In a fast-paced technological environment, our customers and suppliers count on our commitment to put innovation and sustainable supply security at the core of every decision we make. Our overarching aim is to optimize the financial contribution for our company while we ensure that all goods and services are available on time, as specified and at the most sustainable conditions.

Together with our suppliers, our global Procurement team inspires each other to go the “extra mile” for our customers and Business Sectors. Constantly challenging the status quo, we implement compliant and efficient processes by using advanced digital solutions, applying them in a flexible and agile way.

Today, more than ever, acting sustainably is a crucial factor for future business success. At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, doing business responsibly is deeply embedded in our DNA and company culture.

By 2030, we will integrate sustainability into all our value chains. To fully live this commitment, we integrate quality, competitiveness, social and environmental aspects in our supplier management. We continuously improve strategies, processes as well as guidelines to prevent violations of supply chain standards or legislations, such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.

By 2040, we will achieve climate neutrality and reduce our resource consumption. In particular, our Supplier Decarbonization Program, which is aimed at the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions along our supply chain, is fundamental to reaching this goal. To further support our suppliers in their own decarbonization journey by increasing their share of renewable electricity we have compiled the Renewable Electricity Supplier Toolkit with tips and in-house best practices on renewable electricity.

Our expectations of our suppliers and third parties are framed in our Supplier Code of Conduct. Please note that the Supplier Code of Conduct replaces the former Responsible Sourcing Principles from 31.12.2022 on and are the valid document for the business relationship. Responsible Sourcing Principles are no longer valid since December 31^st 2022. We kindly ask you to familiarize yourself with it. Should you have any concerns about possible violations of these expectations, please do not hesitate to contact our compliance hotline.

InnoSource is our approach to support our individual Business Sectors with supplier-enabled innovation. As a catalyst to innovation, creative thinking is entrenched in our DNA. Our teams proactively drive innovative ideas to address unmet business needs to and from the supplier market. For our Business Sectors we strive to create the best access to supplier enabled innovation by creating a collaborative and creative environment with our suppliers. Finally, we act as a facilitator for external and internal innovation opportunities. Let us know your innovative ideas!

Let us be your partner of choice. We are committed to delivering the best products and services to our customers while ensuring optimal quality and service with minimal disruptions. Securing supply in our fast moving environment is the key to our success.

Risk Management is an integral part of our sourcing activities. When managing our suppliers we consider dedicated risk factors and sustainability aspects. Together with our Business Sectors we determine the optimal approach to ensure a systematic, structured and comprehensive Risk Management process.

• 420 procurement experts partnering with our Business Sectors
• Global footprint of sourcing managers in 36 countries
• 60,000 suppliers in our portfolio and many more on the market as potential innovation partner

• Renewable Electricity Supplier Toolkit 
• TfS Academy

As a member of the industry initiative “Together for Sustainability”, we offer our suppliers free access to the TfS Academy to benefit from trainings provided in multiple languages. Please contact us to learn how to register.

Additional resources by “Together for Sustainability” that we recommend:

• Product Carbon Footprint Guideline
• Get ready to decarbonise – handbook on supplier engagement
• Decarbonisation Journey – Overview of recommended Training Material