SUSTAINABILITY
I n a sustainability context , circularity is about extending the useful life of products and then recovering those products at the end of their life cycle .
Supply chain is an integral part of this because it determines how products are designed , produced and distributed , with minimal waste and maximum efficiency .
Supply chain managers – the good ones , anyway – have always sought to minimise waste and energy use , by optimising transportation routes and reducing packaging , because that makes for better bottom-line results .
Now they also have to factor-in the use of renewable energy , and the phasing-out of environmentally unfriendly packaging materials , such as plastics .
By embracing circular supply chain principles , companies can reduce their reliance on finite resources , minimise waste , and reduce their carbon footprint .
Among the most pivotal players – along with manufacturers – in helping deliver circular supply chains are logistics companies .
One of the world ’ s biggest logistics providers is DHL , the international logistics division of Deutsche Post .
It operates in 220 countries , and in recent years , it has expanded its presence in the e-commerce market . In terms of sustainability , its goal is to achieve zeroemissions logistics by 2050 , and it is investing in alternative fuels , electric vehicles , and other green tech .
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