Supplier Code of Conduct

BPM Supplier Code of Conduct 

As a Certified B Corporation, BPM is committed to using business as a force for good. We hold ourselves and our suppliers to high standards of ethical conduct, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines our expectations and requirements for suppliers in supporting these values. While these considerations are important in our procurement process, they are not used as sole criteria to exclude any vendor or supplier from doing business with BPM. 

1. Environmental Sustainability 

  • Compliance with Environmental Laws: Suppliers must adhere to all relevant environmental regulations, including those related to emissions, waste management, and resource use. 
  • Resource Efficiency: Suppliers are encouraged to reduce their environmental footprint through practices like conserving energy, minimizing water usage, and reducing waste and emissions. Sustainable sourcing of materials and recycling initiatives are highly encouraged. 
  • Continuous Improvement and Data Sharing: BPM may request data on greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption, waste generation, and recycling rates. This data helps us assess our environmental impact and track progress toward our sustainability goals. However, environmental performance alone will not be a deciding factor in vendor selection. 

2. Human Ethics and Labor Standards 

  • Respect for Human Rights: BPM expects suppliers to uphold and respect the rights of all workers, prohibiting practices such as child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. 
  • Fair Treatment and Compensation: Suppliers must provide fair wages, comply with legal requirements for working hours, and maintain safe working conditions. This includes ensuring workers have the right to rest and are compensated for overtime, where applicable. 
  • Safe Work Environment: Suppliers should maintain health and safety standards, including robust emergency preparedness, injury prevention programs, and access to personal protective equipment. 
  • Tracking and Documentation: BPM may request data on labor conditions, including wage levels, working hours, safety incidents, and training records. This information is used to monitor compliance with human rights and labor standards, though it is not a sole determinant in our procurement decisions. 

3. Diversity, Inclusion, and Local Purchasing 

  • Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity: Suppliers must ensure a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bias, providing equal opportunities regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. 
  • Supplier Diversity and Inclusion: BPM encourages suppliers to incorporate diverse businesses within their supply chains, including those owned by women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We also value suppliers who engage in inclusive hiring practices and provide equitable workplace policies. 
  • Local Purchasing: Where possible, suppliers are encouraged to source products and services locally to support local economies, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen community relationships. 
  • Data for Tracking and Reporting: BPM may request data on supplier diversity (e.g., percentage of spend with diverse suppliers) and local purchasing metrics. This information supports our inclusion goals but is not used to exclude suppliers from consideration. 

4. Ethical Business Practices 

  • Integrity and Compliance: BPM expects suppliers to conduct business ethically and with integrity. Suppliers must avoid conflicts of interest, bribery, and corruption, and comply with all relevant laws and regulations. 
  • Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery: Suppliers are prohibited from engaging in or tolerating any form of bribery, corruption, extortion, or embezzlement. Suppliers must have internal controls to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws. 
  • Confidentiality and Data Privacy: Suppliers must safeguard BPM’s confidential and proprietary information and adhere to data privacy laws to protect personal and sensitive information. 
  • Documentation and Data Requirements: To ensure compliance, BPM may request evidence of anti-corruption training, audit records, data privacy policies, and controls in place. This information is used to evaluate compliance with ethical standards but does not act as a barrier to supplier selection. 

5. Environmental and Social Impact  

  • Data Collection and Transparency: BPM encourages suppliers to transparently report on their social and environmental performance. This may include public goals on reducing emissions, resource use, and waste, as well as diversity and inclusion metrics. 
  • Supporting BPM’s Tracking and Goal Measurement: To support our sustainability and corporate responsibility goals, BPM may request periodic updates and data from suppliers on the key areas outlined in this Code. This information aids in tracking our own commitments and is not used as an exclusionary criterion in our supplier selection process. 

By adhering to this Supplier Code of Conduct, suppliers help BPM create a positive social and environmental impact and drive responsible business practices. We are dedicated to working collaboratively with all our suppliers to build an inclusive, sustainable, and ethical supply chain. Our commitment to these values is important in our procurement process, but no supplier will be excluded solely based on these considerations.