Archive of: supply chain

Radio Flyer and Beautycounter stand among leading companies taking proactive steps to manage chemicals in their products and supply chains. These and just over twenty other firms benchmarked their programs and performance in the newly launched Chemical Footprint Project.

Just as companies evaluate their carbon, water and waste footprints, the CFP finally provides a tool that enables purchasers and brands to: benchmark and measure progress towards safer chemicals; recognize and reward suppliers for doing what matters most to retailers and customers; create greater accountability across value chains; encourage chemical information sharing; and provide a metric to compare and measure continuous improvement of suppliers.

Engaging a group of suppliers through a specific product category survey is one of the most effective ways to tackle key product impacts, especially for retailers seeking to elevate the performance of an entire category of products, as opposed to select companies.

Companies should use World Food Day and the examples of these leaders as an opportunity to evaluate how they could strengthen their producer partners while improving the long-term food security of the communities they touch.

Walmart is a leading motivator for investment in product sustainability with nearly 80 percent of respondents that identified a retail-driver citing the company in an open-ended question. This was followed by Target at about 50 percent, Costco at 18 percent, and Nordstrom at 12 percent. Walmart and Target clearly stand out from crowd. These retailers’ priorities are trickling through the supply chain and influencing supplier product sustainability programs.

One fish, two fish Red fish, green fish Sick fish, well fish Frankenfish, farm-raised fish Some fish you should not eat Others that are a treat From fish caught with a dolphin To fish caught far too often A glut of boats in the sea Some fish caught responsibly Knowing which are ideal Helps you enjoy your meal

If your supply chain extends to China, it is a good time to step back and take a look at some useful resources for understanding this rapidly growing, complex country.

It’s not easy to align your supply chain with your company's sustainability goals. There are several first steps we recommend to based on our work with Stonyfield Farm as outlined in the attached article. Success starts with communicating your company’s commitment and vision to your suppliers and then moving on to substantive issue ares.