Expectations of Suppliers

At Dow, our Mission and Vision set the foundation for everything we do and promote values of integrity, respect for people and protecting our planet. They drive us to conduct business fairly and with an appropriate sense of responsibility to each other, our business partners and the global community. We demand this of ourselves, and we intentionally choose to do business with suppliers who share these values and sense of global responsibility.

This means that Dow Purchasing makes supplier decisions based on a number of factors, not solely on economic criteria. We look for suppliers that:

  • Demonstrate a commitment to reliable, high-quality supply relationships
  • Have the capability to provide unique solutions, services and raw materials to support innovation
  • Collaborate with Dow to drive competitive advantage and product performance through differentiation
  • Join Dow in efforts to set the standard for Sustainability and embody highly responsible, ethical business practices, as outlined in our Code of Conduct for Suppliers.
  • Actively participate in REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals), a European Union system for chemicals management that represents a significant opportunity for chemicals manufacturers, their suppliers and customers to work together to protect the environment and preserve the future of the chemicals industry in Europe. For more information, please visit reach.dow.com
  • Practice Responsible Care® which is the chemical industry’s global voluntary initiative to continuously improve health, safety and environmental performance.
  • Follow Dow's Global EH&S Expectations for Labor Suppliers

Supplier Ethics

Ethics and Compliance at Dow is an organized approach to making sure that ethical considerations are consistently integrated into how we conduct business everywhere. It is also a commitment by our senior management to ensure that employees are treated fairly and consistently, regardless of job level, business, function or geography. The Diamond Standard, Dow's Code of Business Conduct summarizes many of the ethical principles and company policies.

Separating the Source/Sell Relationship

Reciprocity is illegal in several countries. Any activity that involves an agreed-upon reciprocal source/sell relationship will not be tolerated at Dow and is grounds for termination of the contract with the supplier.

Dow Purchasing will always entertain proposals from existing and potential suppliers, including supply proposals by our customers.

Under normal circumstances, a customer will not be offered a supply position where it is not in Dow's best interest from a purchasing perspective.

Conflict of Interest

Dow employees live by the rule that they should avoid any activity, investment, or interest that might reflect unfavorably upon the integrity or good name of the company or of themselves. They are obligated to place Dow's interest in any business transaction ahead of any personal interest or personal gain to either themselves or to their spouse, family member, or other individual.

All Purchasing employees will specifically avoid any conflict of interest by discouraging suppliers from offering gifts and invitations to entertainment events.

A conflict of interest may also arise when an employee or family member has a direct or indirect personal or financial interest in any Dow supplier, partner, competitor, or customer, where such interest could influence Dow's dealings with such supplier, partner, competitor, or customer.

Questions or Concerns?

The Dow EthicsLine is a toll-free help line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The help line is available to those who wish to ask questions about Dow policy, seek guidance on specific situations, report violations of Dow's Code of Business Conduct or Supplier Code of Conduct, or other unethical business practices.