Case Study: How Q Product Transformed Their EcoVadis Score and Secured Major International Partnerships

Client: Q-Products
Industry: IT Asset Management & Refurbishment
Location: Netherlands
Service: Sustainability Consulting & EcoVadis Improvement

About Q-Products

Q-Products is a leading provider of sustainable IT solutions, specialising in IT Asset Disposition (ITAD), refurbishment, recycling, and secure data management. Their mission is to minimise electronic waste, extend the lifespan of IT equipment, and deliver environmentally responsible IT services. Despite their sustainability focus, Q-Products initially had a low EcoVadis score below 30, highlighting gaps in formal ESG practices, documentation, and reporting.

Challenges

Before engaging PlanetFirst Consultants, Q-Products faced several sustainability challenges:

• Low EcoVadis Score: Below 30, indicating limited structured ESG practices.
• Fragmented Documentation: Policies, carbon data, and ESG processes were not standardised.
• Complex Supply Chain: Multiple ITAD processes, refurbishing, and resale operations made ESG reporting complicated.
• Limited Expertise: The internal team lacked specialised knowledge to meet EcoVadis requirements.

Our Approach

PlanetFirst Consultants implemented a structured, step-by-step approach to help Q-Products improve their sustainability performance and EcoVadis rating:

1. Comprehensive Gap Assessment:
   Conducted a full review of Q-Products’ existing policies, reporting, and ESG data. Identified gaps in governance, carbon management, labour practices, and supply chain monitoring.
2. Policy & Process Development:
   Developed clear ESG policies, standard operating procedures, and sustainability templates aligned with EcoVadis criteria.
3. Data Collection & Carbon Tracking:
   Streamlined data collection across ITAD and refurbishment operations. Implemented accurate carbon footprint calculations and environmental metrics tracking.
4. Supplier & Stakeholder Engagement:
   Assisted Q-Products in assessing supplier sustainability practices and documenting compliance with labour, environment, and ethical standards.
5. Training & Capacity Building:
   Conducted workshops for internal teams on ESG best practices, reporting, and EcoVadis requirements.
6. Documentation & Reporting:
   Prepared the EcoVadis submission with evidence-backed documentation, structured reports, and clear references to policies and processes.

Results

Thanks to PlanetFirst Consultants’ targeted intervention:

• Q-Products achieved a Silver EcoVadis rating in record time.
• Policies, procedures, and reporting were standardised and fully compliant with international ESG frameworks.
• Internal teams gained knowledge to maintain and continuously improve ESG performance.
• The company enhanced credibility with clients, suppliers, and investors through transparent sustainability practices.

Key Takeaways for Businesses Seeking Higher EcoVadis Scores

1. Structured Approach Matters: Document every ESG process and policy.
2. Accurate Data is Critical: Carbon tracking, labour metrics, and supplier data must be verifiable.
3. Training is Essential: Staff must understand ESG requirements and reporting obligations.
4. Continuous Improvement: EcoVadis is not a one-time exercise—maintain practices and update evidence regularly.
5. Expert Support Can Make a Difference: Specialist consultants accelerate improvements and reduce errors.

About PlanetFirst Consultants

At PlanetFirst Consultants, we help businesses in the UAE and globally improve ESG performance, achieve higher EcoVadis scores, and strengthen sustainability practices. Whether you need full ESG strategy, carbon management, reporting, or compliance support, we become your dedicated sustainability partner.

Ready to improve your EcoVadis score? Contact us today and let PlanetFirst Consultants guide you to Silver, Gold, or Platinum ratings.