Why is compliance management becoming a strategic advantage for suppliers?

As global regulations evolve toward product sustainability across the entire product life cycle, customers want partners who deliver on transparency as well as compliance.When customers ask for compliance information, they are also evaluating your reliability as a business partner. Suppliers who respond quickly and accurately demonstrate professionalism and build long-term trust. A mature compliance process shows that you are prepared for future regulations and larger opportunities. Instead of seeing compliance as a box to check, think of it as part of your reputation. It proves that you operate responsibly and transparently. With the right tools and consistent processes, even a small supplier can stand out as a trusted and preferred partner in the supply chain.

Why is compliance management becoming harder for suppliers to handle manually?

Regulations are expanding in scope and complexity, covering areas like chemical use, labor practices, and sustainability. Many suppliers still manage compliance data with spreadsheets or through email, which can work for a few customers but quickly becomes unmanageable as requirements increase. Manual methods make it easy to miss updates, lose important documentation, or duplicate work across customer requests. As larger manufacturers strengthen their oversight, suppliers who cannot deliver complete and consistent data face delays, additional audits, or even lost contracts.

What are compliance management data best practices for suppliers?

You do not need a large compliance department to manage growing data demands effectively. Strong compliance management begins with visibility: Knowing what materials you use, which regulations apply, and how to share that information confidently with your customers. With Assent’s sustainability platform, you can manage and automate all your compliance data requests in one place. Instead of juggling multiple spreadsheets and emails, our network-driven system connects you to the same platform used by leading manufacturers. That means you can share accurate, complete information across multiple customers at once, cutting down on repetitive work and response time. Assent’s AI-driven tools also help you identify missing data, flag potential risks, and prepare for future requests more easily.

What are the most urgent regulatory deadlines compliance managers should prepare for in Q4 2025?

Key upcoming dates include California’s EPR packaging reporting deadline (November 15, 2025) and the EU Deforestation Regulation compliance deadline (December 2025). Both require supplier data collection and verified reporting. Other extended timelines, such as PFAS reporting under TSCA (April 2026) and due diligence obligations under the EU Batteries Regulation (August 2027), should also be factored into long-term planning.

How should manufacturers approach PFAS phase-outs and evolving chemical reporting laws?

Manufacturers should audit their supply chains to identify where PFAS are used in coatings, components, or packaging, and begin developing alternative materials to avoid disruptions. They should also track changes under TSCA Section 8(a)(7) and state-level PFAS bans (such as those in Minnesota and Illinois). Because some PFAS reporting requires historic data dating back to 2011, early data collection is essential to stay compliant and reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties.

What practical steps can compliance managers take to stay proactive amid these changes?

To stay ahead, compliance managers should:Engage suppliers early to collect accurate, complete data.Centralize compliance records using digital tools that track regulations and reporting requirements.Monitor updates from agencies like the EPA, ECHA, and state authorities to anticipate shifts.Prioritize high-risk areas including PFAS, packaging EPR, and EU product sustainability rules to mitigate costly redesigns or delays.These steps help organizations maintain compliance resilience even as global regulations expand.

Assent Named a Leader in the Verdantix Green Quadrant for Product Compliance Software

I’m excited to share that Verdantix has named Assent a Leader in its inaugural Green Quadrant for Product Compliance Software.

This is the first Green Quadrant report focused exclusively on product compliance solutions. It evaluates the platforms helping manufacturers manage global regulations across complex supply chains. Our position as a Leader confirms the strength of our platform, the momentum we are building in the market and our ability to meet the unique needs of manufacturers today and beyond.

Watch the announcement video here.

Why This Recognition Matters

Verdantix is a respected independent, global research firm known for its rigorous methodology. For this report, Verdantix evaluated 11 product compliance platforms using a 119-point rubric, live demos, and dozens of buyer interviews. Specifically, they analyzed our platform, product strategy, software functionality, and overall company momentum.

Assent received standout scores in key areas, including supplier data management and compliance analytics, which are foundational to our product strategy. We were recognized for our investment in AI-powered automation, helping us deliver products to the market at a faster clip. We also earned a top score for brand preference, reflecting the growing visibility and credibility of our platform.

What it Means for our Customers and the Industry

This recognition reinforces what our customers already know. Compliance is not a back-office task. It is a strategic function that enables companies to grow responsibly, mitigate risk, and strengthen relationships across their supply chains.

Assent’s platform is designed to empower both compliance teams and their suppliers. Our solution makes it easier to collect high-quality data, collaborate at scale, and make informed decisions with confidence.

As regulations continue to evolve — from PFAS and CBAM to Digital Product Passports — we remain focused on helping manufacturers navigate complexity with clarity and control.

Looking Ahead

We are proud to be recognized as a Leader, but this is just the beginning. We will continue to build the tools and technology that help manufacturers succeed in a more transparent, regulated world.

To our customers, your suppliers, and our team: Thank you for making this possible.

Download the Verdantix Green Quadrant: Product Compliance Software Report

Get the full report to see how Assent compares across the industry and why we’re recognized as a Leader.

Access the Report

Michael Southworth

Chief Executive Officer

Michael Southworth is a lifelong innovator. Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a strong commitment to business transformation, team development, and stakeholder value. As CEO of Assent, Read More

Michael Southworth | Chief Executive Officer

Michael Southworth is a lifelong innovator. Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a strong commitment to business transformation, team development, and stakeholder value. As CEO of Assent, he brings over 20 years of experience in high-performing technology companies to support Assent’s r...