Materiality and goals
GRI 3-3
Targets |
Target horizon |
Status as of 2022 |
|---|---|---|
Define and implement protective measures for 100% of the Mercedes-Benz Group's production raw materials which pose an increased risk of human rights violations |
2028 |
|
Milestone: Assess 70% of all production raw materials used by the Mercedes-Benz Group with an increased risk of human rights violations and define necessary remediation measures |
2025 |
|
Milestone: Assess 50% of all production raw materials used by the Mercedes-Benz Group with an increased risk of human rights violations and define necessary remediation measures |
2023 |
|
Milestone: Assess 40% of all production raw materials used by the Mercedes-Benz Group with an increased risk of human rights violations and define necessary remediation measures |
2022 |
41% |
Assess 100% of commodities sourced from service supply chains posing an increased risk of human rights violations |
2026 |
36% |
The goal of the Mercedes-Benz Group is to combine business success with responsible action toward the environment, people and society – and to do so along the entire value chain.
The expansion of electric mobility in particular is also further increasing public interest in respect for human rights within the automotive supply chain, because the production of battery cells requires the use of raw materials such as lithium and cobalt. These raw materials often come from countries where there is a risk that they are mined under conditions that could be critical from a human rights standpoint.
In addition to the interest expressed by consumers and civil organizations, the Mercedes-Benz Group is also observing increasing interest in human rights issues by investors and rating agencies. Human rights issues are increasingly having an influence on investment decisions.
Moreover, the German Bundestag passed the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) in July 2021. It entered into force at the beginning of 2023. The European Commission also presented a proposal for a directive on corporate due diligence in the area of sustainability in February 2022.
For the Mercedes-Benz Group, respect for human rights is a fundamental aspect of responsible corporate governance. The goal is to manufacture products without any human rights violations. With the Human Rights Respect System (HRRS), the Group has developed an approach for the implementatin of human rights due diligence in order to live up to its aspiration.