Serious about sustainability? Delve into your supply chain!
-Barbara Nebel, CEO thinkstep-anz Supply chains are ‘having a moment’ – and not an easy one. As a manufacturer, you’re likely to be facing supply chain challenges due to Covid-19 and global unrest. The current situation highlights the critical role supply chains play in manufacturing. Read on to learn how Kawerau-based manufacturer Essity Australasia (formerly Asaleo Care) is future-proofing its supply chain, with benefits to its business, the natural environment and local communities. Zooming out: the global picture and SDG12 But first, let’s start with the global picture. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognise that supply chains play a critical role in creating a more sustainable world. In fact, supply chains have their own SDG. It’s SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and it’s linked to many other goals in the SDG framework. Why the link? Because, by purchasing responsibly, manufacturers can have positive impacts far beyond their own businesses. For example, by ‘buying local’, they can help build sustainable cities and communities (SDG11). By using renewable energy, they can contribute to affordable and clean energy (SDG7) and promote climate action (SDG13). Essity Australasia: SDG12 in action Essity Australasia is a good example of SDG12 in action. The manufacturer produces personal care and hygiene products and is the only New Zealand manufacturer of toilet and hand towel tissue products. The company is serious about understanding and managing its environmental and social impacts, including through its supply chain. Understanding the sustainability of its supply chain Essity Australasia uses Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to review the environmental impacts of its products across their life cycles. LCAs measure the impacts, including carbon emissions, involved when the manufacturer makes its personal care and hygiene products (using resources like trees, water and energy and services like transport). They also calculate the impacts involved […]