PHILADELPHIA – Coatings manufacturer Axalta has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to a sustainable supply chain, human rights and its membership in the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI).

Axalta actively participates in the RMI’s working groups on responsible mica and cobalt sourcing to help ensure human rights are respected in mineral supply chains from the mines and refiners through to the end users. The RMI is one of the most utilized and respected resources for companies from a range of industries addressing responsible mineral sourcing issues in their supply chains.

“Responsible mineral sourcing is an important focus area for Axalta, our customers and our suppliers,” said Tabitha Oman, Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. “As part of our company’s sustainability program, we are committed to efforts that protect and promote human rights in the global minerals supply chain. The RMI is doing valuable work around the responsible sourcing of minerals, including mica and cobalt, and we are proud to be a member.”

Axalta has also made a contribution to the RMI’s Upstream Due Diligence Smelter Fund, hosted by the Responsible Business Alliance Foundation. The Upstream Due Diligence Smelter Fund was launched in 2018 to support smelters and refiners sourcing from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. This fund will allow smelters sourcing minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas to conduct due diligence assessments of their upstream supply chains.

While Axalta does not purchase directly from smelters, its suppliers must declare the conflict minerals status of the products they sell to Axalta. The Upstream Due Diligence Smelter Fund aims to advance responsible practices of smelters sourcing from conflict-affected and high-risk areas.