Climbing the Compliance Ladder jointly in China and Cambodia

This project promotes responsible trade in natural stone between Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Belgium, and Asia (China and Cambodia). Importers and suppliers – such as factories, quarries and agents – receive support to put ESG standards into practice.

The project has two tracks:

1. Developing a shared framework together

TruStone participants and six importers engage in dialogue with Asian companies and suppliers about ESG frameworks in Europe and Asia. The aim is to develop shared principles and a practical strategy within the applicable frameworks. This will help bridge differences and enable the parties to work together to improve conditions for people and the environment.

2. Working together in the supply chain

Importers and civil society organisations then support suppliers in applying the shared framework. The focus includes safe and healthy working conditions, supply chain transparency, and cooperation with quarries and agents.

Activities may include:

training importers on supply chain responsibility and ESG;
training and guidance for supplier management on specific ESG topics;
providing workers with information on safety, health and other relevant ESG topics;
guidance for quarry managers, contractors and workers
support to improve supply chain transparency, for example through training and guidance for agents.

In this way, the project combines dialogue and joint agreements with practical support for implementation.