Editor's Note: This post was written by Enough Project intern Tomas Husted.
On Wednesday, June 18, Ford Motor Company released its Sustainability Report 2013/2014. Available online, the report documents Ford's efforts to enhance its sustainability through a wide range of initiatives, most notably on the issue of responsible sourcing. With the automobile industry slow to lead positive change in combatting the use of conflict minerals, Ford's report is a refreshing sign that one of America's most lucrative and influential businesses may be joining the growing movement to build a clean global minerals supply chain. The report also covers progress Ford has made in improving the fuel economy of its automobiles, reducing the company's environmental impact, and working to eradicate all forms of forced labor throughout its production network.
Unlike in the electronics industry, where tech giants Intel and HP have established themselves as industry leaders in the effort to source 3TG responsibly, the automotive industry has largely lacked a conflict-free champion. Further, there has been little cooperation among automakers to pressure smelters to engage in supply chain due diligence. Lately, however, Ford has taken steps to distinguish itself as a potential catalyst for industry-wide change. In addition to helping to form the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) work group on conflict minerals, Ford actively participates in cross-industry organizations such as the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI), the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) and the Public Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade (PPA), all which seek to promote conflict-free sourcing in eastern Congo.
Ford's new sustainability report is a step forward in the company's emergence as an ...
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