Procurement and suppliers

For certification, the first step is registration on our platform, which involves accepting the Supplier Code of Conduct and answering seven mandatory questions related to ethical conduct and respect for human rights. If the supplier does not answer these questions affirmatively, they cannot work with us.

Afterwards, we conduct the supplier’s financial qualification.

We communicate to potential suppliers the technical and commercial specifications required for the provision of services or the purchase of goods.

In the case of outsourcing, we share the measures that must be considered following the risk analysis we perform.

Once the process of receiving, evaluating, and approving the risks associated with the service (when applicable) and awarding offers is completed, we proceed to sign the contract by both parties. Any commercial relationship with our suppliers is backed by the corresponding contract, which ensures that the negotiated conditions are properly documented.

We have developed the ESG supplier index, an indicator that allows us to classify Group suppliers according to their level of compliance in various ESG aspects. Since June 2024, this index has been integrated into decision matrices when awarding a product purchase or service contract. Thanks to this index, we can positively value suppliers with the highest sustainability scores.

As a demonstration of our commitment to the value chain, we regularly conduct ESG audits. Criteria considered in these audits include environmental certifications, footprint calculation, circular economy, biodiversity policies, adherence to the United Nations Global Compact, minimum wage criteria, time records, reconciliation measures, training plans, management of customer complaints and claims, product or service audits, existence of a whistleblowing channel, among others.

In 2024, we conducted 34 audits (compared to 31 in 2023), covering all Purchasing categories: Facility & Logistics, Works, IT, Professional Services, and Marketing. These audits are carried out by an independent third party to ensure transparency in the evaluation. Suppliers are selected based on previously analyzed risk, aiming to obtain a representative sample from all categories. Of the 34 suppliers evaluated in 2024, none had been audited previously.

When major non-conformities are detected, we follow up through ESG corrective or development plans and actions. We support suppliers in a continuous improvement process that may include training courses, personalized development plans, or direct support from auditors to resolve non-conformities.

Respect for human rights is part of our values and our way of acting as a company. Therefore, under the framework of CaixaBank’s Human Rights Principles and in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, since 2017 we have carried out human rights due diligence processes to identify, prevent, mitigate, and, if necessary, remedy any potential impacts our activity may have on human rights.

These processes are carried out every three years, in collaboration with an independent third party. The latest took place in 2023 and already incorporated the requirements of the new European Directive Proposal on sustainability due diligence (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive), as well as the expectations of our key stakeholders.

Our approach includes identifying and prioritizing potential risks according to their likelihood and impact, and implementing corrective or remedial measures when appropriate.

Regarding our suppliers, the main corrective actions we promote are the implementation of social audits and development plans. Additionally, in 2023, 2024, and 2025, we have invited them to participate in the Sustainable Suppliers Training Program of the Global Compact, aiming to train SMEs in key areas of the Ten Principles of the Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).