Volkswagen Group has released its fourth annual Responsible Raw Materials Report, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable and ethical procurement practices within its extensive supply chain. Since its inaugural publication in 2021, the report has provided transparency on the measures Volkswagen takes to mitigate human rights and environmental risks, especially in the procurement of high-risk raw materials.
In a move to enhance its sustainability strategy, Volkswagen has added cotton and magnesium to its list of priority raw materials, which now totals 18. The company aims to achieve a 95% positive sustainability rating among its suppliers by 2040, as part of its broader regenerate+ strategy.
Dirk Große-Loheide, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand responsible for Procurement, emphasized the importance of these initiatives: “Responsible procurement of raw materials is part of our holistic sustainability strategy. We identify, assess, and address risks through our Responsible Raw Materials Management System, ensuring transparency and sustainable supply chains.”
Volkswagen’s commitment to higher standards is underscored by its membership in the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and the Leather Working Group. The company has also launched several projects, such as the Responsible Lithium Partnership in Chile and the Marikana Youth Centre in South Africa, to support sustainable mining practices and community development.
The report details Volkswagen’s requirement for full supply chain disclosure for battery raw materials and highlights the company’s efforts to work closely with its 63,000 supplier locations across 96 countries. A dedicated network of 110 sustainability experts facilitates cooperation and knowledge sharing within the Group.
Volkswagen’s proactive approach to responsible raw material sourcing positions it as a leader in the automotive industry, committed to achieving greater traceability and higher standards in its supply chains.
