SMETA vs. EcoVadis by Sedex are two platforms related to corporate sustainability and social responsibility. The choice between EcoVadis and SMETA by Sedex depends on your needs and priorities. Moreover, the differences between them are:
EcoVadis
EcoVadis provides a sustainability rating for companies through the EcoVadis platform. The EcoVadis assessment is obtained by completing the EcoVadis questionnaire, which covers a wide range of non-financial management systems, including environmental impacts, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: EcoVadis offers a full assessment that covers a broad set of ESG criteria (environmental, social, and governance). This includes analysing environmental impact, labour practices, human rights, and business ethics. Consequently, certifications such as ISO 14001 or EMAS, as well as ISO 45001, are highly valued by EcoVadis.
- Risk-Based Approach: EcoVadis applies a risk-based methodology, giving greater weight to criteria according to their potential impact on sustainable performance.
- Holistic Perspective: By integrating a wide spectrum of ESG criteria, EcoVadis enables organisations to understand their sustainability performance from a comprehensive standpoint. Additionally, it aligns well with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Based on the final score, companies can earn EcoVadis medals.
SMETA from Sedex
SMETA 2- and 4-pillar audits are audits designed to help organisations understand labour standards, health and safety, environmental performance, and business ethics within their own operations or at a supplier’s site. This methodology is developed by Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) and is widely recognised worldwide. Companies use SMETA to improve working conditions and environmental performance across the supply chain.
- Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing: Sedex specialises in ethical trade and responsible sourcing. Its focus is strongly centred on supply-chain transparency and social responsibility.
- Third-Party Audit: Unlike EcoVadis, a company can demonstrate its compliance with Sedex through an independent third-party audit. Sedex does not issue bronze, silver or gold ratings; instead, a performance score is determined based on the company’s compliance with Sedex criteria.
FAQs Ecovadis vs SMETA
Main Differences Between EcoVadis and Sedex–SMETA
Choosing between EcoVadis and Sedex–SMETA is a key decision for companies seeking to strengthen their sustainability strategy and corporate social responsibility. Both tools are widely recognized internationally; however, they offer distinct approaches and different benefits.
Differences Between EcoVadis and Sedex–SMETA
The differences between EcoVadis and Sedex–SMETA are:
- Type of assessment: EcoVadis operates through an online EcoVadis questionnaire supported by document analysis, whereas SMETA is an on-site social audit carried out directly at the supplier’s facilities.
- Thematic scope: SMETA focuses on labour rights, working conditions, and health and safety, while EcoVadis balances its pillars across environment, ethics, and responsible sourcing.
- Process approach: EcoVadis is a verified self-assessment ideal for periodic monitoring and global benchmarking. In contrast, a Sedex–SMETA audit identifies non-compliances in situ and proposes immediate corrective actions.
- Use and applications: EcoVadis provides an overall sustainability rating that is highly valued in international markets. SMETA, however, is essential in sectors such as agri-food and retail, where labour transparency is critical.
- Reporting and transparency: EcoVadis delivers a digital report with easy-to-share comparative insights. Meanwhile, SMETA generates a standardised audit report available on the Sedex platform for multiple clients.
Which Tool Does Your Company Need?
EcoVadis is the best option if your objective is to obtain a comprehensive digital sustainability diagnosis, ideal for benchmarking and continuous improvement.
Sedex–SMETA, by contrast, is more effective when you need to demonstrate labour compliance and business ethics in situ, under internationally recognised supply chain standards.
EcoVadis and Sedex–SMETA Consulting
At EmasConsultors, as a sustainability consultancy, we help you prepare your company for any of these assessments:
- Selection of the most suitable platform.
- Support in document collection and in on-site CSR audits.
- Training in international standards and continuous improvement.
With our team of experts, your company will gain competitiveness, credibility and sustainability, thereby ensuring a strong position with clients, investors and stakeholders.