In a world where consumers expect brands they buy to show commitment to sustainability, now’s the time to consider your company’s impact on the environment for the planet and your profits.
From using solar power to investing in electric vehicles and recycling, there are so many easy ways to show consumers your business is serious about protecting the planet. But what you do at your facility is only one part of the sustainability story. If you really want to become more sustainable, your supply chain can’t be ignored.
The supply chain is a dirty business
From sourcing raw materials all the way to delivering a final product, resources are consumed, and waste is produced along every step of the supply chain. Think of your own supply chain, and consider these things:
- The fossil fuels burned in the transportation of materials and delivery of products.
- The environmental damage done by mining, logging, and extracting raw materials.
- The manufacturing waste along each step: Where does it end up, how much is produced, and is it toxic?
- The consumption of water, electricity, and natural resources in the manufacture and distribution of the product.
These are only a few considerations for sustainability along the supply chain. Many supply chains circle the globe, and along the way, huge amounts of waste are produced, and natural resources are consumed.
Supply chain sustainability is finally in the spotlight
Consumers worldwide are demanding lower-carbon-footprint products, and companies are stepping up to meet the challenge. Perhaps you’ve heard of the zero-landfill Subaru plant in Lafayette, LA, and Apple’s commitment to be carbon-neutral along its entire supply chain by 2030.
You don’t have to be a multi-national corporation to make a sustainability commitment. Any size company can develop a more sustainable supply chain and reap the benefits.
Benefits of supply chain sustainability
Supply chain sustainability is beneficial in three major ways. First, it’s better for the planet. Earth’s resources are limited, and it’s up to each of us to leave as small a footprint as possible.
Second, consumers overwhelmingly report that they choose brands based on sustainability and will pay more for products produced by environmentally conscious companies.
And third, sustainability saves money. Every resource you use to make and deliver your product costs money. Water, power, and fossil fuels are not cheap. When you optimize the efficiency of your business for sustainability, your business can enjoy significant cost savings.
Making your supply chain more sustainable
Along the supply chain, there are several opportunities to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Some ideas for making your supply chain more sustainable include:
- Decrease fossil fuel use by optimizing routes.
- Only send full shipments.
- Ensure ethical sourcing of materials and parts.
- Switch to solar power and partner with vendors that use solar power, as well.
- Only partner with other companies that have a commitment to sustainability.
- Secure your part of the supply chain with proper security, as theft wastes all the resources. that have been invested through the supply chain.
Theft is a big problem in supply chain sustainability
Cargo theft is a major problem for businesses and the environment. When cargo is stolen along the supply chain, it wastes all the resources that have been invested in manufacturing, delivering, and sourcing the product up to the point of theft.
For businesses, theft contributes to lost revenue, decreased production, missed deadlines, and unhappy customers. In addition to the theft itself, there is the waste involved in replacing doors, windows, gates, etc. that are damaged during a break-in. Theft causes waste, and preventing waste is what sustainability is all about.
Protecting your link in the supply chain
The best way to protect your link in the supply chain is to prevent theft before it happens. Assess your current security system and make sure it includes these components:
- A strong perimeter security fence – Chain link won’t cut it. If you can breach your fence with a bolt cutter, it’s not much of a fence. Consider a solar-powered electric fence instead.
- Lot lighting – Bright security lighting takes away thieves’ most valuable asset – darkness.
- Video surveillance – Security cameras not only deter theft but help police catch and identify criminals.
- Tracking and accountability – Make sure every vehicle, warehouse and office key is always accounted for.
Is your business vulnerable to theft?
Schedule your FREE Perimeter Threat Assessment of your Distribution Center or Warehouse Facility today. The security experts at AMAROK will look for hidden vulnerabilities in your current security solution and help make a plan to keep your link in the supply chain safe.
