How to Improve Supply Chain Sustainability

In today’s world, sustainability is a key concern for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. With the effects of climate change becoming more apparent every year, it is crucial that we all take steps to reduce our impact on the environment. Creating a sustainable supply chain can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint, improve their reputation, and even save money in the long run. Here we have put together some strategies that businesses can use to improve their sustainability.

Identify sustainability issues within the supply chain

The first step towards improving sustainability in your supply chain is to identify areas where improvements can be made. Conducting a sustainability audit of your supply chain can help you identify these issues, which could range from the use of unsustainable materials to manufacturing waste or inefficient shipping processes. This audit could involve reviewing supplier contracts and policies, conducting site visits, and engaging with stakeholders such as customers and employees.

Have reverse logistics processes in place

Another way to improve sustainability in your supply chain is to have reverse logistics processes in place. This involves planning for the return of products or materials from the customer to you or the manufacturer, so that they can be reused, recycled, or repurposed. By doing so, you can reduce waste and create a more sustainable supply chain. For example, you could offer customers a discount on their next purchase if they return their old product to be recycled, or design your products in such a way that they can be easily disassembled and their components reused or recycled.

Use raw materials that don’t have a negative environmental impact

Using raw materials that don’t have a negative environmental impact is another key strategy for improving sustainability in your supply chain. This could involve using recycled materials where possible, using materials that are biodegradable, or at the very least sourcing more abundant alternatives for any materials that you use that are in short supply. By doing so, you can reduce your environmental impact and create a much more sustainable operation.

Make use of renewables where possible

One way to reduce your business’s environmental impact is to be more mindful of how much energy you use and, to go one step further, to switch to renewable sources for your energy. You could look to start using solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity, or use geothermal energy to heat buildings. By doing so, you can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and minimise your supply chain’s carbon footprint.

Make deliveries more efficient and reduce fuel consumption

Transport accounts for a huge portion of GHG emissions, so making deliveries more efficient will go a long way to improving your supply chain’s sustainability. Optimising your delivery and shipping activities could involve using more efficient delivery routes, switching to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, or consolidating shipments to reduce the number of trips required.

Improve product packaging

Packaging waste, such as the use of single-use plastics, is a significant challenge faced by manufacturers and retailers when attempting to improve their business’s sustainability. Packaging can be improved by using biodegradable or recyclable materials, reducing the amount of packaging used, or using packaging that can be returned and reused. 

Set measurable goals with suppliers

Finally, it is important to set measurable goals with your suppliers so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to your sustainability efforts. Your goals might be related to reducing waste, reducing carbon emissions, more efficient delivery schedules, or using more sustainable materials, for example. By setting these goals, you can hold your suppliers accountable and identify areas for improvement.

It is important to recognize that improving sustainability in your supply chain is an ongoing process. It requires ongoing commitment and investment in order to make meaningful progress. This may include investing in new technologies, working closely with suppliers to identify opportunities for improvement, and engaging with stakeholders to build support for your sustainability efforts.

How can you measure supply chain sustainability?

Measuring supply chain sustainability can be a multifaceted process, but here are several ways to approach it:

Environmental Footprint Analysis:

• Carbon Footprint: Measure the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the global supply chain activities, from raw material extraction to transportation.
• Water Footprint: Analyse water usage and water waste in the supply chain.
• Waste Management: Assess the amount and type of waste produced and how it is managed, including recycling and disposal practices.

Social Responsibility Indicators:

• Fair Labour Practices: Check for adherence to labour laws, fair wages, safe working conditions, and prevention of forced or child labour.
• Community Engagement: Evaluate the extent to which businesses in the supply chain engage with and support their local communities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Assess the extent of dialogue and cooperation with stakeholders, such as local communities, NGOs, and customers.

Economic Assessment:

• Long-Term Viability: Assess the ability of the supply chain to continue its operations sustainably in the long run without compromising future resources.
• Ethical Sourcing: Determine if resources are sourced ethically, ensuring producers are compensated fairly.

Sustainable Procurement Practices:

• Evaluate whether suppliers are selected based on environmental and social performance, not just cost.
• Check for policies that prioritise purchasing from suppliers that adopt sustainable practices.

Certifications and Standards:

• Look for adherence to international and local standards like ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), SA8000 (Social Accountability), or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Determine if the company engages with certification bodies like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for timber products or Fair Trade for ethical sourcing.

Risk Management Assessment:

• Examine how well the company can identify, assess, and manage sustainability risks within its supply chain, such as resource scarcity or disruptions due to climate change.

Continuous Improvement:

• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for sustainability and track progress over time.
• Monitor innovations and best practices to improve the supply chain’s sustainability continuously.

Stakeholder and Third-Party Audits:

• Utilise third-party evaluations or audits to assess the sustainability performance of the supply chain. This offers an unbiased perspective and can help identify areas for improvement.

Transparency and Reporting:

• Measure the extent to which the company discloses information about its supply chain practices, challenges, and improvements.
• Consider the adoption of frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for standardised reporting.

Technology and Digital Tools:

• Leverage technology to track and analyse data related to sustainability metrics. Technologies like blockchain, for example, can be used for traceability in the supply chain.

Incorporating these measures will provide a clearer picture of a supply chain’s sustainability and lead to better decision-making, risk management, and stakeholder trust.

What is an example of supply chain sustainability?

Let’s explore an example of supply chain sustainability in the context of electronic component sourcing:

Conflict-Free Mineral Sourcing:

• Many electronic components utilise minerals like tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold. Companies must ensure these minerals are sourced from mines that don’t finance armed conflict, often called “conflict-free.”

Eco-Friendly Manufacturing:

• Manufacturing facilities adopt energy-efficient practices, reduce waste, and minimise water usage.
• They also use environmentally friendly materials and ensure that harmful substances (like certain heavy metals or toxic chemicals) are minimised or eliminated in component production.

Supply Chain Audits and Certification:

• Third-party organisations audit component suppliers to verify their sustainability claims and ensure they adhere to global environmental and labour standards.
• Certifications such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) ensure components don’t contain harmful substances.

Packaging and Transportation:

• Components are packaged using recycled or biodegradable materials.
• Companies might prioritise eco-friendly transportation methods, such as shipping via sea or rail, which typically have a lower carbon footprint than air transport.

Supplier Diversity and Inclusion:

• An equitable supply chain that promotes diversity by including suppliers from various backgrounds, ensuring fair opportunities, and reducing societal inequalities.

Waste Reduction and Recycling:

• Suppliers adopt practices to recycle defective or outdated components and repurpose materials where possible.
• They might also have programs for customers to return old or end-of-life components for proper recycling or disposal.

Transparency and Reporting:

• Companies maintain transparency about their sourcing practices, regularly publishing sustainability reports and disclosing the origin of their components.
• They may adopt traceability tools or platforms, enabling them to trace the journey of a component from its raw material stage to its final form.

Employee Welfare and Safety:

• Suppliers ensure that workers in factories producing electronic components have safe working conditions, fair wages, and are not subject to forced or child labour.
• Training programs are often implemented to educate workers on safety procedures and their rights.

R&D for Sustainability:

• Companies invest in research and development to create more sustainable components, such as longer-lasting batteries, energy-efficient chips, or components that use fewer rare materials.

By adopting such practices in sourcing electronic components, companies not only make their supply chains more sustainable but also foster long-term resilience, enhance brand reputation, and ensure compliance with international standards and regulations.

Ultimately, by improving sustainability in your supply chain, you can create a more resilient business that is better positioned to succeed in the long term. Not only will you reduce your environmental impact, but you will also improve your reputation and attract customers who are looking for businesses that prioritise sustainability.

FAQs

What is supply chain sustainability and why is it important?

Supply chain sustainability refers to the management of environmental, social, and economic impacts within the supply chain. It is crucial as it helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint, improve their reputation, save costs, and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

How can businesses identify sustainability issues within their supply chain?

Businesses can conduct a sustainability audit of their supply chain to identify areas of improvement. This audit may involve reviewing supplier contracts, policies, conducting site visits, and engaging with stakeholders such as customers and employees.

What is the role of reverse logistics in sustainable supply chain management?

Reverse logistics involves planning for the return of products or materials from customers to the manufacturer for reuse, recycling, or repurposing. By having reverse logistics processes in place, businesses can reduce waste and enhance the sustainability of their supply chain.

How can businesses ensure the use of environmentally friendly raw materials?

Businesses can prioritise the use of recycled materials, biodegradable materials, or source abundant alternatives for materials that are in short supply. This reduces the environmental impact and promotes a sustainable supply chain operation.

What are some strategies to make deliveries more efficient and sustainable?

Businesses can optimise delivery routes, switch to electric or hybrid vehicles, consolidate shipments to reduce trips and use renewable energy sources to reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chain operations.

Is improving supply chain sustainability a one-time effort?

No, improving sustainability in the supply chain is an ongoing process. It requires continuous commitment, investment in new technologies, collaboration with suppliers, and stakeholder engagement to make meaningful progress.