Supplier Relationships
One Standout Partner
Of our many suppliers, one stands out as an exceptional partner in sustainable development. We awarded our long-time supply partner, Plastics Engineering Company (Plenco), with the inaugural Fairmount Minerals Sustainable Supplier Award for its commitment to environmental stewardship. One of the most significant outcomes of the Plenco/Fairmount Minerals relationship involves the creation of a more environmentally friendly series of resin-coated products. Plenco’s ability to drive technological advancements in its resins has allowed Fairmount Minerals to create products that reduce free phenol and other air emissions in both their manufacturing and use. In addition, Plenco was one of the first supply partners to agree to reduce their waste to landfill by participating in a bulk bag reuse program. We admire Plenco’s efforts to become a more sustainable organization and greatly appreciate its support of Fairmount Minerals’ sustainability objectives.
Fairmount Minerals’ approach to sustainable supplier relationships is grounded in accountability and transparency. In 2008, we introduced an integrated supplier code of conduct that describes our expectations for environmental and social responsibility within the Fairmount Minerals supply chain. Since then, Fairmount Minerals’ sustainable supply chain efforts have grown to receive recognition from external sources, including a Manny Award from Inside Business magazine in 2009.
During the past year, we expanded the dialogue with a targeted group of suppliers by requesting their participation in an online survey. This built upon the work done with inventory suppliers in 2008. With these surveys, Fairmount Minerals aims to proactively engage our suppliers while also monitoring and helping to foster exceptional social and environmental performance.
To further encourage sustainable practices, Fairmount Minerals created a new supplier award program in 2009. The award recognizes a supply partner that embodies the values of a sustainable business and supports or enhances Fairmount Minerals’ own sustainability efforts. In 2009, Plastics Engineering Company received the first-ever Fairmount Minerals Sustainable Supplier Award.