About the ESG supplier risk assessment
As part of its procurement processes, Richter conducts ESG supplier risk assessments of selected suppliers. These assessments evaluate environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects of suppliers’ operations that may influence sustainability-related risks in business relationships.
The assessment is carried out through a structured questionnaire distributed to selected suppliers via a dedicated ESG assessment platform. The information provided helps Richter better understand ESG-related practices and potential risks across its supply chain. The assessment is part of Richter’s standard supplier risk management processes and does not constitute a supplier audit.
Richter’s sustainability expectations for its business partners are outlined in the Sustainability Code of Conduct for Business Partners, available under the ‘Governance Documents’ section of this website.
Why does Richter conduct ESG supplier risk assessments?
Suppliers play a key role in ensuring that products are manufactured and delivered in line with high standards of environmental protection, social responsibility and sound governance.
The ESG supplier risk assessment supports Richter in:
- identifying and managing sustainability-related risks within its supply chain
- promoting responsible business conduct among suppliers
- strengthening transparency and trust in supplier relationships
The assessment also supports compliance with applicable regulatory requirements related to ESG risk management and supply chain due diligence.
How the assessment process works
Richter’s supplier ESG risk assessment process typically involves the following steps:
1. Invitation to the ESG assessment via the Denxpert platform
2. Completion of the ESG supplier questionnaire
3. Evaluation of responses and ESG risk classification
4. Follow-up actions and mitigation measures, where required
5. Periodic reassessment of suppliers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why did I receive an invitation to complete the ESG questionnaire?
Selected suppliers are invited to participate in Richter’s ESG supplier risk assessment based on internal risk-based screening criteria, such as supplier category, geographic risk exposure or other sustainability-related risk factors. The assessment forms part of Richter’s supplier risk management processes and helps the Company identify and manage sustainability-related risks across its supply chain. It also supports compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
2. Which partners are required to complete the questionnaire?
Completion of the questionnaire depends on the size classification of the supplier’s company. When accessing the questionnaire, suppliers are first asked to provide basic company information (such as number of employees and annual revenue). Based on this information, the Denxpert platform automatically determines the size category of the company in line with the relevant regulatory criteria. If the supplier qualifies as a micro or small enterprise, the platform will indicate that ESG data provision is not required, and further completion of the questionnaire will not be available.
Suppliers that nevertheless wish to provide ESG information on a voluntary basis are encouraged to contact the Richter ESG team for further guidance.
3. How can I access the questionnaire?
Suppliers receive an invitation email directly from the Denxpert platform containing the link to the ESG questionnaire and supporting guidance materials. After clicking the link, suppliers are asked to confirm their email address and enter a verification code sent by the platform.
4. What should I do if I cannot find the invitation email?
If you cannot find the invitation email in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder. The invitation is sent directly by the Denxpert platform. If you still cannot locate the email, please contact the Richter ESG team for assistance at esg-denxpert@gedeonrichter.com.
5. Can the questionnaire be shared with other colleagues?
Yes. The questionnaire can be shared internally through the “Share” function in the Denxpert platform by inviting additional colleagues to contribute to the responses. This allows different departments (for example sustainability, HR, compliance or health and safety) to support the completion of the questionnaire.
6. Can I download the questionnaire questions?
Yes. After completing the initial company information page, suppliers may download a summary of the questionnaire questions using the “Download responses” function (at the top of the page). The questions can be exported to Excel to support internal coordination. Please note that the questionnaire must still be completed and submitted through the Denxpert platform.
7. What if I cannot provide data for a specific question?
If certain information is not available, suppliers may select the relevant response option indicating that the data is not available or not measured. Please note that missing or unavailable information may influence the outcome of the ESG risk assessment, as the evaluation methodology considers data availability when determining the overall risk classification.
If suppliers have questions regarding specific data points, they are encouraged to contact the Richter ESG team for guidance.
8. Are there materials or tools that can help with completing the questionnaire?
Yes. The invitation email sent via the Denxpert platform contains guidance materials and instructions that support suppliers in completing the questionnaire.
In addition, suppliers may use the ESG Calculator tool provided by the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs of Hungary (SARA), which helps calculate certain quantitative data required for the questionnaire. The calculator is available on the SARA website (external link): https://sztfh.hu/tevekenysegek/esg-hatosagi-tevekenyseg/esg-kerdoiv-kitolteset-segito-kalkulator/esg-calculator/.
9. What happens after I submit the questionnaire?
Richter’s ESG experts review the submitted responses and classify suppliers according to ESG risk levels.
If a significant ESG risk is identified, Richter may contact the supplier to discuss possible mitigation or corrective measures. This approach reflects the applicable ESG regulatory framework, which requires companies to identify, assess and monitor ESG-related risks in their supply chains.
10. How long are the assessment results valid?
The results of the questionnaire are valid for 12 months, after which suppliers may be invited to complete the assessment again.
11. How will the information provided in the questionnaire be used?
The information provided through the questionnaire is used exclusively for the purpose of evaluating sustainability-related risks within Richter’s supply chain. The data is handled in accordance with applicable data protection and confidentiality requirements.
12. What if my company has an external ESG rating?
If your company has an external ESG rating (for example EcoVadis), this information may be taken into consideration as part of Richter’s supplier risk assessment process. Suppliers may refer to such ratings when completing the questionnaire.
13. What if my company publishes a sustainability or non-financial report?
If your company publishes a sustainability or non-financial report, you may use the information available in these reports when completing the questionnaire. Richter welcomes transparent communication of ESG-related performance indicators by its business partners and values the support provided in completing the assessment. Please note that ESG data are collected through the Denxpert ESG platform; therefore, the questionnaire must still be completed through this system.
14. Who can I contact for support?
For technical questions related to the platform, suppliers may contact Denxpert support at support@denxpert.app.
For questions related to the questionnaire or the ESG assessment process, suppliers may contact the Richter ESG team at esg-denxpert@gedeonrichter.com.