TECNOFOR achieved an SAQ 5.0 rating of C77, with an overall Sustainability Score of 77%, on the SupplierAssurance (NQC) platform. The result covers our plant in Paitone (Brescia, Lombardy) and places us well above both the national average and our industry benchmark (manufacture of fabricated metal products and machining).
At TECNOFOR we believe that manufacturing excellence must go hand in hand with environmental, social and ethical responsibility. That is why we submitted our processes to the SAQ 5.0 (Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire), a supplier sustainability questionnaire widely used across the automotive and manufacturing industries.
What Is the SAQ 5.0 Rating and How to Read “C77”
The SAQ is a supplier sustainability assessment created and owned by Drive Sustainability and delivered through the NQC platform (SupplierAssurance). Results are shown with two indicators: the rating, a letter from A to F, and the Sustainability Score, which shows overall performance as a percentage.
On the NQC scale, rating A corresponds to 100%, B to 80–99% and C to 60–79%. Our C77 therefore combines a C rating with a 77% Sustainability Score. Source: NQC – SAQ 5.0 scoring & rating.
Our SAQ 5.0 Results in Detail
The assessment analyzed our performance across four core areas:
| Area assessed | Score | What it reflects |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ethics | 100% | Transparency, data protection, regulatory compliance and anti-corruption practices. |
| Environment | 91% | Our certified ISO 14001:2015 environmental management system and 91% to 100% renewable energy for electricity, heating and cooling. |
| Company Management | 81% | Senior management representatives dedicated to sustainability (QHSE Manager and CEO), a robust Code of Conduct and grievance mechanisms (Model 231). |
| Responsible Sourcing of Raw Materials | 74% | Oversight of the origin of raw materials (aluminum, copper, steel and zinc) and implementation of the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT). |
Why the SAQ Rating Matters for Customers and Supply Chains
For industrial and automotive customers, supplier sustainability is no longer just a value-driven choice: it is increasingly a regulatory and contractual requirement. In Germany the Supply Chain Sustainability Act (LkSG) is in force and requires large companies to analyze and prevent environmental and human rights risks across their supply chains. At EU level, the CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive), as amended by the Omnibus I package, will apply from 26 July 2029 to companies with more than 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion in net turnover, and its risk analysis extends to direct and indirect business partners.
In this context, a shared questionnaire such as the SAQ 5.0 saves suppliers from filling in a different form for every customer and lets them document their sustainability practices in a standardized way. TECNOFOR is a reliable partner for supply chains that demand transparency.
SAQ 5.0 Rating: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SAQ 5.0 rating?
It is the result of the Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire, a supplier sustainability assessment created by Drive Sustainability and delivered through the NQC platform (SupplierAssurance). It is expressed as a rating from A to F and a Sustainability Score in percent.
What does TECNOFOR’s C77 rating mean?
TECNOFOR achieved a C rating with an overall Sustainability Score of 77%, above the national average and its industry benchmark (manufacture of fabricated metal products and machining). Its highest-scoring areas are Business Ethics (100%) and Environment (91%).
What is the difference between the rating and the Sustainability Score?
According to NQC, the rating shows how well a company meets the essential sustainability requirements for its industry sector, based on the mandatory questions for its industry and headcount. The Sustainability Score shows overall performance, including the mandatory questions the company answered.
What are TECNOFOR’s environmental strengths?
A certified ISO 14001:2015 environmental management system and 91% to 100% renewable energy for electricity, heating and cooling.
How do LkSG and CSDDD relate to the SAQ 5.0?
LkSG and CSDDD are supply chain due diligence rules: they push large companies to ask suppliers for information on environmental and human rights risks. A shared questionnaire such as the SAQ 5.0 lets a supplier answer with a single standardized assessment.
Looking Ahead
This achievement is not a final destination, but a solid foundation for continuous improvement. We will keep investing in energy efficiency, human rights, occupational health and safety, and the responsible onboarding of our entire supply chain.
Want to know more about our SAQ 5.0 rating? Contact our team.
We are ready to drive change, ensuring our international partners a transparent, resilient supply chain aligned with European sustainability regulations.
