If promotes a sustainable and responsible supply chain

Did you know that If has reviewed over 4,000 of its suppliers to ensure they operate responsibly and sustainably? Behind these numbers lies extensive work where we not only identify risks but also build relationships. Ensuring a sustainable supply chain requires both. 

“It is incredibly inspiring to see our work contribute to change. The goal is to help our suppliers to become even better – not just to mitigate risks but also to create a positive impact on the communities and environments where they operate”, says Elvira Melin, who is Sustainability Officer at If.

How due diligence works at If

If has over 5,000 partners and suppliers in the Nordic region. Of these, around 4,000 operate within claims handling, motor and property repairs, and health services. 

A digital tool automatically screens all suppliers based on factors such as geographic location and industry sector. The tool also identifies potential risks related to human rights, working conditions, the environment and anti-corruption. If a supplier is flagged as high-risk, If follows up with self-assessment questionnaires and action plans to ensure the collaboration can continue responsibly. 

“A big part of our success lies in the fact that we not only review but also support our suppliers. There have been cases where we discovered that a supplier did not have regular safety drills. We raised the issue with them, and they immediately took action”, explains Elvira. 

2024 – A year of successes and lessons learned

In 2024, If continued to develop its sustainability efforts, and the number of reviewed suppliers has more than quadrupled in two years, from just over 1,000 to more than 4,000 today. 

“It is a fantastic feeling to see the results of our work. But that does not mean we are done. We have identified areas where we can improve and continue to strengthen the dialogue with our suppliers” says Elvira. 

At the same time, If is looking forward to the rest of 2025, when even more suppliers will be integrated into the system. The integration with Topdanmark will also take sustainability efforts to a new level. 

Why sustainability in the supply chain is important

For If, it is crucial to ensure that collaborations do not contribute to negative impacts on people or the environment. But sustainability is also about creating business value. Stronger partnerships can lead to better crisis management and a reduced risk of sanctions or reputational damage. 

“Transparency and collaboration are key. The ambition is to help suppliers develop their policies and processes rather than terminate contracts with them. That is how we can achieve real change”, continues Elvira Melin. 

This approach will also become a legal requirement for large companies in the EU from 2027 as part of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). 

Three person sitting at a meeting table

Improving data and information sharing between actors is essential to identify and differentiate between serious and non-serious suppliers. It also puts pressure on suppliers to improve their processes, policies and sustainability efforts, which in turn can lead to significant change – particularly in regions or industries that are lagging behind. 

Elvira Melin, Sustainability Officer.

“I work with sustainability topics at If and have a background in security and risk management as well as climate and sustainability matters. I was drawn to If because I find the insurance industry’s role in the green transition so exciting – both in analysing and preventing risks and in repairing damage and contributing to society’s adaptation in a sustainable way.” 

Picture of Elvira Melin