2020 has been a year like no other. But despite a tumultuous and challenging year, sustainable and responsible sourcing has remained a long-term priority for businesses.
Supplier collaboration, supply chain digitization, and a clear understanding of “responsible sourcing” are all important to ensure ethical business operations. Over the course of the year, we discussed all this and more in our blog. Here are our top 10 blog posts of 2020.
1. 3 branches of corporate social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is a basic tenet of any good business strategy. CSR is a broad term that can take many forms. As a society, we are facing several issues today—from sustainability to social justice—and companies choose to address those that make the most sense for their business and industry. Most CSR initiatives fall under one of three categories.
2. The rise of alternative goods
One of the biggest trends today is the use of “alternative” goods in lieu of everyday, commonly used ingredients and materials. More and more consumers are looking to buy beef that isn’t made of meat, flour that isn’t made of wheat, and dairy that doesn’t come from cows. What is compelling modern shoppers to change their buying habits and purchase something meant to imitate a product already in existence?
3. 4 dimensions of responsible business
In response to consumer demand for more “responsible” products, businesses have made commitments to ensure their supply chains are sustainable and ethical. But these terms have varied interpretations. What does it mean for a business to be “sustainable”? What constitutes “ethical” practices? What makes a business responsible? We take a look at four important dimensions of responsible business: environmental sustainability, fair labor practices, compliance, and transparency.
4. The benefits of supply chain transparency for suppliers
What are the benefits of supply chain transparency for suppliers? The willingness to be transparent about their supply chains, share data with their clients, and implement responsible practices means to significant benefits for suppliers both in the immediate and long term. Here are several reasons why suppliers at all levels should embrace supply chain transparency.
5. 3 supply chain guidelines for 2020 and beyond
How should businesses leverage the developments of the 2010s to ensure their supply chains meet the expectations of 2020 and beyond? The focus should be on establishing concrete goals, overcoming barriers to execution, and considering the consumer.
6. Sustainability in the supply chain: where do we stand today?
In today’s climate, it may seem that sustainability is no longer a business priority. Companies have shifted their focus to respond to both a global health pandemic and a social movement of unprecedented scale. With businesses needing to adjust their supply chains, adapt to dramatic changes in demand, and reassess budgets and internal business practices, where does this leave corporate commitments for more sustainable supply chains?
7. Key takeaways from the Fashion Transparency Index 2020
In 2020, the non-profit Fashion Revolution released its fifth annual Fashion Transparency Index. The Fashion Transparency Index reviews 250 of the biggest global fashion brands and retailers and ranks them according to how much they disclose about their social and environmental policies, practices, and impacts. This annual report has become a key benchmark in the industry to better understand how major fashion companies are incorporating sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency into their supply chains.
8. The case for supplier collaboration in the supply chain
Beyond supply chain transparency, supplier collaboration plays a huge role in ensuring supply chain integrity and enabling greater communication and visibility. Collaboration between a buyer and supplier creates a strategic partnership that ultimately helps both parties achieve business objectives and meet new supply chain expectations.
9. Digitization to safeguard supply chains
There is a lot of talk about the digitization of supply chain data, but what does this mean? It is more than just a trend—there is a real reason companies why should be compelled to shift towards digitization. In today’s world, digital is the new normal. We do our shopping, banking, communicating, and socializing online. This digital world means things can get done much more quickly, on a global scale, and more efficiently—which is perfect for modern supply chains.
10. Achieving sustainable and responsibly sourced wood
Consumer interest in sustainable and ethical products has expanded beyond the food & beverage and fashion industries. Today, more and more shoppers are taking a closer look at the origins behind all the products in their households, including wood and paper-based products. These goods form a considerable part of our daily lives and can found all over our homes, from the furniture we buy to the packaging of many household products. Consumers looking to deepen their commitment to sustainability are seeking wood and paper-based goods that comply with their values.
