Together achieving a credible, responsible and more co-ordinated tin supply chain

The International Tin Association is the global tin body working for the interests of industry stakeholders, including producers, traders, end users and consumers. The International Tin Association has pioneered the ITSCI due diligence programme helping industry avoid conflict financing via mineral trade, and is implementing a global ESG reporting standard, the Tin Code, for the upstream supply chain.

The Responsible Tin Supply (RTS) group brings together supply chain actors from all tiers of the value chain as a platform for exchanging information, working towards international standards for reporting, and helping to achieve compliance. The group is chaired by ITA experts who also provide information, promote discussion, develop and implement concepts for action with the input and support of participants.

There is no charge to join the RTS group and we welcome participants from across the tin supply chain.

Why join

  • Receive credible and informative communications on tin and tin supply from ITA and external experts
  • Take part in quarterly discussions via conference call
  • Understand and measure the effects of local actions and projects
  • Receive visibility as a responsible participant in the tin supply chain

New challenges for tin

There has been increasing pressure regarding responsible and sustainable sourcing of minerals and metals including to supply the global energy transition. The spotlight on responsible production and sourcing in the 3TG supply chain has largely focused on companies sourcing from “conflict affected and high risk areas” (CAHRAs). Now all companies are facing a growing expectation to expand their due diligence to other serious risks of harm to people and the environment and to publicly report on their efforts. Companies must adapt to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of international regulations and standards including the EU’s Responsible Minerals Regulation (2017/821) and the LME’s responsible sourcing requirements for listed brands, as well as media reports involving misinformation and high profile exposés of end users sourcing practices.

Promoting positives of tin

Tin is included in the scope of these raw material discussions due to its high risk profile and widespread use in consumer products including electronics and tinplate. By engaging in conversations about reducing negative impacts in the supply chain, tin has the potential to become a leader in sustainable production and to make positive contributions in sourcing areas. Tin as a metal is also fortunate to have no proven toxic effects in either man or the environment, and in being a metal that is widely recycled in alloys and re-refined metal products. As an industry we can focus more attention on, and make use of these positives.

RTS objectives

RTS is a platform for :

  • Early identification of emerging issues of key importance to stable and responsible tin supply
  • Clarification of priorities and strategies for managing and resolving supply chain risks
  • Reduction of perceived risks of tin use to downstream company reputation
  • Streamlined sustainability reporting and auditing for tin producers
  • Development of means to incentivise tin suppliers adopting best practices

Focus topics

  • Managing EU regulation expectations for due diligence on tin mineral, metal and chemicals
  • Reporting from tin supply areas
  • In-depth information from Code of Conduct reporting
  • Defining progress co-operation with key companies and stakeholders

Contact

Sonia Marsh – Lead Sustainability Specialist

+44 (0)1727 871321 or [email protected]