Sustainable Procurement - Shaping the future

 

Editorial

Dear readers, The COVID-19 pandemic is very much at the front of our minds, both in business and our personal life, turning many decisions and our everyday routines upsidedown. But the ongoing crisis also gives us an opportunity to completely rethink our business structures and processes. Dealing with climate change and making a sustainable contribution to society is undoubtedly one of the most important challenges, but also one of the most complex. In our cover story, we’ll show you how you can approach this issue, and how procurement can make your business sustainable.
Consumer goods manufacturers and retailers have recently seen a growing demand for sustainability among consumers. Using sustainable packaging as an example, we have investigated the possibilities for meeting corporate social responsibility.  We also show how regionalizing your supply chain can be a smart move. The first and most important step of all projects to increase sustainability is the creation of transparency as the basis for all subsequent measures. Our latest Raw Materials Study reveals that this is something lacking in many companies, and we’ll share the study’s findings with you in this issue. Happy reading – and stay safe!

Being guided by sustainability concepts will mean investing in many aspects of the business.

Sustainable Procurement

Achieve sustainability goals across the entire supply chain

Sustainability - a journey for all

Interview with Patrick Herold, Managing Director at BCG

Sustainable Packaging

Interview with Sven Sängerlaub, Professor for sustainable packaging

The role of procurement in sustainability

The path to sustainability always starts with creating transparency. Managers must communicate clearly – internally and externally – on where the business is right now and where it wants to be in the medium and long term. Knowledge about sustainability in the supply chain currently tends to be patchy, making clear communication a major challenge. Overcoming this also involves a huge effort for some companies, because they have to correct past failures and address them going forward. Nonetheless, transparency is essential for implementing sustainability strategies successfully.

Exact sustainability goals will vary from business to business, and there is no “one size fits all”.

Sustainable Packaging

Drive innovative solutions

Regional supply chains

Seize opportunities for diversification

Raw Materials Study

Create Transparency and Exploit Low Prices