Supply Chain

We view our global Supply Chain as an extension of our business.

At NWC, our global supply chain is an extension of our business. We prioritise responsible supply chain management to protect people, communities, and the environment, reflecting our ongoing commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. Our suppliers share this commitment to ethical sourcing and are vital partners in helping us achieve our vision of delivering innovative, sustainable material solutions. We expect all supply chain partners to uphold the same high standards as our leaders and employees, acting with integrity, transparency, and efficiency to safeguard the wellbeing of our people and the communities we serve.

Customer Commitment

  • In all interactions with our customers, we strive to:
    Be transparent and provide clear, accurate information to help customers make informed decisions.
  • Address issues or concerns efficiently, fairly, and promptly.
  • Collaborate with customers to enhance the value of our products and services.
  • Continuously evaluate and benchmark our offerings to improve quality, performance, and sustainability.

Supplier Commitment

  • In working with our suppliers, we:
    Select partners through fair and objective evaluation methods.
  • Ensure suppliers operate to high ethical and responsible sourcing standards.
  • Collaborate closely to enhance the value and sustainability of the products and services delivered across the supply chain.

All NWC supply chain staff undergo regular training in our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, and our suppliers are expected to follow our Supplier Code of Conduct.

Human Rights & Anti-Slavery

NWC is committed to respecting human rights across all operations. We do not tolerate child labour, forced labour, or any practices that violate human rights. Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery ensures that we only work with partners who uphold these standards.

We act ethically and with integrity in all business dealings, implementing systems and controls to prevent modern slavery within our operations and supply chains. Our policies comply with the requirements of the UK Modern Slavery Act and reflect our commitment to responsible, human-rights-driven operations. View our Anti-Slavery Statement.

Ethical Procurement & Responsible Sourcing

Avoidance of Conflict Minerals

NWC is committed to ensuring our products do not contain conflict minerals — tin, tantalum, tungsten, or gold — sourced from entities that finance conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo or neighboring regions.

Our dedicated management team, under senior executive oversight, engages directly with our suppliers on responsible sourcing practices. NWC is a member of initiatives such as the Responsible Minerals Initiative, supporting transparency and accountability across the industry. These efforts enable us to exceed regulatory, customer, and societal expectations while contributing to conflict-free supply chains.

  • NWC requires suppliers to:
    Conduct due diligence to determine whether products contain tin, tantalum, tungsten, or gold, and whether these metals are sourced responsibly.
  • Report due diligence results to support compliance with NWC policies and legal obligations.
  • Commit to sourcing metals only from conflict-free smelters.

Use of Rare Earth Metals

NWC does not currently use rare earth metals in volume production. Minimal quantities (<1% of raw material spend) are procured exclusively for research and development projects, with at least six months’ supply secured for continuity.

Supplier Terms & Conditions

All suppliers are required to comply with NWC’s Supplier Terms and Conditions, including standards for ethical business conduct, responsible sourcing, and sustainability.