The materials, components and services we purchase have an impact on people and the environment. Although Ekinops is several tiers removed from raw material extraction and refining, we work to influence responsible practices throughout our value chain.
Our Sustainable Procurement Policy guides sourcing decisions and supplier expectations. It draws on the UN Global Compact, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, ILO conventions and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and works alongside our Responsible Minerals Sourcing Policy.
We ask suppliers to formally commit to responsible sourcing and to extend these expectations to subcontractors and business partners. Dialogue, training and joint initiatives help develop practices over time, including diversity, equity and inclusion.
Sustainability is part of supplier evaluation alongside cost, quality and delivery. We use audits, assessments and, where relevant, third-party verification. When gaps arise, we work on corrective action, while reserving the option to end relationships where commitment or improvement remains insufficient.
Minerals sourcing can be linked to conflict financing, human rights abuses and other supply-chain risks. We are committed to due diligence aligned with the OECD Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.
Our policy applies worldwide to our operations, products and suppliers. It covers components, assemblies, materials or manufacturing services that may contain tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold (3TG), as well as other high-risk minerals such as cobalt, mica, lithium, nickel and graphite. The scope may evolve as standards develop.
We maintain clear governance, supplier requirements, employee training and grievance mechanisms. We collect supply-chain data, map smelters and refiners, and work with suppliers on corrective action. We prioritize sourcing from audited and conformant facilities.
Relevant suppliers must adopt an OECD-aligned minerals sourcing policy and report accurately using recognized templates such as the CMRT. They must source from responsible smelters and refiners, address identified risks, and retain records for five years.
Our ESG and Compliance Committees oversee this policy through regular reviews and corrective-action tracking. Suppliers that fail to meet requirements may face business suspension, removal from the approved vendor list, or contract termination.
Telecommunications equipment relies on components containing critical raw materials, including certain metals and rare earth elements. These supplies face geopolitical, environmental and market risks.
We are working to better understand our exposure across products and the supply chain. Our approach focuses on traceability, diversifying sources and engaging suppliers on long-term availability. Repairability, refurbishment and recycling also help reduce dependency on primary raw materials over time.
