Customer preferences and resource scarcity are disrupting business as usual and companies are becoming more concerned about the source and value of resources. Regulators, customers, and investors are exerting growing pressure on businesses to manage their value chains sustainably, addressing issues around resource use, waste, and social impacts.
It is becoming evident that sustainability in business has moved beyond the responsibility of the CSR manager to involve every unit and facet of the business - including operations and supply chain management.
Companies need to consider the environmental footprint of their operations, as well as the impact they make on their host communities, both positive and negative. Understanding these impacts will lead to improvements in company strategy, day-to-day operations, and, ultimately, financial success.
To recognise these strategic and marketing opportunities, companies will need to examine their entire supply chain through the ESG lens. This will identify avenues for operations leaders to drive desired outcomes in the markets important to their profitability.
