Initiative
Sustainable purchasing
About the initiative
Benefits for businesses that have a positive impact
We understand that our company's purchasing power has the potential to drive the local economy, especially for entrepreneurs dedicated to fostering positive social and environmental impact. We can also integrate vulnerable sectors of society into the economic process, with effects on job creation, investment channeling, and productive development.
To include a larger number of these businesses in our chain of suppliers, since 2019 we have implemented a policy guiding our internal divisions in selecting enterprises committed to sustainability. For example, certified companies or companies that are in the process of certification, suppliers of certified products, and social enterprises and NGOs with proven social and/or environmental impact.
Criteria for supplier selection
We have established guidelines to determine when a company or organization can be considered sustainable and eligible to be a supplier for Mercado Libre. These guidelines may be adjusted over time based on advances and knowledge related to sustainability. Here are some examples of practices considered:
Social criteria:
- Products or services offering solutions or better conditions as to social environment, housing, health care, education, mobility, and transport to highly vulnerable populations.
- Job creation in locations with low employment levels.
- Hiring people or suppliers that promote inclusion.
- Social and cultural capital generation at a local level, connecting the job market and the production sector with cultural heritage and local knowledge.
Environmental criteria:
- Offering services, technology, or products that promote the restoration or regeneration of ecosystems or the circular economy.
- Setting goals and implementing actions to reduce their environmental impact.
- Selling or using biodynamic or ecological products as raw material.
- Execution of contracts requiring suppliers to meet environmental criteria.
Examples of certifications:
- Organic seal;
- FSC certification;
- Fairtrade certification;
- ISO 14001;
- OHSAS 18001;
- Sistema B;
- LEED;
- Rainforest Alliance;
- Origens do Brasil.
Benefits
We offer special prices and payment terms to businesses that stand out in this category as compared to traditional suppliers. Some examples are included below:
Payment term
Trainings
And there's a lot more