Greening the Supply Chain
Baxter recognizes that environmental impacts related to its business extend beyond its direct operations and into its supply chain. Although the company has limited control over these impacts, it works to influence them through various programs.
Materials Declarations in the Supply Chain
In the past, Baxter has used a paper-based supplier questionnaire to collect information about supplier environmental programs and performance and to educate key suppliers about Baxter's expectations. To improve the reliability of this information, the company is considering use of a computerized system for data collection. Baxter is exploring how to use standards such as IPC 1752, related to materials declaration sheets and developed originally for the electronics industry, to streamline the process.
To address new and emerging legislation as well as customer expectations, Baxter is shifting the focus of this effort to information about product materials content. This will help Baxter evaluate supplier compliance to the European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, the impending Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) legislation and similar emerging regulations related to product materials in other parts of the world. Baxter also will use this information to shape its product stewardship strategies.
See the Materials Use section for more information.
Green Suppliers Network
Since 2005, Baxter has been engaged in activities with the Green Suppliers Network, a collaboration of industry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). During the first half of 2005, Baxter recruited suppliers to participate in the Green Suppliers Network, holding invitational meetings with eight key U.S. suppliers.
By March 2006, five suppliers within the healthcare sector had completed the review process, four recruited by Baxter. The review process identified the opportunity for these suppliers to reduce water use by 5.7 million liters, decrease waste generation by 91 metric tons and save 189 gigajoules of energy per year. Potential annual cost savings are estimated to exceed $8 million. Most projects, such as the one California-based Medegen Medical Manufacturing Services undertook, have been implemented. Three other Baxter suppliers plan to participate and their reviews are underway. Baxter is encouraging more suppliers to join.
See Environment, Health and Safety for more information about Baxter's programs in related areas.
