A good EcoVadis rating for suppliers typically starts at 45 points or higher, which qualifies for Bronze medal status. However, what constitutes “good” depends on your industry and specific buyer requirements. Many companies now expect suppliers to achieve Silver (55-64 points) or Gold (65-74 points) ratings to demonstrate strong sustainability performance across environmental, labour, ethics, and sustainable procurement practices.
What is EcoVadis and why do supplier ratings matter?
EcoVadis is a digital evidence-based sustainability assessment platform that evaluates how effectively companies have embedded key sustainability principles into their operations and policies. The platform assesses suppliers across four core themes: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement, using a comprehensive scoring system from 0 to 100 points.
Companies increasingly require EcoVadis ratings from suppliers because of intense regulatory pressure and stakeholder scrutiny around supply chain sustainability. Large organisations today are expected not only to improve their own sustainability performance but also to ensure high standards across their entire value chain. This has led many buyers to demand credible proof of their suppliers’ sustainability efforts, with some refusing to work with suppliers unless they’ve been assessed by a trusted third party like EcoVadis.
The business benefits of sustainable supply chain management extend beyond compliance. Having EcoVadis-rated suppliers helps companies build trust with stakeholders, meet regulatory requirements, and reduce risks associated with environmental and social issues. For suppliers, achieving a good EcoVadis rating opens doors to new business opportunities and can significantly reduce questionnaire fatigue, as many companies now accept EcoVadis scorecards in place of their own internal sustainability questionnaires.
What EcoVadis score is considered good for suppliers?
The EcoVadis rating scale runs from 0 to 100 points, with medal tiers providing clear benchmarks for supplier sustainability performance:
- Bronze (45-54 points): Represents basic sustainability compliance and demonstrates that your company has fundamental policies and practices in place across the four assessment themes
- Silver (55-64 points): Indicates strong sustainability performance with well-developed policies, active implementation, and measurable results that many procurement teams consider the minimum acceptable threshold
- Gold (65-74 points): Reflects advanced sustainability practices with comprehensive management systems, regular monitoring, and continuous improvement programmes that position suppliers as preferred partners
- Platinum (75+ points): Represents exceptional sustainability leadership with industry-leading practices, transparent reporting, and innovative approaches that set suppliers apart in competitive markets
These medal tiers provide a standardised framework that helps both suppliers and buyers understand sustainability performance levels. Industry-specific benchmarks play a crucial role in determining what constitutes a good score, as EcoVadis weights and compares scores according to company industry, size, and location. Most procurement teams today consider Silver ratings as the baseline for strong sustainability performance, with many preferring Gold status suppliers who demonstrate advanced commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
However, the definition of “good” ultimately depends on your buyers’ specific requirements and industry standards. Some companies set minimum EcoVadis score requirements in their supplier codes of conduct, whilst others use the ratings as one factor among many in their supplier evaluation process.
How can suppliers improve their EcoVadis rating?
Improving your EcoVadis score requires a systematic approach across the four assessment themes, focusing on policy development, documentation quality, and genuine sustainability improvements. The key areas for enhancement include:
- Policy Development: Create comprehensive, dated policies covering environmental management, labour practices, ethics, and sustainable procurement that are specific to your operations and regularly updated
- Documentation Quality: Provide concrete evidence through audit reports, training records, supplier assessments, and stakeholder engagement proof rather than basic compliance statements
- Environmental Performance: Implement energy management systems, waste reduction programmes, and carbon footprint tracking with measurable targets and regular monitoring
- Labour and Human Rights: Establish worker safety programmes, diversity initiatives, and supply chain labour monitoring with clear procedures and regular assessments
- Ethics Enhancement: Develop anti-corruption policies, whistleblower systems, and regular compliance training with documented implementation and effectiveness measures
- Sustainable Procurement: Implement supplier sustainability assessments and responsible sourcing policies with clear criteria and regular evaluation processes
The EcoVadis assessment rewards systematic improvement over perfection, recognising companies that demonstrate transparency about development areas alongside clear improvement plans. Success requires understanding that analysts look for concrete evidence of embedded sustainability practices, not just policy statements. This comprehensive approach ensures that improvements are genuine, measurable, and aligned with the platform’s rigorous evaluation criteria, ultimately leading to stronger scores and better business opportunities.
What happens if suppliers don’t meet EcoVadis rating requirements?
Suppliers who fail to meet EcoVadis rating requirements face potential exclusion from business opportunities, as many companies now use sustainability scorecards as gatekeepers for their supplier panels. The immediate consequences include:
- Contract Disqualification: Immediate removal from tender processes and loss of preferred supplier status, as buyers increasingly use sustainability scores as mandatory criteria
- Business Relationship Impact: Requirements for costly improvement programmes before contracts can be renewed, often involving additional audits and compliance measures
- Reputational Damage: Industry-wide recognition as a low-performing supplier, which can affect relationships with other potential buyers who share sustainability performance data
- Competitive Disadvantage: Isolation from major buyers who prioritise sustainability, creating barriers to accessing lucrative contracts and growth opportunities
- Increased Scrutiny: More frequent assessments and monitoring requirements, leading to higher compliance costs and administrative burden
However, the situation isn’t necessarily terminal for suppliers with poor initial ratings. Most buyers understand that sustainability improvement requires time and investment, typically offering improvement timelines ranging from 12 to 24 months for suppliers to address identified weaknesses. The re-assessment process allows companies to demonstrate progress, and many buyers provide support or guidance to help key suppliers meet required standards. This collaborative approach recognises that building sustainable supply chains benefits all parties and that immediate supplier termination often creates more problems than solutions.
The key is treating EcoVadis assessment as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time hurdle. Companies that engage proactively with the process, seek expert guidance when needed, and demonstrate genuine commitment to improvement often find that buyers are willing to support their sustainability development efforts.
Ready to improve your supplier sustainability rating?
Achieving a strong EcoVadis rating requires expertise across multiple sustainability domains, from environmental management to supply chain ethics. The assessment process demands detailed documentation, cross-departmental coordination, and a clear understanding of what EcoVadis analysts are looking for.
At Dazzle, we understand the complexity of sustainability assessments and the importance of getting them right. Our flexible approach means you can access pre-screened EcoVadis experts who know exactly what it takes to achieve impressive scores. Whether you need support with policy development, documentation gathering, or complete assessment management, our specialists can guide you through every step of the process. We can connect you with the right expertise within 48 hours, so you don’t have to navigate this challenging process alone. Ready to strengthen your sustainability scorecard? Reach out to our team of experts today.
