Sustainability

There’s much talk about sustainable transport, waste management, warehousing and the like.  But what it really boils down to is sustainable business.  How will supply chains cope with more restrictive legislation and expensive energy?

Despite more complex supply chains, managers have to be concerned with reducing energy use in buildings, modes of transport, design and packaging and waste disposal reduction.  And to stay in business we have to satisfy customers who continually expect better service, greater choice and faster response.

There is no easy answer, but sooner or later we will have to think about supply chain development in a completely new way; where energy and the environment are the driving forces.

Rick Ballard