Responsibility in the supply chain
As a major industrial enterprise, Audi is very conscious of its responsibility for the environment and society. For the company, the concept of being consistently sustainable means focusing holistically on environmentally friendly processes and social working conditions. The globally interlinked supply chain plays a key role here.
Responsibility in action
The supply chain at Audi is subject to constant change and is also highly complex because of the large number of processing steps and materials involved. The company interacts with a considerable number of direct suppliers worldwide. That adds up to a large responsibility, but at the same time it offers enormous potential to operate sustainably at critical positions. Audi takes this duty seriously and works exclusively with partners who share the car manufacturer's values.
The Audi supplier network 2025
>12,300
suppliers
in 59
countries
The figures refer to the entire Volkswagen Group.
ESG engagement made measurable: more key figures from the areas of Environmental, Social and Governance can be found in the Audi Report 2025.
The most important pillars of the sustainability efforts in the supply chain
Environment
Audi develops standards that contribute overall to ensuring compliance with environment-related requirements in the supply chain.
People
Audi is continuously working to improve working conditions for people, for example when handling critical raw materials in the supply chain.
Innovation
By integrating new technologies and innovative forms of collaboration, Audi wants to further increase traceability in global and complex supply chains.
CO₂ in the supply chain
The possibilities and starting points for acting sustainably in the supply chain are as multi-layered as the supplier structure. Thanks to the consistent electrification of Audi vehicles, it is here that the majority of CO₂ emissions arise. That is why it is essential as part of the Audi CO₂ program to improve the CO₂ balance sheet in the supply chain even before the vehicles embark on their first kilometers on the road. For Audi, CO₂ emissions and recycled content are binding technical requirements that are specified by Audi and must be ensured and validated by suppliers. The company sees the largest reduction measures in the use of CO₂-reduced aluminum, CO₂-reduced steel, the increased use of secondary materials and the use of renewable energies in energy-intensive materials and manufacturing processes.
The circular economy in practice: Audi Genuine exchange parts
Audi wants to reduce its environmental impact and conserve resources along the entire value chain. With this in mind, Audi has established the principles of a closed-loop circular economy during the development, manufacture and marketing of its products.
S-Rating
Since 2019, the so-called sustainability rating (S-Rating) has helped Audi to check the compliance of its suppliers with the Code of Conduct for Business Partners. Participation in the S-Rating is mandatory and a positive outcome is a basic prerequisite for entering into a business relationship. The individual auditing instruments of the S-Rating focus on sustainable action at the company’s sites. The S-Rating evaluation determines whether or not a site is eligible as a supplier. On a page set up specifically for this purpose, you will find further information on the S-Rating, on participation and on free training offers that will help suppliers to go through the process and, if necessary, improve their results.
Facts about the S-Rating 2025
>20,900
direct suppliers with completed self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ)
144
Number of (on-site) audits carried out in the course of the S-Rating
ESG engagement made measurable: more key figures from the areas of Environmental, Social and Governance can be found in the Audi Report 2025.
“Our goal is to lay the foundation for enhanced sustainability and responsibility in a spirit of partnership together with our suppliers.”
Stronger together
Audi believes in a sustainable future. Long-term relationships with suppliers are essential for this. That is why Audi supports its business partners not only through training on the S‑Rating, but also with a variety of workshops on the topic of sustainability.
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