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showing the importance of factors like carbon management, supplier labor standards, circularity and responsible data practices in sustainable procurement programs; our role in supporting businesses is only set to grow.
Can you elaborate on the‘ digital divide’ mentioned in the 2026 Barometer? The 2026 Barometer highlights a stark gap between‘ Leaders’ and‘ Late adopters.’ The leaders are using AI-supported analytics to gain visibility into Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers, while others are still struggling with Tier 1.
This divide is dangerous because the biggest risks- carbon hotspots and human rights issues- usually live deep in the supply chain. We’ re helping to close this divide by democratizing tools; giving SMEs the same reporting capabilities as major businesses so they aren’ t left behind.
The good news is that today, the level of ESG data integration across key procurement processes is increasing, but the next frontier will be data traceability.
Why are the UK findings particularly stark, and what is your advice for UK professionals? Among all countries surveyed as part of our Barometer, the UK has the lowest proportion of suppliers using AI, automation, real-time data, and predictive analytics to manage and report on their sustainability. By contrast, UK buyers are already ahead in using AI to enhance sustainable procurement.
This emerging digital asymmetry risks widening existing ESG data gaps and limiting visibility and value creation across supply networks. The positive news: UK suppliers were also found to be the most likely to adopt these technologies within the next two years. More broadly, our data tells us that the UK, while great at reporting, does have some ground to make up in terms of operational action when it comes to reducing upstream impact. My advice would be to move beyond just a checkbox approach and focus on supplier engagement- including incentivizing and working with those in the supply chain to help them improve.
How is EcoVadis staying ahead of the threat of AI-created synthetic ESG data? This is the‘ double-edged sword’ of 2026. AI makes it easier for suppliers to generate professional-looking but entirely fake sustainability reports.
We tackle this with a‘ Human-in-the- Loop’ approach. We use AI to detect patterns of synthetic data, but, critically, we rely on our analysts to verify the authenticity of certificates and evidence.
We are also moving toward more primary data feeds( like direct utility bill integrations) which are much harder to‘ hallucinate’ than a PDF report.
How do you operate as a global standard when regulation is so fragmented? We act as a universal translator. Whether it’ s CS3D in Europe, the UK Modern Slavery Act, or emerging standards in APAC, we map all these requirements into one assessment. This prevents survey fatigue for suppliers, enabling them to do one assessment with us and we ensure it meets the differing requirements of their global customers.
How does the Co-CEO model work day-to-day with Frédéric Trinel? Frédéric and I have been working together for over 20 years, and it works because of a total lack of ego and a clear division of zones.’
I tend to focus more on the externalfacing strategy, methodology, and the‘ why’, while Frédéric is exceptional at the‘ how’: operations, scaling, and technical infrastructure. We speak daily, but we trust each other’ s autonomy in our respective spheres.
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