In March 2025, 3R attended and sponsored the EcoVadis Sustain Conference in Paris, France. This event brought together leaders in sustainability and procurement from across the globe. Not only did we sponsor the event, but we also hosted a booth, both in person and virtually, where we connected with industry experts, shared insights, and highlighted our commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing.
“The EcoVadis Sustain Conference was a fantastic opportunity for 3R to engage with the brightest minds in sustainability,” said Jana Lake, President of 3R. “We are proud to be part of driving a more sustainable future and helping businesses realize the value of sustainability. This event was a powerful reminder of the collaborative efforts needed across the value chain to create real change.”
At the conference, 3R was represented by a dynamic team of professionals who brought diverse perspectives to the discussions. The team included:
- Rachel Bukowitz, Senior Manager
- Jana Lake, President
- Josh Knupp, Senior Manager
- Natalie Halliday, Senior Consultant
- Valen (Yutong) Huang, Consultant
- Preston Buck, Consultant
This group not only showcased 3R’s thought leadership in sustainability but also allowed us to engage and learn from other sustainability professionals. Here are some key insights from the team:
1. Corporate Sustainability Strategies Keep Moving Forward
After networking with sustainability leaders, listening to inspiring keynote speakers, and learning about EcoVadis’ exciting updates, the 3R team left the conference feeling energized and motivated. One key takeaway was the ongoing momentum in corporate sustainability strategies, actions, and reporting. Despite shifting social, political, and regulatory landscapes, the message was clear: companies are continuing to advance their sustainability efforts. Keynote speakers, roundtable discussions, and one-on-one conversations all reinforced the importance of materiality assessments and embedding sustainability into strategic plans and risk management systems.
“The message was unanimous: we keep going. Companies are making sustainability a part of their business resilience strategies, ensuring it aligns with their long-term goals,” said Rachel Bukowitz, 3R Senior Manager.
2. Data Collection and Reporting: Focus on the ‘WHY’
Too often, companies gather data without using it to inform business decisions. At Sustain, the conversation centered around the need to collect and report data on material topics that truly drive business value, rather than just reporting for the sake of reporting. Proper data management enables businesses to improve their operations and better align with their sustainability goals.
“Companies must understand why they are collecting data,” Bukowitz said. “Focusing on material topics allows organizations to gain valuable insights that can lead to more informed decisions and better business outcomes.”
3. Sustainability, CFOs, and Business Value
Another crucial takeaway was the growing realization that sustainability metrics are not ‘non-financial.’
“Sustainability isn’t just about doing good—it’s about doing well. The financial benefits of sustainability are undeniable, and it’s time for CFOs to see its value,” Bukowitz said.
The value of sustainability should resonate with CFOs because sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities are closely linked to financial outcomes. A key insight shared by EcoVadis’ SVP of Global Sales, Christopher Pennington, highlighted that sustainability helps with revenue protection, risk reduction, and profitability.
“CFOs and Leadership Teams are beginning to see the business value of sustainability through increased sales with customers who have sustainability goals, lower operational costs from greater efficiency, and better business performance driving bottom-line improvement,” said Lake.
Sustainability is not only an exercise in compliance but rather an opportunity to add value to your business.
“Sustainability is no longer just about meeting requirements; it’s about creating value,” said Valen (Yutong) Huang, 3R Consultant who represented 3R in our virtual booth. “It’s essential to measure ROI [return on investment] using the right metrics and continue to evolve these conversations for greater impact.”
Huang was particularly inspired by a panel discussion on the importance of storytelling and measuring return on investment. She noted that corporate sustainability strategy needs to be informed by impactful metrics that align with the organization’s most material impacts and, ultimately, drive ROI.
5. Procurement’s Power to Drive Sustainability and Increase Supply Chain Resilience
Every purchase represents an opportunity—not just to cut costs but to make smarter decisions that align with company goals, mitigate risks, and create meaningful impact. A key takeaway from the conference was the importance of collaboration and education, which can help drive engagement with suppliers, customers, and internal teams. Sustainability doesn’t require perfection; what matters is addressing the most impactful issues and moving forward one step at a time.
“Sustainability is not about perfection. It’s about progress. Focus on what matters most, collaborate, and keep learning. Every step forward is valuable,” 3R Senior Consultant Natalie Halliday said.
In today’s interconnected global landscape, these principles also tie closely to supply chain resilience. As organizations face increasing volatility—from climate change to geopolitical tension and shifting regulations- building a more adaptive, transparent, and sustainable supply chain is no longer optional; it’s essential. Resilience means anticipating disruptions, building strong supplier relationships, and integrating sustainability not as a separate initiative but as a core strategic pillar.
By embedding sustainability into procurement decisions and nurturing long-term partnerships, companies can reduce risk exposure, strengthen operational continuity, and better respond to crises.
6. Strengthening Partnerships and Growing Together
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity for the 3R team to engage with our EcoVadis partners. These interactions were instrumental in strengthening our relationships and planning for the expansion of our partnership. During the conference, 3R attended the “Partner Summit,” a key event that allowed us to engage with other EcoVadis partners. We were honored to be recognized as one of the partners with the highest number of trained consultants, a testament to our commitment to providing expert support and enhancing sustainability initiatives with our clients.
“Being recognized as a top partner for the number of trained consultants was a proud moment for 3R. It reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering organizations through sustainability education and expertise,” said Josh Knupp, Senior Manager.
Conclusion
The EcoVadis Sustain Conference was an invaluable opportunity for 3R to learn, collaborate, and lead in the field of sustainability. The insights gained from this event, along with our strengthened partnerships, will continue to shape our approach to responsible sourcing and sustainable business practices. As we move forward, we remain committed to making positive change—both within our company and with our clients.
A big thank you to the EcoVadis team for hosting a fantastic conference!
Want to learn more about how 3R can support your sustainability initiatives? Reach out to us today.