“ I THINK THE THING THAT REALLY KEEPS THE FIRE BURNING IS BEING ABLE TO SEE CHANGE COME IN AND TO INFLUENCE IT FROM WITHIN . ALSO , INSPIRING PEOPLE TO BE THE CHANGE ”
SUPPLY CHAIN
Going full circle Michelle says that working with producers and suppliers opens the way to one of the key elements of sustainability – circularity .
She says : “ The biggest opportunity is to move to circularity . There are huge opportunities for our business to reduce waste , cut pollution , engage with consumers and help our brands be perceived in a better light .”
However , as is always the case , there are ifs and buts .
“ There are barriers and complexities that need to be addressed , but keeping positive is absolutely the right way to do it .”
Mark agrees , saying : “ The packaging industry is already taking increasing responsibility for its environmental impact , but with legislation around carbon pricing on the way , the financial incentive to optimise supply chains for sustainability is also coming into sharper focus .”
A coalition of the willing Mark says it all comes back to getting everybody on board – if they are willing .
He says : “ In the UK , we ’ ve seen promising levels of support from a wide range of customers , as well as thirdparty logistics providers , who share our ambition to drive decarbonisation in the supply chain , but this won ’ t be possible without close collaboration across the entire ecosystem and an openness to investing in more than one solution .
“ Collaborating with our partners to ensure solutions are integrated in truly
“ I THINK THE THING THAT REALLY KEEPS THE FIRE BURNING IS BEING ABLE TO SEE CHANGE COME IN AND TO INFLUENCE IT FROM WITHIN . ALSO , INSPIRING PEOPLE TO BE THE CHANGE ”
MICHELLE NORMAN DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS , SUNTORY BEVERAGE & FOOD EUROPE
beneficial ways , while simultaneously upholding our sustainability commitments , is critical .”
He adds : “ As well as getting customers on board , we need to engage with thirdparty logistics providers to educate them on the different approaches needed for each country .”
For Michelle , one of the joys of her ob is drawing people and businesses together to make a change .
She says : “ I think the thing that really keeps the fire burning is being able to see change come in and to influence it from within .
“ Also , inspiring people to be the change – whether it ’ s about the company becoming more circular or producing healthier drinks , being part of that and influencing it is great .”
Supply chains are complex ecosystems and embedding sustainability within them requires time and effort .
More than that , though ( in case you have missed it ), it requires collaboration .
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