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QIMA: Building a Sustainable Future

Sébastien Breteau

CEO


“Our process begins with supply chain mapping and setting up self-assessment questionnaires (SAQs) to collect valuable data from all tiers of your supply network. This enables you to identify and engage suppliers beyond the first tier”

In an era where ethical considerations and sustainability are at the forefront of consumer consciousness, businesses face increasing pressure to ensure transparency and accountability throughout their supply chains. Amidst this landscape of heightened expectations, one company stands out as a beacon of innovation and integrity: QIMA.

QIMA, has emerged as a global leader in quality control, compliance, and sustainability solutions. Since its founding in 2005 by Sébastien Breteau, QIMA has been on a mission to revolutionize the way businesses ensure the quality, safety, and compliance of their products. With a global reach spanning over 100 countries, QIMA serves industries ranging from consumer products and food to life sciences, supporting over 30,000 brands, retailers, manufacturers, and food growers worldwide.

A Commitment to Ethical Practices and Sustainability
QIMA's journey is guided by a deep commitment to ethical practices and sustainability. Recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability in supply chains, QIMA has developed comprehensive solutions to help businesses identify and mitigate risks such as human rights violations, environmental damage, and reputational harm. By combining on-the-ground expertise with cutting-edge digital solutions, QIMA empowers its clients to make informed decisions and build products that consumers can trust.

In response to the growing demand for sustainable practices, QIMA has expanded its portfolio to include a range of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) solutions. These solutions are designed to help businesses across all industries manage ESG in their supply chains, from identifying risks and opportunities to implementing strategies that promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and good governance.

QIMA's approach to ESG begins with supply chain mapping and setting up self-assessment questionnaires (SAQs) to collect valuable data from all tiers of the supply network. Through comprehensive audits, assessments, and training programs, QIMA works closely with suppliers to promote responsible business conduct and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. “If your business is new to ESG, we can help you gain visibility across all levels of your supply chain. Our process begins with supply chain mapping and setting up self-assessment questionnaires (SAQs) to collect valuable data from all tiers of your supply network. This enables you to identify and engage suppliers beyond the first tier.”

Supply chain risk mapping is essential for businesses aiming to identify and assess potential risks within their supply chains, including those associated with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors such as human rights violations, environmental disasters, and reputational damage. Once these risks are identified, companies can implement mitigation strategies and improvement programs to minimize their likelihood and impact, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of their supply chains.

QIMA offers a range of sustainability services designed to assist businesses across all industries in managing ESG risks within their supply chains. QIMA provides dashboards that consolidate both external factors and a company's own supply chain data onto a single platform. This comprehensive view allows businesses to assess ESG country risk factors such as CO2 emissions, child labor, and social development index, as well as supply chain alerts like epidemic outbreaks and natural disasters. Moreover, customization options enable companies to include their own data on worker's voice programs and Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs), facilitating the identification and mitigation of risk areas at a glance.

QIMA also conducts a variety of supplier audits, covering environmental, ethical, structural, chemical, traceability, technical, and living wage aspects. Trained auditing teams are available globally to perform onsite assessments and interviews, aiding suppliers in addressing non-conformities for continuous improvement. Additionally, tailored supplier training programs are offered to educate suppliers on specific requirements. Whereas, the QIMA's worker voice programs offer insights directly from the production floor, allowing businesses to gain a comprehensive understanding of their suppliers' work environments. Integration of worker voice surveys provides an additional layer of reporting and objectivity. Moreover, implementation of worker hotlines and proactive callback services establishes a direct line for workers to share complaints with auditors and end buyers.

QIMA's living wage gap analysis service assists companies in identifying gaps within their supply chains related to ensuring a living wage for all workers. This analysis aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and helps companies develop strategies to address identified gaps. As a company, QIMA offers environmental testing services to enhance visibility into suppliers' environmental performance. Tests such as wastewater testing are conducted to address risks contributing to pollution and human health. Through these services, areas for improvement are identified, and strategies to mitigate environmental risks within the supply chain are developed.

Businesses can contact QIMA to learn more about how these services can assist them in managing ESG risks and achieving greater sustainability across their supply chains, including tracking and calculating their product's carbon footprint. QIMA's benefits include a custom compliance dashboard for real-time assessment of ESG and supplier performance, data downloads to support communication strategies, in-depth local knowledge from auditors attuned to regional culture and laws, regular training for experts on regulations and best practices, global coverage across over 100 countries, and a continuous improvement approach that drives long-term change and empowers suppliers. Additionally, online program management allows businesses to book audits, make payments, and download detailed reports conveniently.

Empowering Businesses to Thrive in a Complex World
What sets QIMA apart is not just its comprehensive solutions, but also its unique culture. With a team of over 5,000 Qimates worldwide, QIMA operates according to a set of core values – client passion, integrity, and a commitment to making things simple. It's this ethos that has enabled QIMA to disrupt the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry and set new standards for excellence and innovation.

QIMA's commitment to excellence extends beyond its core business operations. The company is actively involved in thought leadership and industry advocacy, participating in conferences, seminars, and working groups to share insights, best practices, and emerging trends with the wider business community. By collaborating with stakeholders across the supply chain, QIMA aims to create a more transparent, ethical, and sustainable future for the industry as a whole.

Building a Sustainable Future
As the world continues to grapple with pressing environmental and social challenges, the need for sustainable practices in supply chains has never been more urgent. With its innovative solutions, unwavering commitment to ethics and sustainability, and global reach, QIMA is well-positioned to lead the charge towards a brighter, more sustainable future for businesses and communities around the world.

By partnering with QIMA, businesses can take meaningful steps towards building transparent, ethical, and sustainable supply chains. With QIMA's expertise and support, businesses can navigate the complexities of today's global marketplace with confidence, ensuring compliance, reducing risks, and building trust with stakeholders. Together, we can create a world where products are not just safe and reliable, but also ethical and sustainable – a world that future generations can be proud of.