SUSTAINABILITY
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T he sustainable supply chain has become a vital – and ever more visible – element of social corporate responsibility . Fueled by consumer demands , increasing regulations and a mounting business case , steering supply chains in a more sustainable direction has grown from laudable ambition to requisite for long-term preservation .
A sustainable supply chain is about far more than the environment , though that ’ s where consumers might focus their attention . Sustainability is a confluence of social , ecological and economic environments . A sustainable supply chain must avoidcompromising both the environment and the business itself .
It ’ s also important to recognise that a “ responsible ” supply chain isn ’ t necessarily the same thing as a “ sustainable ” supply chain . A responsible supply chain typically ensures it operates within all legal and ethical parameters . This doesn ’ t affirm sustainability , however . A sustainable supply chain takes into account environmental and societal reference points . The sustainable chain requires that all partners consider how their processes and actions can be supported by nature and society over the long term .
There ’ s no quick and easy path to sustainability , but the right supply chain solutions can help your business strive toward , and eventually achieve , a bottom line defined by not just profit but also by people and the planet .
SEPTEMBER 2019