Industry leaders from RS Group, CIPS, Schneider Electric, and Siemens discuss the future of sustainable procurement and supply chains, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and circularity.
The Growing Importance of Supply Chain Sustainability
Supply chain sustainability is rapidly becoming a focal point for industry leaders, with a growing emphasis on Scope 3 emissions and electrification. A report by Accenture revealed that supply chains contribute to approximately 60% of global carbon emissions. Consequently, half of all CEOs now view supply chain responsibility as a crucial part of their sustainability strategy.
In light of this, it’s encouraging to see industry leaders and competitors collaborating to discuss the critical role procurement and supply chains play in sustainability. The “Supply Chain of Tomorrow” panel discussion, hosted by RS Group, underscored the importance of cross-industry collaboration to achieve ambitious but necessary climate goals.
Sustainability within Procurement
Helen Alder, Head of Knowledge and Learning Development for The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), initiated the discussion on sustainable procurement. She highlighted the challenge of incorporating sustainability into procurement processes, especially when evaluating options with embedded carbon and Scope 3 emissions.
Siemens’ Approach to a Net-Zero Supply Chain
Katharina Raimann, Sustainability Manager at Siemens, outlined the company’s strategy to achieve a net-zero supply chain by 2050. Siemens’ framework prioritizes sustainable sourcing, employee empowerment, external audits, and the integration of sustainability into sourcing decisions, leveraging technological advancements and training initiatives.
Sustainable Packaging and Logistics at RS Group
Carolyn Park, VP of Group Supply Chain at RS Group, discussed the company’s efforts to measure packaging intensity, recycled content, and recyclability. The initiatives include transitioning to brown cardboard with higher recycled content and adopting paper-based systems. RS Group has introduced sustainable totes to replace cardboard within Europe, promoting reuse and waste reduction.
The Path Forward
The panel emphasized the critical role of collaboration in advancing sustainability practices. The discussion highlighted a multifaceted approach to building sustainable supply chains for the future, with panelists agreeing on the necessity of continuous improvement and transparent communication in sustainability efforts.
