The #1 Audit Mistake Companies Make
Let’s cut to the chase. The biggest reason companies fail audits… It’s not intent. It’s not effort. It’s this:
They can’t trace their claims.
In short, they say they’re using 30% recycled content or reducing emissions – but they don’t have the documentation to prove it.
What We See Too Often
Certificates without dates or batch numbers
Missing supplier affidavits
Incomplete chain of custody records
Sustainability ‘policies’ that don’t match actual practices
Sustainability claims aren’t just feel-good marketing anymore. They’re increasingly regulated – and audited. That means claims like ‘recyclable,’ ‘compostable,’ ‘low-emissions,’ or ‘third-party certified’ must be fully backed by evidence and data.
Sara’s Checklist for Traceable Claims
Supplier documentation with batch-specific info
Invoices or chain of custody logs
Material specs or test reports
Internal SOPs showing compliance steps
And it all needs to tie together logically.
Final Word from Sara
If you can’t trace it, don’t claim it.
If you’re unsure what qualifies as strong documentation, ask your certification body BEFORE you’re in hot water.
Need a sanity check? You can always reach out to me. I’m here to help. #AskSustainableSara
Written by Sara Risley, Certification Officer, GreenCircle Certified
About Sustainable Sara
Sustainable Sara is GreenCircle Certified’s in-house Certification Officer – and your go-to source for navigating the complex world of sustainability claims, audits, and emissions reporting. She’s deeply knowledgeable, fiercely passionate about environmental integrity, and believes that every company – no matter the size – can make credible, verifiable sustainability progress.
