2013 Corporate Responsibility Report

Results of 2013 inspections
206 supplier sites in “at-risk” locations
Certified
On Probation
were audited in 2013* 188 18**
Facilities that required Social Accountability audits
59 inactive suppliers (no Staples ® brand products
are currently being produced there)
Staples did not sever ties with any factories in 2013
Total number of Certified Facilities
206* in “at-risk” locations
458 in all locations
*A total of 238 Social Accountability audits were carried out at 206
factories, as some suppliers were audited more than once.
**Suppliers on probation must complete corrective action to continue
working with Staples. In addition to scheduled factory inspections,
Staples conducts short-notice and unannounced audits.
Overview of audits conducted
Business Unit Products Delivered Type of Audit Conducted
Staples stores and
delivery worldwide
Staples Promotional
Products ® (SPP)
Staples ® brand products
Products bearing the
customer’s name and
logo (e.g., hats, T-shirts)
Suppliers in “at-risk”
locations are audited.
Factories are reviewed on a
“risk-management basis.” Audits
are completed on large suppliers
that have long-term relationships
with SPP and when reviews are
requested by the customer.
Factory certification audit and corrective action process
Staples 2013 Corporate Responsibility Report
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