SAP ’ s Richard Howells and Etosha Thurman discuss the importance of responsible sourcing , while highlighting how technology is impacting the sector
SUPPLY CHAIN
SAP ’ s Richard Howells and Etosha Thurman discuss the importance of responsible sourcing , while highlighting how technology is impacting the sector
WRITTEN BY : LUCY BUCHHOLZ
Embracing responsible sourcing is known to unlock new growth opportunities for businesses .
Climate change , circular economies , ESG and sustainability have all become business priorities over the past few years , with global supply chains sitting right in the middle of these issues – both as a major contributor to the problem and as an area of focus for improvements . Businesses must , therefore , purchase materials and products from companies that can show that they have good sustainability practices , from both a labour and manufacturing point of view .
The benefits of responsible sourcing and sustainable packaging Responsible sourcing has been shown to influence consumers buying decisions , with studies suggesting that up to 70 % of consumers would pay more for sustainablyproduced goods . Businesses must therefore meet the increasing demand from consumers for products that are both environmentally and socially responsible .
Yet businesses are still learning when it comes toimproving their responsible sourcing process , with Richard Howells , Vice President of Solution Management for Digital Supply Chain at SAP , describing it as an “ evolving landscape ,” allowing businesses the opportunity to combine sustainability initiatives with efficiency efforts and customer demand . sustainabilitymag . com 125