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  for maintaining a stable and reliable supply chain. For instance, partnering with experts like https://www.greshamsinc.com/ provides innovative solutions and insights to managing challenges you may face with a winter storm. Their expertise can help businesses adapt to changing conditions, ensuring operations remain seamless. 


By addressing these risks, head-on companies can build a supply chain that is more sustainable and capable of weathering unforeseen challenges. 

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.

 

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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