Responsible value chain

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks within supply chains are increasingly influencing how organisations operate, source and grow. From regulatory requirements to customer expectations, businesses must now demonstrate transparent and responsible value chain practices.

At Forvis Mazars, we support organisations across public and private sectors to manage supply chain sustainability risks, strengthen resilience and ensure compliance with evolving EU and global frameworks.

Our approach

We take a practical, risk-based approach to sustainable value chain transformation, grounded in leading international frameworks and real-world implementation experience.

Our approach focuses on:

• Understanding your value chain – mapping suppliers, geographies and risk exposure
• Identifying and prioritising risks – across environmental, social and governance areas
• Embedding due diligence – aligned with frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD Due Diligence Guidelines
• Driving supplier engagement – building capability and improving performance across your supply base

We combine ESG expertise with hands-on supply chain leadership experience. We use practical tools such as value stream mapping and workshops to identify risks, inefficiencies and opportunities, helping you deliver both sustainability outcomes and operational improvements.

Our team has contributed to global due diligence guidance in collaboration with Shift for the United Nations, work that is explicitly referenced under the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). We use this insight to help clients design and implement robust, future-ready due diligence frameworks.

We provide tailored training and workshops to equip supply chain teams with the knowledge and tools required to embed effective due diligence into daily operations.

Why supply chain sustainability matters now

Irish businesses are facing increasing regulatory and commercial pressure to act.

• The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will require large companies to conduct ESG due diligence across value chains from 2028
• The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) introduces compliance deadlines in December 2026 and June 2027 for companies placing covered commodities on the EU market
• Companies reporting under CSRD are already pushing sustainability data requirements onto suppliers

For many Irish SMEs, this is already a commercial issue. At least one in four Irish SMEs now face direct sustainability data requests from customers. Businesses unable provide reliable sustainability data risk losing contracts or being excluded from tenders.

At the same time, frameworks such as the VSME standard are creating a more proportionate and consistent approach to supply chain data requests.

Our sustainable value chain services

Value chain mapping and hotspot analysis

Mapping upstream and downstream value chains to identify ESG risk hotspots by geography, supplier and commodity, and prioritise actions based on risk and commercial impact.

Supplier engagement programmes

Designing and implementing supplier sustainability frameworks, including assessments, scorecards and improvement programmes to strengthen supply chain performance.

Human rights due diligence (HRDD)

Supporting organisations to meet their responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including identifying salient risks, engaging stakeholders and establishing grievance mechanisms.

Sustainable procurement

Embedding environmental, human rights and governance considerations into supplier selection, contracting and performance management.

Regulatory compliance support

Helping organisations prepare for and comply with evolving requirements, including:

• Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
• EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
• Forced Labour Regulation
• Relevant global due diligence and sustainability frameworks

Contact us

Strengthen your supply chain resilience and prepare for CSDDD and EUDR requirements. Contact our team to discuss a sustainable value chain assessment or EUDR readiness review.