Brazil
Kobo Achieves EcoVadis Gold: From 58 to 83 Points In 20 Weeks
Within just 20 weeks, through open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and a shared commitment to positive change, Kobo's team moved from "Committed" to a Gold Medal — joining the top 5% of companies worldwide.
A Six-Month Sprint To Industry Leadership
Real sustainability advances are powered by people — within your business and through the partners you choose.
Kobo, a leading product distributor and manufacturer serving the cosmetics industry with locations in United States, France, Brazil, partnered with Global Partner Solutions (GPSI) to elevate their sustainability credentials.
Within just 20 weeks, through open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and a shared commitment to positive change, Kobo's team moved from an EcoVadis score of 58 ("Committed") to an impressive 83 ("Gold" Medal), joining the top 5% of companies worldwide.
Strong Culture, Misaligned Documentation
Kobo's strong culture of sustainability was clear within its walls, but those efforts weren't reflected in its previous EcoVadis score of 58. Behind the scenes, passionate team members led numerous initiatives, yet faced challenges such as:
Misaligned Documentation
Initiatives, commitments and KPIs were already in place, but not aligned with recognized international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative ("GRI"), making it hard to showcase progress.
Departmental Siloes
Dedicated individuals worked on impactful projects, yet a shared framework was missing between sites and departments.
A Team Ready to Grow
The budding internal sustainability team sought mentorship and partnership to unlock their full potential.
Customer Expectations
Pressure from major clients meant the stakes, and the need for teamwork, were high.
An Eight-Pillar Advanced Sustainability Engagement
GPSI worked hand-in-hand with Kobo, delivering our Advanced Sustainability package. Our solution combined strategic consulting, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on implementation:
Policy Alignment
Refined, restructured and set realistic objectives to all existing policies to meet EcoVadis requirements.
KPI Standardization
Established consistent KPIs linked to global benchmarks and aligned to the GRI Standard.
Collaborative Integration
Initiated bi-weekly cross-departmental meetings to connect teams and build shared understanding.
Supply Chain Risk Management
Performed a supplier risk assessment of suppliers representing 80% of purchasing volume. Restructured the supplier code of conduct and training on modern slavery for the purchasing team.
Capacity Building
Provided ongoing mentorship and resources to Kobo's sustainability team.
CSR Reporting
Produced Kobo's first CSR report, establishing a template for future disclosures.
Discovery & Optimization
Uncovered previously unreported sustainability initiatives, strengthening Kobo's EcoVadis submission.
Mentorship & Empowerment
GPSI didn't just provide answers — we coached Kobo's sustainability team, nurturing skills and confidence at every step.
Kobo's team didn't need new initiatives — they needed a framework to surface, structure, and validate the work already in motion. Our role was to translate substance into standards.
Before & After Engagement
A side-by-side view of how the 20-week, eight-pillar engagement transformed Kobo's sustainability posture from "Committed" to Gold.
| Dimension | Before GPSI | After GPSI |
|---|---|---|
| EcoVadis Score | 58 / 100 — "Committed" rating | 83 / 100 — Gold Medal (top 5% globally) |
| Documentation Standard | Misaligned with international frameworks | Aligned to GRI Standards |
| Cross-Functional Work | Departmental and site siloes | Bi-weekly cross-departmental meetings; shared framework across sites |
| Internal Sustainability Team | Budding team seeking direction | Confident, mentored team steering future assessments independently |
| Supply Chain | No supplier risk assessment | 80% of purchasing volume assessed; new supplier code; modern-slavery training |
| CSR Reporting | No formal CSR report | First CSR report produced — template for future disclosures |
| Hidden Initiatives | Many sustainability efforts unreported | Previously unreported initiatives surfaced and integrated into submission |
| Customer Pressure Response | Score below client expectations | Exceeded internal Silver target; Gold meets and surpasses client expectations |
From 58 to 83 — Gold In Six Months
Together, teams scored from 58 to 83 points, exceeding their own Silver target and capturing Gold status in less than six months. A sense of pride rippled through the organization with industry-leading recognition.
EcoVadis Gold Achieved
Together, teams scored from 58 to 83 points, exceeding their own Silver target and capturing Gold status in less than six months.
Top 5% Globally
A sense of pride rippled through the organization with industry-leading recognition.
On-Time Success
Clear roles, regular check-ins, and trust allowed for seamless delivery within timeframe and budget.
Stronger Connections
Departmental siloes gave way to a culture of support, knowledge-sharing, and pride.
Resilient Supply Chain
Kobo staff and suppliers alike embraced new standards, elevating ethical sourcing and compliance.
Lasting Growth
Kobo's team now confidently steers future sustainability assessments, fostering independence and ongoing learning.
Employee Empowerment
Employees who once wondered why their sustainability efforts weren't reflected in their scores now gained crucial clarity.
Industry-Leading Recognition
Gold Medal status positioned Kobo as a recognized sustainability leader among cosmetics ingredient manufacturers globally.
Three Principles That Powered The Result
Beyond the score, the engagement surfaced three transferable principles for any organization serious about EcoVadis recognition.
Strategic Alignment Drives Recognition
Translating substantive efforts into standards-based language is critical for external validation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Connecting siloed teams accelerates knowledge sharing and process improvement.
Supply Chain Transparency
Active supplier engagement and risk assessments are essential for responsible operations.
When Substance Meets Strategy, Recognition Follows
Kobo's rapid advancement from a "Committed" EcoVadis rating to Gold status is a testament to the impact of focused strategy and expert guidance.
It proves that real sustainability advances are powered by people, within your business and through the partners you choose. By partnering with GPSI, Kobo built a scalable sustainability framework and secured industry-leading recognition, demonstrating that investing in structured ESG practices not only meets customer expectations but also drives long-term value.
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