EcoVadis deepens Google Cloud AI partnership for growth

EcoVadis has partnered with Google Cloud to expand its use of artificial intelligence across its operations, centred on Google Cloud's Gemini Enterprise platform.

Under the arrangement, EcoVadis plans to introduce standardised AI agents and build custom tools for internal teams. Early use cases will focus on sales support, human resources support and request intake. The aim is to make the technology available across the business as part of a wider effort to increase productivity and support growth.

The move builds on EcoVadis' existing use of Google Workspace. Company figures show 89% of employees already use Gemini in Google Workspace every day. EcoVadis now plans to broaden that adoption through a dedicated training programme backed by Google Cloud.

The programme is designed to help staff use Gemini Enterprise, create their own agents through no-code or low-code tools, and work with engineering support when more technical development is needed. The goal is to improve workflows and allow employees to spend more time on higher-value tasks.

AI rollout

EcoVadis describes the initiative as part of a broader AI strategy that combines automation with human oversight and ethical controls. In its view, AI can help scale insight only when guided by judgement, clear purpose and internal standards.

It also expects to use Google Cloud technology to improve service quality in ways that reflect the sustainability context of its core business. Its products are used by companies seeking sustainability assessments, carbon management tools, risk monitoring and related supply-chain data.

EcoVadis operates in a market where companies face growing pressure to track environmental and social risks across suppliers and respond to stricter ESG and human rights requirements. Its services are used by more than 175,000 businesses across 250 industries in 185 countries.

Its customers include large multinationals such as Johnson & Johnson, L'Oréal, Unilever, Bridgestone, BASF and JPMorgan. In 2024, the company acquired worker voice platform Ulula, adding tools linked to human rights due diligence.

Workplace focus

The partnership reflects a wider trend of software vendors pushing AI assistants and autonomous tools deeper into routine business processes. For customers, the appeal often lies in reducing administrative work, speeding up internal requests and giving employees direct access to searchable internal knowledge.

For EcoVadis, the first phase appears focused on internal operations rather than a broad redesign of customer-facing products. It wants teams to identify and build new business cases themselves, using their expertise and creativity to shape how agents are applied.

That emphasis on employee-led development is reinforced by the training plan, which is intended to expand practical use beyond early adopters. By combining no-code and low-code tools with engineering support, EcoVadis is seeking to lower the barrier for non-technical teams while retaining control over more complex implementations.

For Google Cloud, the deal supports its push to deepen the role of Gemini Enterprise among business customers already using its workplace software and cloud services. The EcoVadis agreement gives it another example of a customer extending everyday AI use into more structured operational processes.

Frank Soetebeer, Chief Technology Officer, EcoVadis, said: "When used responsibly, we see generative AI as a cornerstone of our capacity to grow, scale and deliver on our company purpose, as it combines enhanced internal efficiency, better knowledge management and closer alignment with customer needs and expectations."

He added: "We particularly value Google Cloud's vision of agentic AI and their willingness to help us innovate as a real technological and business partner."

Anthony Cirot, Vice President for EMEA South, Google Cloud, said: "We see EcoVadis as a pragmatic pioneer on agentic AI who knows how to draw the benefits of our technology for both internal operational efficiency gain and for enhanced customer value," said Cirot. "EcoVadis is truly a leader in fostering innovation and growth using AI," added Cirot.