Supplier Audit

Amfori BEPI covers a comprehensive range of environmental fields and combines LCA data based methods to list environmental hotspots for each manufacturer. These hotspots represent the four most relevant environmental areas of the production process carried out on the production site. As good management of environmental areas is a fundamental component of amfori BEPI, the Environmental Management System (EMS) has always been a key area of focus for every manufacturer in the amfori BEPI process.

Includes 11 environmental performance areas:

The amfori BEPI system and implementation methods directly respond to the Sustainable Development Goals, which require sustainable consumption and production patterns. BEPI requires members to comply with the following 11 environmental requirements.

EPA-1. Environmental Management System

The Environmental Management System (EMS) enables sites to identify, monitor, and control their impact on the environment, and is the core of BEPI. Designed to help manufacturers manage their environmental issues in a comprehensive, systematic, and documented manner, it has created a structure for continuous improvement in environmental management. That's why EMS is a mandatory environmental performance area for all manufacturers.

EPA-2. Energy use, transportation, and greenhouse gases (GHG)

Climate change affects everyone. It will also have short-term and long-term impacts on businesses. The production site consumes a large amount of energy, usually from fossil fuels. Addressing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and managing transportation will lower risks, costs, and environmental impacts, ensuring that the supply chain is capable of addressing future challenges.

EPA-3. Water Use

Water is important, but scarce. Less than 1% of the water on Earth is suitable for human consumption. Although the population will continue to grow, freshwater supply will not. The availability of water resources varies greatly, and water resource management in enterprises is the key to ensuring that everyone can continue to access fresh water.

BEPI's four environmental protection areas

EPA-4. Wastewater

If wastewater is not properly managed, it may become a serious source of pollution. By managing the quality of wastewater discharged into the environment, producers can manage its impact, thereby managing risk factors and reputation. Managing the quantity will also reduce the operating costs of the enterprise. Finally, effective wastewater treatment and management will also support the growing demand for clean drinking water.

EPA-5. Exhaust gas

Clean air, like clean water, is a concern for everyone. Some production processes may result in the emission of pollutants into the air. It is important for manufacturers to understand when and where this situation occurs, and how to control it to minimize the impact of emissions on the air.

EPA-6. Waste Management

The waste generated during the production process not only imposes a burden on the environment, but may also constitute significant operating costs. Reducing waste can decrease the amount of raw materials required for manufacturing products and lower the costs and risks associated with managing the storage, treatment, and disposal of waste.

EPA-7. Pollution Prevention and Chemicals

Chemicals are used in various parts and stages of production sites, such as production processes, cleaning and maintenance, laboratories, and wastewater treatment. Proper and effective procurement, handling, storage, and use of chemicals are not only key to preventing pollution, but also help reduce risks to people and the environment. It can also reduce costs and enhance the manufacturer's reputation as a responsible company.

EPA-8. Prevention and Management of Major Events

Major events require unconventional responses, usually the result of factors that cannot be influenced on site. Although it is impossible to prevent all major events (such as floods caused by extreme weather conditions), it is important for producers to assess and understand potential major events in order to implement appropriate prevention and response mechanisms.

EPA-9. Prevention of Land/Soil and Groundwater Pollution

Drawing and understanding the sensitivity of the surrounding environment is the starting point for producers to assess the potential impact of their processes and activities on soil and groundwater, and then take preventive measures when necessary.

EPA-10. Land Use and Biodiversity

The use of land can have a negative impact on the environment. Any production site and its processes that have potential impacts on the environment or biodiversity need to be managed to minimize such impacts.

EPA-11. Environmental Disturbance

As part of a larger community, production sites need to consider the impact of noise, dust, odors, vibrations, smoke, and other disturbances on the surrounding environment, and take measures to minimize these impacts when necessary. By doing so, they will reduce risks, avoid costs, and enhance reputation.

What is the process of BEPI certification?

Firstly, we need to register an account on the platform, and then complete a self-assessment with a LEVEL level. After the self-assessment is completed, we select the institution we want to apply for on the platform. Then, we pay the audit fee and wait for the institution to come and verify on site, which takes about 3 months. Finally, we wait for the assessment notification to confirm whether it has passed. If the assessment has not passed, it will be very troublesome and may take another 3-6 months to re audit. Therefore, we must go all in one go to save time and manpower costs, as well as improve customer satisfaction.

What are the benefits of BEPI certification?

In today's rapidly changing global competitive market, where natural resources continue to be scarce, businesses recognize that their environmental performance determines their competitiveness and sustainability. Since its implementation in 2015, over 520 brands or retailers have participated in this initiative. Due to the fact that many brand merchants and retailers are buyer members of BSCI and BEPI, in order to improve the environmental performance of manufacturers in the supply chain, they require suppliers to participate in BEPI evaluations so that environmental performance can be improved in the future. It is expected that more and more brands will entrust external audit agencies recognized by BEPI to conduct BEPI project audits on suppliers in the future, in order to evaluate their environmental sustainability performance.

BEPI Certification Conditions

1. Must have obtained ISO 9001 certification.

2. Must have obtained ISO 14001 certification.

3. An effective Environmental Management System (EMS) and/or Energy Management System (EMS) must be in place.

4. It is necessary to have a stable supply chain and establish clear cooperation agreements with suppliers and customers.

5. Must comply with local laws, regulations, and customer requirements.