NowyStyl_Raport CSR_2022-2023_EN-www

5.2.6. Supplier Sustainability Award competition Nowy Styl holds the Supplier Sustainability Award compe- tition with the aim of developing and promoting CSR initi- atives related primarily to environmental protection, ethics and social activities, as well as general involvement and education, and thus improving the entire value chain. The first edition of the competition in 2021 was a great success, so we have decided to continue it in a two-year cycle. The second edition of the Nowy Styl Supplier Sustainability Award was carried out between March and October 2023. In the face of upcoming ESG challenges, we raised the bar much higher in the second edition. We awarded the prize to companies that significantly contributed to achieving the environmental goals of the EU Taxonomy. We appreciated a holistic, sustainable approach to the product and a well-thought-out, comprehensively developed CSR strategy with the aim to jointly strive for a circular economy (with particular emphasis on recycled origin and recyclability). We also recognised partners working towards inte- gration, diversity and inclusion, who effectively support their employees and vulnerable groups (such as women, refugees and people with disabilities), and those who engage in helping people in need. The highest rated initiatives were those promoting people and culture, innovative projects supporting women, and programmes promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Effective value chain management is largely determined by cooperation with suppliers founded on mutual understanding of business needs and goals. Strengthening supplier relationships with the organisation through jointly undertaken initiatives, such as the Nowy Styl Supplier Sustainability Award and regular webinars can benefit both sides of the strategic partnership by increasing efficiency, reducing risk and driving innovation. Together, through closer collaboration based on mutual understanding and trust, we can also achieve a higher goal – to create more sustainable products in the spirit of a circular economy, and thus build a better tomorrow, taking care of our planet and future generations. Karolina Dacyl-Kwilosz Sustainability Marketing Specialist at Nowy Styl 111