Sustainability in the Supply Chain
Adequate man power is lacking. Packaging is backed up. Shipping materials are at an all time low. Cargo is stuck in the ports. It is important now more than ever to look into how we as a supply chain can do our part in creating sustainability within the supply chain.
Sustainability is more than recycling. While maintaining environmental vitality is crucial, sustainability should be applied economically, socially, and ethically. In a climate that is ready and eager to innovate and evolve, sustainability is not a matter of when — rather, a matter of how?
Here are a 4 ways that you can foster sustainability within your supply chain:
- Reduce the amount of material you use. As mentioned previously, packaging & shipping material is at an extraordinary low. Supply chains and small businesses are forcibly having to reduce material usage — solely because the material is unavailable. Although this is unfortunate, it can serve as a test of what materials are actually necessary and what materials can be improvised. Filtering out what is and isn’t needed will increase your supply chain’s sustainability significantly and decrease waste of unused material.
- Use low impact & recycled material. We’ve all heard the saying, “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”… but how often is this actually being put to use? Opting for recycled and eco-friendly material can reduce landfill waste, and encourage sustainability. The less material that needs to be used, the more it can be conserved.
- Source local materials. There are a lot of benefits to utilizing local resources. Not only can locally sourced materials help reduce the carbon footprint from travel distance, but sourcing materials locally can generate greater flexibility & control and reduce supply chain costs — making local materials economically sustainable. Environmentally, local materials are no doubt the friendlier option. In addition, social sustainability is fostered because local materials equals more revenue and more community acknowledgement.
- Take precedent of worker health & safety. Without the necessary manpower, supply chains will crumble under demand. As health and safety issues rise in our COVID climate, measures should be taken to ensure that worker well-being is being prioritized. Ultimately, when you take care of your employees you’re taking care of your supply chain. The sustainability of your workers will create longevity within your business.
The road to sustainability is long. While it may not happen overnight, we are committed to putting our best foot forward in fostering sustainable practices within the industry.
