In an era defined by the urgent need to address climate change and foster environmental stewardship, sustainable supply chains have emerged as a powerful catalyst for positive change. As organisations strive to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainable practices, some have risen above the rest, demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental responsibility.
Below, we have compiled the world’s top 10 businesses worldwide that have established the most sustainable supply chains. By analysing their sustainable practices and the positive outcomes they have achieved, we can gain valuable knowledge about the core principles of managing sustainable supply chains and explore how these principles can be applied across various industries.
10. Ford
One of the most successful companies in the history of business, the automotive manufacturer Ford, has implemented sustainable practices throughout its operations. The company has launched a programme to reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and improving fuel efficiency.
Ford has also implemented sustainable practices in its manufacturing processes, in the form of using renewable energy sources and recycling materials. With anything from 4-6mn vehicle sales a year, these sustainable practices will have a significant environmental impact.
9. Danone
Danone is focused on promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing GHG emissions and using renewable energy sources. The business has set an ambitious goal to reduce its environmental impact by using 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Danone is also promoting regenerative agriculture and reducing waste.
8. Adidas
Over recent years, Adidas has made sustainability a key priority in its operations. The company has committed to using more sustainable materials in its products, including recycled polyester and sustainable cotton. Adidas has also implemented sustainable practices in its manufacturing – and transportation processes – and has launched a programme to improve the sustainability practices of its suppliers, actively extending its sustainability reach to its Scope 3 emissions.
7. Nestlé
The giant food and beverage company Nestlé, has also made sustainability a core part of its business strategy which, with a US$92.81bn in 2021, is having a massive impact. Nestlé has implemented sustainable practices throughout its supply chain and has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact, seeking a 20% reduction of scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 2025, and a 50% reduction by 2030 – versus their 2018 baseline. Nestle has also launched a program to help smallholder farmers improve their sustainability practices, which has had a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
6. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola has integrated sustainable methods into its manufacturing and distribution operations, ensuring that 90% of its packaging is recyclable worldwide, provided there is adequate infrastructure in place. Coca-Cola has committed to replenishing 100% of the water used in its beverages and production processes, and, in 2021, 61% of the equivalent bottles and cans introduced into the market were collected for reuse or recycling.
5. Tesla
EV-giant, Tesla, is pioneering sustainable transportation. All of the company’s cars have zero emissions, which is playing a significant role in reducing GHG emissions. In 2021, the global fleet of Tesla vehicles, energy storage and solar panels enabled Tesla’s customers to avoid emitting 8.4mn metric tonnes of CO2e. Tesla has also implemented sustainable practices throughout its manufacturing processes, such as using renewable energy sources and recycling materials all the way up and down the chain.
4. Unilever
Unilever has incorporated sustainability as a central aspect of its business strategy. The company has established ambitious targets to decrease its ecological footprint and has implemented sustainable methods across its supply chain. Additionally, Unilever has initiated a programme aimed at assisting small-scale farmers in enhancing their sustainable practices. This endeavour has not only yielded positive environmental outcomes but has also had a beneficial effect on local communities. In 2021, Unilever ensured that 53% of its plastic packaging was reusable, recyclable or compostable while recycling 633,344 tonnes of waste out of the total 658,665 tonnes generated during the same year.
3. IKEA
Implementing sustainable measures throughout its supply chain, the widely recognised furniture retailer focuses on utilising renewable energy sources like wind and solar power in manufacturing and transportation processes. IKEA has also as committed to reducing carbon emissions from its land and ocean transportation by an average of 70% by 2030.
2. Patagonia
Outdoor clothing brand Patagonia has set a high standard for sustainable supply chains. The fashion company uses sustainable materials, including organic cotton and recycled polyester in its garments and has also implemented fair labour practices throughout its supply chain. Patagonia has also committed to transparency and regularly discloses information about its supply chain to the public.
1. Interface
Interface, the manufacturer of modular carpet tiles and parent company of FLOR, has integrated sustainability as a fundamental part of its business strategy, with a focus on renewable energy sources, achieving 75% renewable energy usage across its manufacturing sites and 100% renewable electricity at all factory locations. They have successfully reduced market-based GHG by 96% in their carpet manufacturing operations, while also incorporating recycled and bio-based materials into 50% of their flooring products. Additionally, Interface has implemented a closed-loop recycling system that converts used carpet tiles into new products, effectively reducing waste and minimising reliance on non-renewable resources.
costs, and limited flexibility. Skyline Whitespace has become a prominent figure in the exhibition industry by offering sustainable and modular solutions to businesses facing these challenges. In this article, we’ll delve into how Skyline Whitespace is changing the game regarding exhibition stands. They’ve introduced a rental model based on their unique modular systems, and we’ll take a closer look at how this works.
Focusing on the urgent need for decarbonising supply chains in order to mitigate the impact of climate change, Skyline Whitespace CEO Mary Cole spoke at the 2023 edition of Reset Connect – The UK’s leading sustainability and net-zero event for businesses, investors and innovators. Cole highlighted how, as part of the Whitespace Group, Skyline Whitespace and Whitespace XPO minimise waste by designing with reusability in mind, logistics optimisation and how working alongside organisations such as Big Blue Ocean Cleanup, One Tree Planted and isla benefit our mission.
Cole joined a panel which included Balfour Beatty, IKEA, Nestle and GlaxoSmithKleine, who shared their practical and innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions across all stages of their global supply chains. From harnessing renewable energy sources to curbing waste and championing fair labour practices, leading firms are paving the way for sustainable supply chain management.