GREENLANDSCAPE [ INSIGHT ]
by Tara Milburn Founder and CEO, Ethical Swag info@ethicalswag.com | 877-256-6998
4 Ways to Unlock the Benefits of a Sustainable Supply Chain
During difficult times, considerations about sustainability can sometimes fall to the wayside as companies look for ways to cut spending and increase profitability. However, this apparent contradiction between sustainability and profitability fails to capture the real complexities of our current condition.
along the supply chain creates a wealth of opportunities for organizations that are able to track and report on their sustainability efforts. 4. Create a culture of sustainability. When considering how to build more sustainable supply chains, our focus often–and understandably–turns to concrete, practical considerations. But it is equally important to cultivate a strong culture of sustainability within the organization. Rather than treating sustainability as a speci c department and creating a small team of specialists, businesses should strive to harness the power of their entire organization. Sustainability should be viewed as something that everyone in the organization can help promote. Embedding sustainability into brand identity and equipping employees and company leaders with education and certi cation programs can help ingrain sustainable practices at every level. When we take a holistic view of sustainability, its relevance to the current economic landscape becomes clear. By deeply integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations, supply chain professionals can not only navigate
2. Leverage data and analytics. The longer and more complex the supply chain, the greater the challenge of ensuring that every supplier adheres to fair, equitable, and sustainable practices. Leveraging analytics is therefore essential for understanding the highest CO2- emitting areas and using this data to shape policies and partnerships. This helps to increase transparency by making sustainability performance measurable at smarter manufacturing techniques and closely aligning productive capacity with demand, supply chain professionals can minimize waste and maximize ef ciency. Moreover, strategies such as buyback programs enable companies to utilize more recycled materials in their manufacturing, creating value out of materials that would otherwise go to waste. The increased demand for recycled packaging and reduced waste all points along the supply chain. 3. Reduce waste. By employing
In reality, creating a sustainable supply chain not only bene ts the environment, but also allows for enhanced resilience, increased employee engagement, and a reduction in needless waste. The current conditions are not a reason to give up on sustainability, but to double down on it. Here’s how to unlock the bene ts of a sustainable supply chain: 1. Establish clear goals. Businesses must de ne sustainability with clear, measurable goals and establish realistic timelines. These goals can range from a 10-year plan to reduce carbon emissions to a ve-year plan to expand local partnerships. Ensuring that sustainability goals are targeted and achievable helps businesses create actionable plans that drive genuine results. Consistent reporting on the progress of these goals can also be a powerful tool for engaging employees and stakeholders, allowing them to see tangible evidence of the company’s positive impact.
today’s challenges, but also set the foundation for long-term success.
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28 Inbound Logistics • September 2025
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