Responsible purchasing practices as an essential preventive and corrective measure

Daniel Schönfelder and Michaela Streibelt

Chapter 44 in Sustainable Business in Europe, 2026, pp 609-625 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This contribution examines the critical role of purchasing in complying with the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Purchasing practices, which often prioritise price and quality over sustainability, can be a root cause of human rights and environmental harms in supply chains. Consequently, the CSDDD requires companies to proactively modify their purchasing practices to avoid ‘jointly causing’ negative impacts with suppliers. The commentary exemplifies a risk-based approach, urging companies to first identify and analyse high-risk spend categories, such as those in agriculture or textiles, where low wages and power imbalances are common. Practical recommendations are provided, including establishing responsible purchasing policies, embedding these commitments in contracts, ensuring fair pricing that accounts for sustainability costs, offering longer contract durations, and providing suppliers with adequate lead times and support.

Keywords: Responsible Purchasing; Purchasing Practices; Contracts; Pricing; Living Wages; Living Incomes; Preventive Measures; Corrective Measures; HREDD; CSDDD (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035326891
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