Our CSR ambition


Sustainable development, performance leverage

A company operates and is developed in an area to which it has to give its full attention. Whether in terms of employment, business ethics, respect for people and the environment or solidarity initiatives, everything needs to be geared towards balanced and transparent relations.

Aware of this major challenge, LEGALLAIS has been organising its sustainable development approach for years by committing itself to the United Nations Global Compact, to which it has been a signatory since 2009. LEGALLAIS’ Corporate Social Responsibility policy is based on a strong commitment to apply the 10 principles of the Global Compact and to work towards the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The company was named ambassador of the Global Compact France Network for Normandy in 2018.

LEGALLAIS’ CSR policy includes protecting the environment, giving consideration to employee health and safety, respecting people without discrimination, fighting corruption and responsible purchasing. The company is also inspired by the recommendations of the ISO 26000 “Corporate Social Responsibility” standard.

LEGALLAIS is the only hardware retailer to hold the EcoVadis Platinum level and to be one of the 1% of companies that have reached this level of maturity in terms of sustainable development.

“Our commitments are long-term and are reflected in tangible contributions. Our responsibility is to continue on the path towards a more inclusive society that respects people and the environment. It’s not just about words, it’s about actions! We are proud to include all our employees who work every day for a more responsible company.” Philippe Casenave-Péré – LEGALLAIS’ Chairman

2030 agenda

To ensure its commitment to Sustainable Development, LEGALLAIS has initiated a “2030 agenda for the ecological transition” programme. The aim of this agenda is to prepare the company for the risks associated with climate change and resource depletion over the next 10 years. The company innovates to anticipate the reinforcement of French and European regulations.

The 2030 Agenda is structured around 5 main strategies:

To date, over 90 projects have been completed to meet these strategies.

The circular economy, an integrated challenge

LEGALLAIS is gradually including the principles of the circular economy in its operations. Tangible initiatives are taken in particular to give products a second life to allow them to shed their status as waste: LEGALLAIS resells its used pallets to allow their repair and reuse; telephone and computer equipment is reconditioned through an inclusion project and resold; ink cartridges are cleaned for reuse; suppliers’ packaging is reused in the logistics centre; logistics specialists’ handling gloves are cleaned and reused; the customer service favours product repair rather than replacement.

Responsible purchasing, a strong commitment

Since 2013, the company has been a signatory of the “Responsible Supplier Relations and Purchasing” charter, initiated by the French business ombudsman and the national purchasing council.

To date, 90% of suppliers have also signed the LEGALLAIS “Responsible Supplier” charter, which includes the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact.

“Our Purchasing teams are trained and are now experienced in supporting the company’s CSR policy with its supplier partners. The objective is clear: On the one hand, this policy has to be reflected in our requirements, and on the other hand, we need to support and value all those who are also committed.” – Aodren Cosnier, Head of Purchasing and Product Range

LEGALLAIS assesses the sustainable development commitment of its manufacturers and encourages them to obtain certification from recognised third-party organisations: AFAQ 26000, ECOVADIS, ECOCERT, Label Lucie…

The most committed suppliers in terms of corporate social responsibility are often those who offer products that are healthier and more environmentally friendly. These products are identified by the “eco-responsible product” pictogram in the catalogue and referenced in the eco-responsible store of the commercial website.

Since 2007, the company has been rewarding the most committed and innovative suppliers with the yearly LEGALLAIS Supplier Trophy.

A code of conduct to fight corruption

The fight against corruption is included in the company’s corporate social responsibility policy and an ISO 27001 certified (information security) in-house whistle blowing system is also deployed within LEGALLAIS to enable the handling of reports and the protection of whistle blowers.