The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act requires manufacturers and retailers doing business in California to disclose their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their supply chains.
At Michelin, we are firmly committed to respect human rights throughout our operations and supply chains. Michelin has been a signatory of the United National Global Compact since 2010, and publishes its Human Rights Policy, which reflects our desire to promote an ethical and respectful working environment, wherever we operate, in compliance with international standards and in accordance with local regulations.
Risks evaluation
A mapping is done of the purchasing categories and countries to identify the ones most exposed to human rights risks. This mapping is made internally, relying on third-party databases and reports. Of all the Group’s raw materials, the one that warrants the most attention to its environmental and social impact is natural rubber. As a result, a dedicated approach has been devised for natural rubber, including a dedicated risk-mapping tool RubberWay®.
Supplier assessments
Since 2012, Michelin has established a system for evaluating its suppliers on sustainability, including human rights. These evaluations take different forms. Documentary audits are widely performed on the direct suppliers. Additionally, Michelin performs on-site audits to assess material quality and application of sustainability standards. Suppliers may also be audited on site by third parties to assess specifically their conformance to social standards and regulations.
Supplier Code of conduct
Michelin’s supplier code of conduct, named Michelin Purchasing Principles, requests suppliers to comply with all applicable laws and to prohibit ant practice of slavery, forced labor or human trafficking. It is included in purchasing contracts established by Michelin as well as in its Purchasing General Terms and Conditions. Additionally, Michelin’s Sustainable Natural Rubber Policy is a contractual requirement for all suppliers of natural rubber.
Accountability standards and procedures
In case of underperformance detected during any supplier assessment, Michelin requests an action plan. In case of any failure to comply with all or part of the Required principles in Michelin Purchasing Principles, Michelin reserves the right to terminate of all or part of the business relationship with the supplier.
The Michelin Code of Ethics reiterates the Group's fundamental values and describes the basic rules to be observed in terms of business ethics, respect for human rights, with a specific section dedicated to Modern Slavery, Forced Labor and Human Trafficking. This Code applies to all Group employees.
Michelin has implemented whistleblowing mechanisms for reporting any violations of human rights practices within our supply chain. It is accessible to any Michelin employee or external stakeholder.
Training
An awareness training dedicated to Human Rights is made available to employees. Additionally, the Sustainable purchasing team has created and deployed a training module dedicated to human rights for procurement professionals.
Further information is available in the yearly published Duty of Care Plan.