BEING RESPONSIBLE
It seems there is a continuous stream of companies announcing new efforts to become more sustainable and engage in ethical sourcing practices
For companies and supply chain organizations, ethical and sustainability efforts are often linked to business factors like reducing costs and improving brand image in addition to the much needed effort to saving the environment and supporting the craftsmen involved in producing the craft.
Ethical sourcing is the process of ensuring the products being sourced are obtained in a responsible and sustainable way, that the workers involved in making them are safe and treated fairly and that environmental and social impacts are taken into consideration during the sourcing process.
Ethical sourcing – which attempts to take into account the public consequences of organizational buying or bring about positive social change through organizational buying behaviour. It ensures Labour rights, Fair Wages, Health & Medical benefits, Safety etc.
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) was formed and taken into account the local & international laws to formulate the basic code.
Sustainable Sourcing – the ability to meet the needs of current supply chain members without hindering the ability to meet the needs of future generations in terms of economic, environmental and social challenge. The objectives then are not only to sustain the world we live in, but to sustain the organization as well.
Organic Materials – the use of organic materials eg. Cotton& other raw materials ensures achieving the sustainable sourcing. Environment friendly & sustainable cultivationand no use of harmful & hazardous chemicals & substances in the process is a must.
Recycle & Biodegradable – the use of recycled & biodegradable raw material and packaging is required for responsible sourcing.
HOW TO ENSURE ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE SOURCING ?
With the widespread awareness amongst the consumer base for the ethical & sustainable sourced & manufactured products, more & more companies are inclined towards the very concept.
There are International Organizations which help ensure the process through audits & certifications and there needs to be a continuous effort from all involved to achieve the desired goals.
ETI , BSCI, SEDEX, SA 8000, GOTS, OKETEX, ISO 14000 etc are the audits commonly used for ensuring the adherence to the guidelines of Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing.
Furthermore, to accomplish the goal of an ethical and sustainable supply chain, as well as the ability to track and trace shipments to any location, companies will need to enable the right technology. Specific actions to be taken include:
- Reduce waste by simplifying supply chain processes
- Ensure ethical sourcing and introduce transparency
- Minimize overproduction through efficient supply and demand planning
- Decrease fossil fuel consumption by optimizing routes
- Fully utilize containers and transportation to consolidate shipments
- Monitor for existing environmental risks
Looking for ethically & sustainable product sourcing from India, we, at ACCORD INC., are here to collaborate & partner with you and provide a seamless Supply Chain Solution.