Business as usual is dead: how can the supply chain enable new consumption models?

We all know that our economic models are not sustainable. Scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are unanimous: Human activities are “unequivocally” driving climate change, which is already affecting millions of people and intensifying. The connection between climate change, biodiversity, human health, inequality and the economy is clearer than ever.

The time for incremental steps is over. 

It does not only make environmental and social sense, it makes business sense. We have clearly shown that the cost of not acting, the cost of failing, has become significantly higher than the cost of doing something, and that makes moving into the area of sustainability an attractive opportunity for most businesses.

We believe the supply chain is a powerful lever to transform business. Whether it acts as a lifeline in times of crisis or the basis for more mundane commercial transactions, supply chain is at the epicenter of our fast changing world. 

Let’s switch from supply chain to supply change.

Let’s open perspective, let’s imagine new concepts in which we believe to serve our purpose ; let’s operate new models, both physically and digitally, that help change the supply chain and consumption behaviours for a positive impact. 

For that, we need to revise our processes. We need to work together.

By working together we will make a difference, to build a more sustainable industry. We are convinced that it’s by fostering partnerships with customers, partners, local communities, start-up and consumers, that we will collectively deliver a higher impact for the future of our world. Together, let’s make supply chain and society more respectful of people and the environment, from warehouses to end consumers. 

Manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, logistics providers, public authorities, consumers, we all need to sit at the same table to create more sustainable models across the entire supply chain. Improving the carbon footprint of products cannot be done without improving the footprint of freight managed by transport providers or of warehouses managed by logistics providers. Rethinking delivery flows in congested cities cannot be done without the active support of public authorities. Democratizing bulk-buying cannot rely solely on the will of some retailers. The whole supply chain has to be involved and customers onboarded.

We can change the paradigm.

It will take courage, intention and perseverance but solutions already exist and prove that it is possible. We have to ask ourselves the right questions and innovate toward the same goal. Join the momentum. Find out about outstanding initiatives already building a more sustainable supply chain and discover how you can take part in the supply change movement in the following pages. 

In this White Paper, Jean-Christophe Machet, CEO of FM Logistic, Paul Polman, Bertrand Piccard, and many other change makers share with us their convictions  about the strength of collaboration and joint actions between different economic actors to create a powerful ecosystem of positive impact.