Linda Kromjong

‘Together, stronger’ may be a cliche, but – in the area of sustainable supply chains – it is a must.

When it comes to bringing companies together and making those supply chains more socially and environmentally responsible, amfori is a shining example.

amfori is a leading business association for sustainable trade, founded in 1977 by a coalition of companies determined to make global commerce more responsible.

From its earliest days, amfori has championed open trade, but with a sharp focus on the social and environmental impacts of supply chains.

amfori BSCI, a pioneering effort in social due diligence

The association’s flagship initiative, amfori BSCI, short for amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative, is now at the heart of efforts to ensure that trade delivers benefits for people, planet and business.

Linda Kromjong, President of amfori since January 2022, has spent her career advancing business and human rights.

Her experience at companies including Sodexo, Deutsche Post DHL and Samsung Electronics shaped her conviction that businesses can — and must — be a force for good when human rights and sustainability are central to strategy. This belief now drives her leadership at amfori.

Linda spoke to Sustainability, Procurement & Supply Chain magazines to explain how amfori is laser-focused on promoting sustainable, responsible trade and supporting businesses in driving positive global impact.

amfori: a force for good in global trade

Linda says: “I became President of amfori on 1 January 2022, drawn by the opportunity to drive positive impact in global supply chains and promote responsible business conduct.

“My professional journey began in the hospitality industry with Sodexo in the Netherlands, where I developed a strong foundation in general management, HR and labour relations.

“Over time, I deepened my focus on business and human rights, which has become a guiding thread throughout my career.”

Linda adds: “Before joining amfori, I held senior roles that shaped my global outlook and commitment to responsible business.

“At DHL Group, I served as Vice President for International Labor

Relations and Human Rights. Later, I was Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) in Geneva and, most recently, I set up the human rights and industrial relations framework at Samsung Electronics as Global Director Labor and Human Rights.

“Each of these roles reinforced my belief that businesses can be a force for good when human rights and sustainability are at the core of their strategy. That belief is what ultimately led me to amfori.”

Supportive, collaborative and responsible

amfori’s mission is clear: to support companies worldwide in operating successful and responsible businesses.

The association’s name, inspired by the ancient ‘amphorae’ used for global trade, symbolises the enduring importance of commerce as a driver of prosperity — but also of responsibility.

Today, amfori’s reach is truly global, with members in 52 countries and local networks spanning every continent.

Linda explains that its approach is rooted in collective action. “Our members discovered they were sourcing from the same factories and countries and realised they could use their collective leverage to drive positive impact on the ground, particularly to improve working conditions in supply chains,” she says.

amfori’s 2,400-plus members range from small businesses to multinational corporations, operating in over 100 countries.

The association’s collaborative ethos is central to its success, as it brings together companies, auditing firms, producers, factories, policymakers and NGOs to share knowledge and drive collective impact.

This networked approach enables members to learn from each other, raise standards and embed responsible practices across global supply chains.

Linda says: “The challenge for a more sustainable world cannot be tackled on an individual company basis.”

To read the full article in the magazine, click HERE.