Creating conscientious sustainability

Thanks to the highly efficient components produced using our systems, we already make a major contribution to a more sustainable life. In Global Purchasing, however, we want to live up to our commitment to sustainability through our business relations with suppliers, too. This is why we are aiming to establish a sustainable supply chain. The most important thing here is that our suppliers understand our commitment to sustainability. The next step is to gradually reduce CO2 emissions in the supply chain. This is significant for AIXTRON because a huge proportion of emissions occur during the purchase of goods and services. In this way, we can influence the level of emissions and create a low-carbon supply chain. Other aspects relating to our supply chain involve the responsible sourcing of raw materials, observing human rights and avoiding all forms of corruption. To achieve these aims, we attach huge importance to transparency as well as very close, long-term cooperation with our business partners and suppliers. The control tower, which we established in Supply Chain Management, allows us to keep a constant eye on our short-, medium- and long-term material situation. Processing and supplying the material forecast data also enables us to safeguard the availability of materials for our procurement and production processes.

How the different departments are structured

At AIXTRON, Global Purchasing is divided into the areas of strategic purchasing, operational purchasing, purchasing of indirect goods and services and project purchasing. Global Purchasing is responsible for not only systematically optimising purchasing costs in the face of ever-more-exacting quality requirements and without losing sight of scheduling and service targets, but also maintaining close contact with suppliers in order to manage conditions and development potential. It is also responsible for managing invitations to tender and commodity groups, performing cost and value analysis projects and supporting the material planning team.

Supply Chain Management is divided into the Logistics and Corporate Supply Chain Management areas. Our logistics experts are responsible for safeguarding the entire material flow, which encompasses everything from import and goods receipt through to storage, picking and export. Supply Chain Management focuses on the sales and operations planning process for the analysts and planners.

AIXTRON Insight: sustainability in the supply chain

Like all enterprises, we bear great responsibility when it comes to sustainability. In our Global Purchasing and SCM departments, too, this is where the focus lies. It is important here to create awareness: what are the specific requirements regarding sustainable suppliers and decarbonisation within the supply chain? CO2 emissions have to be reduced and raw materials responsibly sourced. To achieve these aims, we attach huge importance to transparency as well as close, long-term cooperation with our suppliers. Our code of conduct for suppliers is based on a range of ethical, moral and legal standards that our suppliers are required to observe. Strict requirements apply, for example, when it comes to the use of conflict minerals.