"The updated SCOC allows us to better explain our expectations toward SSAB's suppliers and the responsibility they have toward us," says Christina Friborg, Head of Sustainability at SSAB. "This is an important step in the sustainability journey that we want to take together with our suppliers."

SSAB said that its suppliers, which number about 20,000, are important in bringing SSAB closer to its own sustainability goals as well. The code is aligned with several international conventions and standards such as the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, International Bill of Human Rights and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

"It is essential for us that our suppliers understand and commit to our SCOC," says Lisa Lidén, sustainability manager for procurement. "We continuously review our suppliers´ sustainability efforts as sustainability criteria are key when taking our purchasing decisions."