Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash
Carbon emissions from commercial supply chains contribute huge amounts of carbon to the atmosphere; according to the US Department of Energy, supply chains account for 61% of the country's carbon emissions. At a time when governments are attempting to hit net-zero targets, companies can modify their supply chain activities to support these efforts and meet demands.
Product Design
Making a supply chain more green often starts with the product. These days, there is a trend away from the linear economy in favor of a circular economy that values product quality and limited waste. Not only can you improve the product quality, but you can reduce its weight.
Small changes to a product make a significant difference to the economy of the supply chain. Even reducing the product's weight by a small amount adds up to major reductions in carbon emissions through the distribution process. Eliminating components or ingredients also helps.
Green Packaging
When it comes to improving the sustainability of the supply chain, it is the small things that count, such as product packaging. Most companies nowadays are keen to serve the consumer demand for greener products, which is another incentive to source green packaging options.
Green packaging comes from recycled sources and has a lower carbon footprint; it can also be cheaper to buy in some cases. Another form of green packaging uses innovative materials such as biodegradable plastic, or sustainable ones like metal or glass, supporting consumer demand.
Distribution Channels
One of the best ways to make your product and company more sustainable is to use a better distribution channel. Better doesn't always mean cheaper, but you will find that customers are willing to pay extra for sustainable distribution, and it helps to support your green reputation.
Importing Dietary Supplements is an example of a brand dedicated to high-quality importing and distribution in the US retail market. From warehousing to marketing, DSIA is committed to creating turn-key solutions for supplement manufacturers to import their brands more easily.
Green Suppliers
After a product has been designed, it needs to be manufactured by a supplier and then passed on to the next link in the chain. Creating an entirely green supply chain might not happen overnight, but some changes can make a difference; search for green suppliers from the start.
A green supplier uses sustainable manufacturing methods to reduce carbon emissions which can be more expensive, resulting in higher prices for the customers. The upshot is that sustainable products are desirable in the modern marketplace and support your green brand.
Smarter Routes
Making the supply chain greener isn't only about more sustainable manufacturing methods; there are significant carbon costs involved in sourcing, assembly, distribution, and transportation. Again, carbon emissions can be reduced by choosing smarter routes.
Instead of manufacturing a product overseas and exporting it wholesale, you could choose a domestic manufacturer and work with shorter distances in the supply chain. Shorter distances use less fuel and make your supply chain more accessible and reliable. Overall it is far greener.
