's ability to meet DS Smith's requirements. Such an assessment can take the form of a questionnaire, visit or a formal audit. 

When areas of non-compliance are identified at a supplier, corrective action has to be implemented and the time frame for reaching compliance agreed upon. DS Smith believes in working together with the supplier to improve performance. 

The expectations of compliance can also be reinforced in contracts. 

Follow-up audits and visits may be carried out to continually evaluate and improve supplier performance. 

Code of Conduct

DS Smith's Code of Conduct is a set of standards that continually builds on its core values. As part of this commitment, DS Smith is a member of the United Nations Global Compact which consists of 10 principles in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption. DS Smith also expects suppliers to adhere and act according to the same values as DS Smith.

National laws and regulations 

Suppliers must, as a minimum, comply with applicable international and national laws and regulations. However, it is important to know that DS Smith requirements may sometimes exceed the requirements set out in international and national laws. 

Health and safety 

A safe and healthy work environment shall be provided for all employees and the supplier shall take effective steps to prevent potential accidents and injuries to workers. A process for continual monitoring and improvement of the work environment shall be in place and a management representative responsible for the health and safety of all personnel shall be appointed. In general, DS Smith expects that its suppliers will provide safe and humane working conditions for all their employees. 

Employee relations 

  • Non-discrimination
    No discrimination is tolerated based on gender, marital or parental status, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, religious belief, political affiliation, age or disability. 
  • Wages and benefits
    Suppliers should pay fair wages and benefits that at least meet the minimum legal and/or industry standard (based on local customs and regulations). 
  • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
    Suppliers should recognise the fundamental right of employees to decide on whether to be represented by recognised unions of their choice, and should provide the right for employees and their trade unions to engage in collective bargaining. The practices should be based upon internationally recognisedlabour standards and take into account the customs and regulations of the country in which the supplier operates. 

    Furthermore, this Supplier Code of Conduct would expect: 
  • Employment contracts
    All employees are expected to have an employment contract, whether they are short term, long term or temporary. 
  • Working hours
    Suppliers should comply with applicable international and national laws and industry standards on working hours. 

Business practice 

  • Ethical behaviour
    Suppliers are expected to conduct business in a transparent and ethical manner and shall not participate in any illegal, corrupt or improper business practices. 
  • Supplier engagement
    DS Smith expects its suppliers to conduct their operations with consideration for the standards and values expressed in this Code of Conduct down its supply chain. 

Respect for human rights 

Fundamental human rights should be respected, both in terms of suppliers' own employees and in each supplier's sphere of influence. 

  • Child labour
    The supplier shall not engage in or support the use of child labour as defined by international and national laws. 
  • Forced or compulsory labour
    The supplier shall not engage in or support the use of forced or compulsory labour as defined by international and national laws. Suppliers shall not inflict or threaten to inflict corporal punishment or any other forms of abuse. 

Community relations 

DS Smith encourages its suppliers to be corporate citizens and have a positive influence in the communities they operate in. 

Capacity building 

Our central procurement activities cover a spend of nearly £2.1 billion. We expect our suppliers to support our sustainability objectives. Our procurement activities are structured by category, with the objective of ensuring that we use the strength of the Group to fully leverage our combined spend and get best value, defined in terms of quality, cost, service and innovation.

The team works with suppliers to ensure compliance with the DS Smith Global Supplier Standards. We welcome engagement with all our suppliers, and if you have questions or opportunities you would like to share with us, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at procurement@dssmith.com.