Case Study | Expanding Responsible Sourcing with Intertek PACE for the Consumer Goods Industry

Recognizing the program’s success, the brand’s parent company identified an opportunity to scale the initiative into a comprehensive, enterprise-wide strategy encompassing multiple brands and global sourcing regions. However, expansion brought new challenges. Scaling required additional operational resources, in-depth regional expertise, and the ability to navigate the complex regulatory requirements facing the FMCG sector. To maintain the integrity and high standards of the original program while expanding its global reach, the company sought a strategic partner capable of supporting both vision and execution.

Intertek PACE was selected to help realize this ambition—delivering a scalable framework, localized support, and expert program management to ensure consistency, compliance, and continued impact across the global supply chain.

What challenges was the organization facing?

The company aimed to harmonize Responsible Sourcing efforts across its portfolio of brands—ensuring the program remained responsive to emerging risks in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector while meeting the evolving expectations of stakeholders, including consumers, investors, and advocacy groups. Achieving this required more than simply expanding the program’s footprint. The company needed a partner with the ability to manage day-to-day program operations with precision, while also offering strategic oversight and forward-looking industry insight. Success depended on balancing tactical execution with long-term vision—addressing current compliance needs while anticipating future challenges in a dynamic global sourcing environment.

What was Intertek's solution?

To support the expansion of its Responsible Sourcing program, the company engaged Intertek’s Program Advisory & Collaborative Engagement (PACE) services. Intertek delivered a comprehensive solution that combined strategic advisory with on-the-ground program management—tailored to meet the company’s operational complexity and growth ambitions.

Strategic Program Advisory

Intertek’s senior advisors worked closely with the company to design the foundational framework for the expanded program. Leveraging a risk-based approach, the team ensured alignment with global FMCG sector trends, regulatory developments, and stakeholder expectations. This strategic guidance enabled the company to scale responsibly while building a strong, future-ready compliance foundation.

Collaborative Engagement Program Management

Intertek deployed experienced Program Managers to oversee daily operations across sourcing regions. Many of these professionals brought prior experience as responsible sourcing auditors, allowing them to apply both compliance expertise and local insight. Their role included ensuring adherence to quality-controlled procedures, tracking performance against defined KPIs, and supporting suppliers in implementing continuous improvements. This collaborative model streamlined program execution and strengthened supplier engagement across the global network.

Results & Impact

The partnership with Intertek enabled the company to evolve its Responsible Sourcing initiative into a fully integrated, enterprise-level program—delivering tangible, measurable impact across its global operations. Key outcomes included:

• Accelerated Program Execution - Intertek’s dedicated and highly experienced team facilitated the rapid expansion of the Responsible Sourcing program across multiple brands and geographies. This ensured consistent execution and alignment with overarching corporate sustainability and compliance goals.
• Proactive Issue Management - Intertek’s regionally based Program Managers provided localized, real-time support to identify and address emerging issues. This allowed the company to remain agile, anticipate risk, and respond effectively to evolving stakeholder expectations and regulatory developments.
• Cost Efficiency Through Regional Expertise - By leveraging Intertek PACE’s globally positioned program management resources, the company avoided the need to expand its internal U.S.-based team. This not only reduced operational costs but also improved program delivery through localized insight, cultural fluency, and on-the-ground execution capabilities.

Realising the Vision: From Brand Initiative to Global Program

Through its partnership with Intertek PACE, the company successfully transformed a brand-level initiative into a fully integrated corporate Responsible Sourcing program, achieving both strategic alignment and operational excellence. By combining high-level advisory support with localized program management, Intertek helped the company meet the increasing demands of regulatory compliance, stakeholder scrutiny, and global supply chain complexity.

The results demonstrate the power of a collaborative and scalable approach: faster execution, smarter risk management, and meaningful cost savings—all while maintaining the integrity and ambition of the company’s original vision. As supply chain expectations continue to evolve, the company is now well-positioned to lead with transparency, resilience, and a deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility.