For some time now companies have been faced with an increasing focus by corporate stakeholders on corporate social responsibility (CSR), and more recently, on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and sustainability. There is increased pressure to develop social and environmental policies and to maintain the highest standards of business ethics. Many shareholders, investors, customers, and suppliers are increasingly looking at these ESG practices to quantify, measure, and evaluate a company's sustainability performance.

Many companies have embraced the concept that focusing on ESG is good for business and helps them build long term shareholder value. Company ESG programs often encompass:

Companies with ESG programs may require their suppliers and service providers to conduct business under their ESG policies. By requiring ESG policies to be implemented in the supply chain and making ESG information available to the public, companies show shareholders and other stakeholders that they are invested in improving the societies in which they operate. ESG development and compliance can lead to an increase in shareholder loyalty, employee retention, consumer trust, and positive public opinion of a company.

The ESG in the Supply Chain Toolkit is a collection of key resources on ESG issues as they relate to the supply chain. This Toolkit also includes resources that provide a useful background on ESG generally and the supply chain generally.