In a significant step forward on its sustainability journey, PGG Wrightson (PGW) has improved its performance in the globally recognised EcoVadis sustainability assessment. This achievement follows the recent launch of PGW’s refreshed Group Strategy, Collective Strength, which places a renewed and deliberate emphasis on sustainability as a core strategic priority for the business. Michael Anderson, Sustainability Manager for PGW, explains, “With sustainability becoming a growing priority across the primary sector, our team at PGW is stepping up our efforts to meet evolving expectations. Customers are increasingly seeking transparency and accountability in environmental and social governance, not only as part of ongoing relationships but also as a key requirement in procurement processes. Demonstrating credible sustainability credentials is no longer optional; it has become essential for maintaining trust, remaining competitive in a rapidly changing landscape and securing future business.”
One of the main ways PGW validates its progress is through independent thirdparty assessments. Since 2019, PGW has participated in the EcoVadis platform, the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. The EcoVadis assessment evaluates companies across four key pillars: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. These categories provide a comprehensive view of a company’s sustainability performance and help identify both strengths and areas for improvement. In its most recent re-assessment, PGW achieved a score of 45, marking a steady upward trend from previous scores of 30 in 2021 and 42 in 2023. “This consistent improvement reflects the company’s growing maturity in sustainability practices and our commitment to continuous improvement,” says Michael. “PGW’s score continues to track above the global industry averages, reflecting steady progress across key sustainability areas and reinforcing the value of its ongoing efforts.”
Michael highlights a standout area in the latest scorecard: Ethics. “We were pleased to see PGW recorded a substantial improvement in the Ethics component. This notable increase is largely attributed to our recent work embedding supply chain due diligence into the company’s category management and procurement processes. These enhancements not only strengthen purchasing decisions but also align with global best practices in responsible sourcing and governance.” Looking ahead, Michael says there’s a strong commitment within PGW to build on this momentum. “Across our business, we recognise that sustainability is a journey, not a destination.
By leveraging insights from the EcoVadis assessment and aligning with the strategic priorities outlined in Collective Strength, we aim to deepen our sustainability impact and continue delivering value to customers, communities, and the environment. “This latest score is a reflection of PGW’s evolving culture, one that embraces transparency, accountability, and a shared responsibility for a more sustainable future.”
More information about PGW’s sustainability journey is available at www.pggwrightson.co.nz/our-company/sustainability
