Responsible sourcing
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we strive for a supply chain that promotes differentiation and generates economic development in local communities, which we advance through our supplier inclusion program.
Fulfilling our Mission requires a large supply base across our global network. These suppliers support our research and development teams and provide the raw materials, lab equipment, chemicals and other vital goods used across our manufacturing and service network around the world.
Supplier Code of Conduct
The Thermo Fisher Supplier Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for suppliers and partners, and their subcontractors, in the areas of ethical practice, human rights, health and safety, environmental responsibility and management systems. It is integrated into supply agreements and terms and conditions, and suppliers agree to share their performance against code expectations at our request.
Supply chain due diligence
Our expansive supplier network influences manufacturing, distribution and non-production expenses. To optimize the effectiveness of our responsible sourcing strategy, we prioritize our supplier engagement activities based on contribution to our spend and emissions, criticality in delivering products to meet customer demand and potential for ethical, human rights or environmental risk.
We use a globally recognized third-party platform to monitor compliance with our Supplier Code of Conduct and to assess and accelerate improvements in supplier practices related to ethics, the environment, sustainable procurement and labor and human rights.
The Supplier Code of Conduct also details our expectation that suppliers share our focus on minimizing adverse impacts on communities and the planet. We place a strong emphasis on engaging suppliers to address climate change and support Thermo Fisher in achieving our ambitious net-zero goals.
Beyond oversight, we continue to educate our procurement and sourcing colleagues through regular training and education. Our ESG Champions program embeds sustainability expertise directly within supplier relationship management, reinforcing accountability and enabling more consistent risk- and resilience-informed sourcing decisions across the enterprise.
In 2020, we set a five-year goal to assess 80% of direct materials for ethics, human rights and environmental performance.
In 2025, we achieved this target, assessing 80% of our direct material spend through our supplier sustainability program.
% direct material spend assessed for sustainability
By the end of 2025, 75% of our supply base had active sustainability assessments,1 reflecting the continued expansion and integration of responsible sourcing practices across our global value chain.
Supplier Sustainability Summit
At our 2025 Supplier Sustainability Summit, nearly 500 suppliers explored the evolving customer expectations, regulatory shifts and market trends reshaping supply chains. The event included guest speakers from across the company as well as industry partners and customers. We presented our Supplier Sustainability Awards to two participants for their sustainability efforts and contributions to our goals.
“Our stakeholders also expect us to advance sustainability, not only within our own operations, but across our value chain. And that means working with partners who share our commitment to ethical and environmentally sustainable business practices.”
Marc N. Casper
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Compliance
We continue to advance our responsible sourcing and compliance practices through a risk-based approach to supply chain due diligence. We further strengthened our on-site audit program to enhance oversight of suppliers identified through our highest risk segmentation, partnering with an independent third-party auditor to conduct targeted on-site supplier due diligence audits. These audits are designed to assess alignment with our Supplier Code of Conduct and to drive continuous improvement through corrective action planning, active engagement and follow-up monitoring. On-site audits may also be conducted to evaluate credible human rights concerns or complaints, most often raised through our Global Ethics Hotline. When issues are substantiated, we seek to work collaboratively with suppliers to remediate work practices that do not align with our Supplier Code of Conduct.
Supplier inclusion program
Our supplier inclusion program is integral to offering customers broader sourcing options, providing them access to quality products and fostering innovative solutions at competitive prices.2
In 2025, our spend with small and specialty suppliers was $1.9 billion. We continually seek to grow our program by engaging with third-party organizations and certifying bodies that facilitate new relationships and insights for a more differentiated supplier network.
2025 spend with small and specialty suppliers
To contribute to the development of small and specialty supply partners, our procurement teams provide them with regular feedback that can enhance their capabilities over time and strengthen their competitive positioning within our global network. We participate in a mentorship program through the organization Diversity Alliance for Science and we also advise our customers on strategies for shaping more robust and transparent supplier programs. These efforts support an cohesive approach that further unlocks business opportunities across our value chain.
Small Business Summit
Small businesses are critical contributors to our value chain and the communities where we operate. In 2025, we convened more than 250 small business leaders at our Small Business Summit to recognize and strengthen the role these enterprises play in building a differentiated, resilient and innovative supply chain. The program featured insights from industry experts and government partners, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, compliance and capability development within our supplier network.
Through the summit, we created a structured forum to share best practices and foster meaningful partnerships that support long-term growth for both small enterprises and Thermo Fisher. By deepening engagement and expanding access to resources, we continue to strengthen a supply base that enables innovation, enhances resilience and supports our Mission.
“Small businesses are more than suppliers; they are innovators, problem solvers and vital contributors to our communities. By hosting this summit, we created a space to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration and build lasting partnerships that help both small enterprises and Thermo Fisher thrive in a competitive environment.”
Gladymar Parziale
Supplier Inclusion Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Endnote:
- Active sustainability assessments are defined as assessments conducted within the last 24 months.
- Our supplier classifications are aligned to the United States government and industry standards.
Last updated: July 2026
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue over $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD.
For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com
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