The importance of audits in environmental risk management
Environmental risks across global supply chains are complex and high-stakes. Businesses face increasing regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and climate-related challenges. In this context, robust audits are indispensable tools for ensuring transparency, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Why environmental audits matter
Audits provide an independent, systematic evaluation of environmental practices across supply chains. They:
- Validate compliance with standards and regulations
- Identify non-conformances and areas for improvement
- Build trust with stakeholders by demonstrating accountability
At amfori, audit quality is a cornerstone of amfori BEPI. Activities such as spot checks, factory visits, witness audits, and integrity projects ensure that audits are credible and consistent. In 2025, amfori strengthened these processes through regular report reviews, investigations, and calibration meetings, reinforcing its commitment to integrity and transparency.
The recent amfori BEPI calibration meetings, held on 4-5 December 2025, brought together auditing partners and the amfori BEPI team to align on audit methodology, share updates, and plan for the future. Here is the overview of the two-day session:
- Alignment with evolving regulations, due diligence, and transparency expectations
- Updates on support plans for businesses and suppliers
- Review of audit data trends and growth in submissions
- Presentation of enhancements to amfori BEPI
- Progress on traceability efforts within raw materials
- Insights from KPMG on audit robustness and integrity measures
- Practical tips from SGS on verification, evidence collection, and reporting
- Clarifications on documentation and technical requirements from the amfori BEPI team
Here are the key takeaways:
- High audit increase in 2025 compared to 2024
- Audit demand was more consistent throughout the year
- Increase the number of self-requested audits to demonstrate suppliers’ proactive involvement
With over 5,000 new suppliers joining amfori BEPI in the past two years and growing interest across Europe, the solution is scaling rapidly. As amfori moves into 2026, its focus is on helping businesses navigate environmental challenges and build resilient supply chains.