Norsk Sportsbransjeforening has signed an industry agreement with Stratsys to bring work with the Transparency Act into a shared structure. The aim is to reduce duplicate work, strengthen control of the supply chain and make it easier for members to meet legal requirements together.
Norsk Sportsbransjeforening represents more than 90 companies across sports retail, suppliers and e-commerce. Through the industry agreement, members gain access to Stratsys ESG Due Diligence and the opportunity to share data throughout the supplier process.
The industry needs a shared tool
Preparations for the requirements of the Transparency Act began already in 2021. At the same time, a recurring challenge has emerged. When several companies assess the same supplier in parallel, it creates unnecessary duplicate work and ties up resources.
- We identified the need to work together early on. That is why the sports chains have collaborated to develop a mapping tool that everyone can use. The collaboration includes XXL, Stadium and Sport Holding with Intersport, Sport1, Anton Sport and Löplabbet, says Trond Evald Hansen, Managing Director of Norsk Sportsbransjeforening.
Mapping gathered in one place
With Stratsys, industry actors can map the supplier chain, prioritise the greatest risks and automate reporting. Data is shared securely between members, while all documentation is kept together and traceable in one single system.
- It was the full scope of the Stratsys solution that made us choose them. We especially appreciate the automated results reporting solution and the support function. With the shared tool, a supplier that fills in the requested information can send the same response to other actors as well. This increases both efficiency and quality, says Trond Evald Hansen.
Built to grow
The solution is built to develop in line with the industry’s needs. Together, Stratsys and the association will continue to develop the platform over time, so that new members can immediately benefit from established processes, shared SAQ responses and the work that has already been done.
Respect for human rights is not a matter of competition
The sports industry does not see supplier assessment as something to compete on — quite the opposite. When everyone works in the same direction, data quality improves and the process becomes easier for all parties.
- Human rights are not a competitive advantage. For us, it is about taking social responsibility. We want to find good solutions across the entire value chain. Against that background, I am incredibly proud of what the sports industry has achieved. In my world, there is nothing more important than safeguarding human rights, says Trond Evald Hansen.
Learn more about how Stratsys can support your organization’s ESG efforts.
