4 Steps Towards A More Sustainable Supply Chain

Julie Starr • October 31, 2020



There is increasing pressure on companies to make sure that every step of the supply chain is as sustainable as it possibly can be. This comes from stakeholders, peers, customers, and the media.  It is for good reason; something needs to be done to protect the planet, and business and industry are some of the key players that can make the change.

By managing and improving sustainability in the supply chain, a business can conserve resources, save costs, discover new products and supply innovations, optimize processes, and increase productivity levels. 

While most businesses are keen to implement a sustainable supply chain, going about actually doing it is a whole different matter. It can be a complicated process, but not doing so is one of the biggest risks a business can take in an age where climate change is top of the agenda. Here, we look at four steps towards implementing a more sustainable supply chain.

Communicate expectations

Finding a balance between sustainability and making sure that you are maximizing your business profits is a challenge, but by communicating your expectations, you can make it much easier. You need to establish your expectations and communicate it to everyone else involved in your supply chain, via a sustainability code of conduct.

Of course, with this, you need to ensure that it does not affect the other aspects of your business too. Reliability and the swift payment of bills so that Skip Tracing is not necessary is essential in all levels of the supply chain, as well as transparency and communication.

Simplify your supply chain

In many cases, the supply chain can be made more sustainable simply by cutting it back and streamlining it. Analyze each step, look at the data, and see how you can combine this knowledge with automation and artificial intelligence to improve processes within the supply chain. Every adaptation that reduces waste,  lowers your carbon footprint , and speeds up productivity without compromising on safety and quality is a huge step towards a more sustainable – and simple – supply chain.

Make sure your supply and demand planning is reviewed regularly

A misalignment between what you need to produce and what you actually produce can mean huge wastage in raw materials, energy, and transportation. Again, this is where artificial intelligence and careful analysis of your forecasted supply and demand can ensure you only produce what you need, reducing the waste int terms of materials and resources and ensuring a more efficient manufacturing and supply process.

Keep an eye on environmental risks

Many supply chains already feel the effect of climate change, and as the issue deepens, it will affect more and more companies. Take into consideration external factors such as bush and wildfires, lower agricultural yields, extreme weather conditions, and drought, which can all impact the efficiency, speed, and quality of the supply chain. Having plans in place to mitigate the impact these have is essential.

It is becoming more apparent than ever before that sustainability needs to be a focus of business. These four steps will go a long way to making sure that your business is heading in the right direction.

 

Why Telling Your Sustainability Story Matters — And How Taiga Company Can Help

By Julie Starr • December 17, 2024
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders are demanding more transparency and accountability from brands. They don’t just want to know what you sell; they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and how your work contributes to a better world. That’s where your sustainability story comes in. Sharing your achievements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about building trust, fostering loyalty, and inspiring action. At Taiga Company, we specialize in helping organizations authentically communicate their sustainability achievements in ways that drive measurable impact and align with their goals. Why Sharing Your Sustainability Achievements Is Good for Business Build Trust with Stakeholders Sustainability storytelling builds credibility and trust. Whether you’re addressing investors, employees, or customers, sharing your sustainability milestones demonstrates your commitment to accountability and long-term value creation. For example: Highlight your efforts in achieving science-based targets, reducing carbon emissions, or adopting circular economy practices. These stories resonate with audiences looking for businesses that align with their values. Differentiate Your Brand In a competitive marketplace, sustainability can set you apart. Brands that communicate their achievements in regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, or biodiversity conservation position themselves as industry leaders and innovators. Think of it this way: A well-told sustainability story is not just a report—it’s a statement of leadership, authenticity, and purpose. Drive Stakeholder Engagement Sustainability stories invite dialogue. By showcasing meaningful milestones, like successful recycling initiatives or community reforestation projects, you foster stronger relationships with stakeholders who want to be part of your mission. Engagement isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about inspiring action. Whether through social media campaigns, press releases, or executive thought leadership, your achievements can encourage others to collaborate and support your goals. Attract Purpose-Driven Talent and Customers Today’s workforce and consumers seek brands with purpose. Communicating your impact helps attract talent and customers who align with your mission. A transparent, well-executed sustainability strategy speaks volumes about your leadership and values. At Taiga Company, we specialize in results-driven communications that empower purpose-led brands to share their sustainability achievements with confidence and clarity. Our services ensure your story resonates with the audiences that matter most. Your sustainability achievements deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, innovating in sustainable packaging, or leading water stewardship initiatives, telling your story is an opportunity to inspire trust, drive action, and shape a better future.

Why Going Green Is No Longer Optional for Industry Leaders

By Julie Starr • December 16, 2024
Alright, so here’s the deal, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Sure, at this most most industries, yes, even the most unsustainable industries have this general idea, right? Well, you’re always going to find some businesses in some niches (and yes, industries too) who think that it doesn’t apply to them. But no, it applies to all niches and all industries, and yes, it’s a business requirement. Now, across every industry, the companies that are embracing green practices are the ones that are thriving. Why? Well, because customers, investors, and employees are all paying attention. If a business isn’t making an effort to be sustainable, it’s not just falling behind, it’s losing out. Overall, sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about saving your business. Yes, this needs to be hammered in, so industry leaders, here’s why you’re just not excused. Green Practices Mean Growth Yep, it’s that plain and simple, So, sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about doing the smart thing. Businesses that prioritize green practices are cutting costs, staying competitive, and building trust with their audiences. So, reducing waste, switching to renewable energy, and sourcing materials ethically aren’t just good for the planet, they’re great for the bottom line. Simple enough, right? Well, take packaging, for example. Cutting down on unnecessary plastics doesn’t just make customers happy; it slashes production and disposal costs. So, switching to energy-efficient operations isn’t just environmentally friendly, rather, it saves a fortune on utilities. There don’t need to be roadblocks seen, rather they should be opportunities! There’s Plenty to Gain Okay, so sustainability isn’t just for industries with obvious environmental impact, it’s critical in healthcare too. Again, no excuses here. Hospitals and clinics use massive amounts of energy, and the waste from single-use supplies piles up fast. The same can be said for labs, and pharmacies too. Actually, go ahead and take specialty drugs as an example. Now, most people know that these life-changing treatments are for serious conditions, but they often come with sky-high costs. But why? Well, the production and distribution processes can be incredibly resource-heavy. But even sustainable practices can help lower prices, such as energy-efficient manufacturing or even cutting down on excess packaging. It might be hard to see, but little changes can make massive impacts on costs (and what’s being spent on both ends). Tech Easily Shows How Sustainability Drives Innovation The tech industry has been leading the charge when it comes to sustainability, and the results speak for themselves. Actually, companies like Google and Apple are proving that being green isn’t just possible, but this can actually be pretty profitable! If tech companies can do this, then yeah, all industries are capable. So above, medicine was mentioned, but data centers are also a great example ( since they use a lot of energy). Well, nowadays, most companies are now powering these centers with renewable energy, cutting costs and emissions at the same time. No Industry Gets a Free Pass It doesn’t matter if it’s healthcare, tech, retail, or manufacturing, basically, every industry has something to gain by going green. There are small examples like retailers ditching plastic bags for reusable ones. Then there are bigger examples like factories rethinking supply chains to cut emissions and save costs. But the reality is that businesses sticking to wasteful, outdated practices are falling behind. Besides, governments are rolling out stricter regulations.
Share by: