SEOUL, April 11 (AJP) - South Korea’s retail industry is ramping up efforts to introduce Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) audits, reflecting a broader shift toward ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and long-term sustainability.
Previously concentrated in manufacturing, EHS audits are now being expanded to include non-manufacturing sites such as retail stores, logistics centers, and corporate offices. The trend is gaining momentum as global consumer goods and retail companies seek to strengthen supply chain oversight and enhance brand credibility.
Several international firms, including major fashion SPA brands, have recently launched formal EHS audits at their operations in South Korea. These assessments cover a wide range of risk factors, including emergency response systems, workplace safety, first-aid preparedness, chemical handling and storage, and third-party logistics (3PL) management.
South Korean consulting firm ELPS has been leading these projects, carrying out multi-day inspections at retail locations, logistics hubs, and head offices in the Seoul metropolitan area. The company has also conducted regular EHS audits for flagship stores operated by global luxury and tech brands, responding to growing demand for ESG-based evaluations across the retail sector.
"EHS risks in the retail industry are increasingly tied to brand trust and investment appeal," said Park Joon-soo, director at ELPS, who oversaw the recent audits. "Beyond regulatory pressures like the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, retailers must now address rising expectations from consumers and investors through systematic audits and tailored risk management strategies."
In Europe and North America, EHS audit outcomes are already considered key benchmarks for brand valuation, supply chain agreements, and investment decisions. That international standard is prompting South Korean companies to build more sophisticated risk management systems and pursue objective validation of their ESG practices.
As ESG management becomes a necessity rather than a choice, thorough EHS audits are emerging as a critical factor in ensuring long-term sustainability for retail and service businesses alike.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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