"6 Min. to understand" section: Sustainable Supply Chain, 5 concrete levers

Episode #232 of the Midoricast channel - "6 Min. to understand" section, Series 2 episode #020

6 Minutes to Understand – Sustainable Supply Chain: 5 Concrete Levers in 6 Minutes

In this new capsule of the " 6 Minutes to Understand " section, integrated into the Midoricast podcast, Pierre Léonard offers a clear and concrete reading of the issues related to the sustainable supply chain. 

Its context is unambiguous: between 70 and 90% of a product's environmental impact comes from its supply chain, an angle that is often underestimated but essential for those who wish to act effectively.

What a sustainable supply chain is:

Pierre reminds us that a sustainable supply chain involves responsible management of suppliers, from production to delivery, by integrating environmental, social and economic criteria into purchasing decisions. Three drivers are driving organizations to take advantage of it: regulatory pressure (including the European CSRD directive), cost reduction through better logistics and energy efficiency, and growing customer expectations.

5 concrete levers presented in the episode:

• Measure the carbon footprint of its main suppliers.

• Promote proximity when it makes sense, with an example of a company that has reduced its logistics costs by 25%.

• Optimising transport: groupage, less polluting modes, eco-driving, reverse logistics.

• Rethinking packaging: recyclable materials, reduction, reuse, the role of 3D printing and generative AI in eco-design.

• Collaborate with suppliers, co-construct rather than sanction, with observed gains of 15 to 25% on certain operational costs.

Where to start?
Pierre proposes a simple approach : identify five key suppliers, organize a joint workshop and define realistic actions. 
A gradual approach, adapted to SMEs as well as large companies.