FORD EYES SUPPLY-CHAIN MAPPING IN QUEST FOR SUSTAINABLE SOURCING

Ford describes the sourcing of raw materials needed for battery technology as a “complex challenge”.

Recognising that the cobalt required for EV batteries is largely sourced from the DRC, Ford is exploring supplychain mapping to gain greater transparency on the sources of the cobalt used. In its 2020 report on sustainability, it said the challenge of sourcing materials ethically can only be solved through collaboration with miners, smelters and refiners.

Emma King, global purchasing lead at Ford and winner of Autocar’s 2019 Great British Women in the

Car Industry – Rising Stars initiative, explained: “We need to be able to satisfy ourselves that the material we source is sustainable. Sustainability covers the remit of ethical sourcing, the environment, bribery, corruption, law.

“We work tirelessly to address the ethical, environmental, human and labour rights issues throughout the supply chain and strive to make the whole process as transparent as possible.”

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