Fresh Content: 5 Benefits of Sustainable Supply Chains

Julie Starr • June 14, 2021



A sustainable supply chain is basically a supply chain that is as free from risk as possible and far less likely to cause a negative impact on people or the planet as possible.

The key to successfully setting up a sustainable supply chain is building trust between your business, your suppliers, and your customers. Obviously, if you don’t currently have a sustainable supply chain for your business, this will mean investing some time and money into improving your processes, but it will be worth it in the end because there are numerous benefits to sustainable supply chains, including the following:

  1. Maintain an excellent reputation

Perhaps, the biggest benefit of sustainable supply chains is the fact that they will help your business avoid reputational damage. You won’t need to worry about finding the best lawyers for mining accident cases , for example, because you will be using sustainable energy rather than fossil fuels, and you won’t need to worry about customers turning away from you because of the environmental impact of your business, because you will be using sustainable soy or bamboo or whatever. It really is that simple, and at a time when more people are turning to sustainable brands than ever before, it is also really important!

  1. Save money as well as the planet

Another huge benefit of using a sustainable supply chain for your business is the fact that taking measures to cut your carbon footprint can also cut your operational costs significantly too, thus saving the planet and saving money at the same time.

One very clear example of this is Walmart who made a pledge to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 million tons annually. After doing this, they realized that it equated to roughly 95 percent of their whole carbon footprint, and in their efforts to meet this ambitious target, working with sustainable suppliers, in 2016 alone, there able to save $12.4 billion. That’s huge!

  1. Ensure you always have the supplies you need

When you use more sustainable supply chains , you’re far less likely to have problems with the continuity of your supply chain because things like natural disasters are less likely to affect your suppliers than they are suppliers who use fossil fuels and other polluters.

  1. Increase innovation

When you switch to a sustainable supply chain, you are able to change the vision for your whole business and look at everything you do in a different light. Thinking about ways to make your business greener forces you to think differently full-stop and this can lead to some amazing innovations that you would never have dreamed up otherwise.

  1. Sell more stuff

As we mentioned above, customers care about sustainability now more than they have ever done before. This means they are actively looking for companies that use sustainable practices and materials as a matter of course, If you can meet their requirements, you could beat the competition and make a lot more money as a result.

Sustainable supply chains are the future so what are you waiting for?

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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