This study offers guidance to companies in the German mechanical engineering sector and their stakeholders on the significant environmental impacts along industry-specific supply chains. It is intended to support companies in the implementation of environmental due diligence and environmental management in global supply chains. This study is the second publication in a series of sector studies commissioned by the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA).
The study is based on a modelling of the industry-specific supply chain related to the environmental topics of greenhouse gases, air pollutants, abiotic and biotic resources, land, water, water pollutants and waste. For selected metal raw materials relevant to mechanical engineering and the processes of metal processing and galvanisation/metal alloying, the supply chains are examined in depth. The study also shows exemplary correlations between risks for negative impacts on the environment and human rights. Based on the analysis results of the study, starting points and measures for companies are formulated.