Welcome to the first article in our enlightening series about sustainable business practices tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This series provides insightful, actionable advice on integrating sustainability into your business operations, from the eco-conscious consumer to the innovative C-suite executive. Today’s focus is on Eco-Friendly Supply Chains.
Eco-friendly supply chains for SMEs are at a crucial intersection. On one hand, the global market has seen increasing demand for eco-friendly practices from consumers and regulatory bodies alike. On the other, the march towards sustainability is a journey beset with substantial challenges for these smaller businesses.
Despite these hurdles, embracing a greener supply chain offers significant strategic benefits, from enhancing brand reputation to securing long-term business viability. How SMEs can successfully navigate this path, transforming hurdles into opportunities for growth and innovation.
SMEs face many obstacles in their quest for a greener supply chain. From resource constraints to expertise shortages, these challenges can appear daunting. However, understanding these hurdles is the first step toward addressing them effectively.
Transitioning to sustainable supply chains often requires significant upfront investments. Procuring sustainable technology or raw materials, both of which can be capital-intensive. A lean team usually compounds these financial constraints, leaving little bandwidth for supplier auditing and engagement tasks.
SMEs often grapple with a pressing knowledge gap. They may lack the necessary expertise to build and maintain sustainable sourcing models, especially compared to larger corporations with dedicated sustainability departments. This leads to sustainability practices often being overlooked amid competing operational priorities.
The proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive increases the likelihood of small businesses being excluded from responsible supply chains. Those unable to meet the due diligence requests, let alone the requirements, risk further marginalization, hindering their ability to professionalize and grow.
Grappling with intense market competition. Larger corporations have been setting the sustainability benchmark with ambitious targets, often overshadowing the efforts of smaller businesses. This competitive pressure can lead SMEs to underestimate the importance of sustainability, viewing it as a trendy initiative rather than a critical business component. An analysis by WRI of more than 1,000 corporate supply chain goals shows that fewer than 10% aim to empower SMEs.
Laura Ediger, Former Associate Director at BSR, emphasizes the importance of engaging smaller suppliers in sustainable supply chains, “Sometimes, small is better. The growth of global businesses has often supported the development of their suppliers, from original equipment manufacturers to firms that provide accounting, legal, or travel services. Smaller suppliers are critical for companies entering new markets with smaller economies or aiming to contribute to local economic growth.
A practical starting point is formulating a sustainable sourcing policy. This articulates a company’s commitment to green practices and sets specific environmental targets to be achieved. Such a policy should resonate across every level of the supply chain, from employees to suppliers, and be transparently communicated to all stakeholders.
Building stronger alliances with like-minded suppliers is a crucial strategy. SMEs and their supplier networks can overcome common sustainability challenges by sharing best practices and streamlining processes. International trade and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) spillovers can benefit SMEs. They gain access to foreign expertise, technology, and diverse supply chain financing mechanisms through these channels.
According to the OECD, SMEs are less frequently involved in international activities than their higher-performing counterparts. However, they exhibit higher profitability and innovation levels than their domestic peers and often engage in various business collaborations. Integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs) is a significant productivity driver.
Investing in technology and training is another critical step. Sustainable technologies optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact. Coupled with practical training, these investments ensure teams are well-equipped to operate and maintain these technologies. Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and assessing the effectiveness of sustainable sourcing strategies can provide valuable insights into areas of improvement.
Despite the challenges, many SMEs have successfully integrated sustainable practices into their supply chains. Businesses like Natura, BrewDog, Interface, and Eileen Fisher are examples of SMEs in charge of sustainability.
Natura’s products are sustainably sourced from the Amazon rainforest, supporting local communities and biodiversity. This Scottish craft beer company, BrewDog, focuses on reducing its carbon footprint, using renewable energy, and promoting ethical practices. 2022 E+E Leader Product of the Year winner Interface aims to have a net-zero environmental impact by 2040. Eileen Fisher, a fashion brand, prioritizes ethical fashion and sustainable practices. They focus on organic fabrics, fair wages, and minimizing waste.
Achieving sustainable supply chains is an ongoing journey that demands consistent evaluation and improvement. Employing tools like lifecycle assessments and blockchain technology, SMEs can track their progress and measure the environmental footprint of their value chains more accurately.
Sustainability initiatives allow SMEs to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, attract eco-conscious consumers, and future-proof their business.
