Helping small manufacturers understand and prepare for ESG requirements
As sustainability becomes baseline expectation for doing business, many small and mid-sized manufacturers are encountering EcoVadis for the first time. Once seen as a niche tool, EcoVadis has quickly become the global standard, used by more than 1200 global procurement teams, to assess supplier performance on environmental, social, and ethical issues.
EcoVadis can be confusing for those who are new to it. From whom it’s really for to how it works and what’s expected, many suppliers enter the assessment with mistaken assumptions that can lead to missed opportunities or underwhelming scores.
To help you navigate it more effectively, here are five of the most common misconceptions about EcoVadis and what your company really needs to know.
Misconception #1: “EcoVadis is only for large, global companies.”
Truth:
While EcoVadis is used by multinational corporations to assess their suppliers, the platform was intentionally designed to accommodate companies of all sizes, including small manufacturers. In fact, a growing number of small and mid-sized suppliers are being asked to complete EcoVadis assessments as a condition of doing business with larger customers.
EcoVadis customizes its assessment questionnaires based on a company’s size, industry, and location. A 20-person plastics manufacturer in Ohio won’t be evaluated by the same standards as a multinational apparel brand. The platform’s goal is to create a fair, risk-based approach that meets the needs of both buyers and suppliers, regardless of scale.
Misconception #2: “I need to be ‘perfect’ in sustainability to get a good score.”
Truth:
EcoVadis doesn’t expect perfection, it values transparency, continuous improvement, and evidence of commitment. Many suppliers fear they’ll be penalized for not having mature ESG programs in place; however, the platform rewards companies for standard policies on employee health, waste management, commonplace policies, and commitments to improve in the future.
In fact, one of the most common pitfalls is leaving questions unanswered, failing to submit supporting documents, or not having a net-zero carbon plan or a supplier code of conduct.
Even if your sustainability efforts are at the early stage, documenting easy wins such as recycling programs, energy audits, and basic health and safety policies can positively impact your score.
Misconception #3: “EcoVadis is just a one-time certification.”
Truth:
EcoVadis is not a one-and-done certification. It’s a dynamic, evolving scorecard that reflects your company’s ESG maturity over time. Assessments are valid for 12 months, and most corporate customers expect their suppliers to renew them annually to track ongoing progress.
This means your score can improve year-over-year as you implement new initiatives and strengthen your documentation. Rather than viewing EcoVadis as a hurdle to clear once, think of it as a tool to benchmark progress and demonstrate your company’s long-term commitment to sustainability.
Misconception #4: “I can just assign this to someone in operations or quality.”
Truth:
Many companies underestimate the cross-functional nature of the EcoVadis assessment. It touches on policies and practices across environmental management, labor rights, procurement, ethics, and compliance. Completing it effectively often requires input from multiple departments: HR, safety, operations, purchasing, and leadership.
That’s why many companies benefit from working with a dedicated ESG consultant like Telesto Strategy to coordinate responses, gather the right documentation, and align internal stakeholders. Assigning it to a single person without internal support or expert guidance can lead to delays, low scores, and frustration.
Misconception #5: “This doesn’t really impact my business.”
Truth:
If you’re being asked to complete an EcoVadis assessment, it’s likely because your customers see ESG performance as a critical risk factor and competitive differentiator. A strong score can increase your visibility with procurement teams, strengthen your customer relationships, and open the door to new opportunities.
Conversely, not participating or submitting a weak assessment can put existing contracts at risk or exclude you from consideration in competitive bids. As more corporations align their supply chains with sustainability goals, having a credible EcoVadis score is fast becoming a prerequisite for doing business, particularly in industries like automotive, consumer goods, food & beverage, and apparel.
Get ahead by getting informed
EcoVadis may feel unfamiliar at first, but it offers an important opportunity for small manufacturers to position themselves as trusted, responsible partners. Understanding how the platform works, and avoiding common misconceptions, can make the process smoother and strategic.
By investing in ESG readiness, supported by experts like Telesto Strategy, your company can not only meet the rising expectations of today’s buyers, but also strengthen its resilience and reputation in an increasingly sustainability-driven marketplace.
Get the support you need
Ready to begin your EcoVadis journey or improve your score? Telesto Strategy offers tailored support to guide you through the assessment process and build a long-term ESG strategy aligned with your customers’ needs.
Our people
Ben Vatterott
Partner, San Francisco
Ben brings over 15 years of experience in supporting both local Chicago manufacturers and Fortune 500 companies in creating and scaling ESG/sustainability programs to meet customer needs and ensure regulatory compliance.
Aldo Aragon
Manager, Chicago
Aldo uses his experience supporting manufacturers, retailers, and professional service companies to help executives build ESG/sustainability programs that create new revenue opportunities, reduce regulatory risk, and improve brand equity.
