Supply Chain Sustainability Performance

Integrating a circular supply chain management strategy

Designing an Environmentally Sustainable Supply Chain Network

To quantify the trade-offs, supply chain strategists must wrestle with how to factor environmental objectives into their overall network design models. It is also important to consider that, for a given sustainability objective, the nature of network design use cases and the actions they trigger can vary based on the governing philosophy and maturity level of the company. Although CSR objectives address indicators for social and economic impact, this research focuses on addressing environmental factors within the network design.

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    Far from perceiving sustainability as a costly inconvenience, supply chain leaders are using it to their advantage.

    Miguel Cossio

    Senior Principal Analyst, Gartner

    Supply chain sustainability issues challenge business growth

    While companies strive for growth, our world is dramatically changing. Challenges of water scarcity, ocean pollution and packaging waste are exacerbated by a rapidly growing global population. Employees and communities want companies to lead solutions. The supply chain organization is positioned to help an enterprise balance its growth, profitability and social purpose goals as it shifts to supply chain sustainability.

    Profitability contains revenue growth and profit margins. Sustainability contains resource efficiency, long-term growth, and worker well-being.
    Sustainability is a key goal for supply chian leaders. 30% of supply chain leaders say they have no or low-maturity sustainability initiatives.

    Preparing for a future of supply chain sustainability

    Investors, regulators, consumers and employees are redefining their expectations for the role of business in society. Chief supply chain officers are transforming their supply chain organizations to effectively manage ESG risk and drive competitive advantage with responsible sourcing, supply chain sustainability and circular economy operating models.

    Sustainability is a key goal for supply chian leaders. 30% of supply chain leaders say they have no or low-maturity sustainability initiatives.

    Supply chain sustainability insights you can use

    Gartner’s insights, advice, data and tools help supply chain leaders develop sustainable, responsible, and circular approaches to enable growth, manage assets and control costs.

    How Supply Chain Leaders Can Start and Advance Their Sustainability Journey

    As companies strive to operate more transparently, responsibly and sustainably, CSCOs must lead supply chain to manage different risks and redefine good performance. This maturity model guide describes an approach to governance for achieving a balance of supply chain sustainability and profitability goals.

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    Transform Supply Chain for a Circular Economy Future

    Circular economy models enable businesses to achieve growth while preserving natural resources. Supply chain organizations have an essential role in orchestrating the shift to circular economy. Gartner explains what the shift to circular economy means for the supply chain.

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    The Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2020

    This complimentary webinar unveils the 16th annual Gartner Global Supply Chain Top 25. Two key aspects of the Supply Chain Top 25 ranking are the demonstration of demand-driven leadership and ESG.

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    Designing an Environmentally Sustainable Supply Chain Network

    Companies are incorporating environmental impact goals into their business strategy not only to meet regulatory needs but also to improve their brand equity and profitability. This research will help supply chain leaders evaluate the influence of these objectives on the design of their network.

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    Questions about becoming a Gartner client?

    See the supply chain sustainability research

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    3 Steps to Develop a Packaging Sustainability Strategy

    Consumer, market and regulatory influences are leading supply chain sustainability to be a top social and business issue. Supply chain leaders can use this research to manage this challenge by developing their packaging sustainability strategy and gaining the support of stakeholders.

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    Identify Strategic Risks and Opportunities With the Sustainable Development Goals

    The U.N.’s SDGs call for solutions to the world’s biggest challenges by 2030. Supply chain leaders should use the SDG framework to plan for supply chain sustainablility operations.

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    Measuring and Reporting Sustainability Performance

    There’s a growing demand for companies to report on climate action and other “nonfinancial” performance indicators. Supply chain leaders can use this analysis of reporting standards to avoid “reporting fatigue” and advocate for a disclosure approach that delivers value back to the supply chain.

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    Gartner Supply Chain Webinars

    Maximize productivity, minimize risk and enable innovation with insights and strategies delivered straight from our experts.

    Client Testimonial

    Discover supply chain best practices from your peers

    During this on-demand panel discussion, you’ll hear from supply chain leaders on how they are continuing to lead during times of disruption. 

    Watch “Panel Discussion: Lead Through Times of Disruption in Supply Chain” to hear:

    • Real-life examples of how companies leveraged Gartner insights and tools to navigate disruption
    • Supply chain innovation and agility during times of disruption
    • How to address your most pressing supply chain challenges

    Gartner topic experts

    Gartner’s supply chain experts include more than 100 people worldwide. Meet a few of our leaders. 

    Thomas O'Conner
    Senior Director Analyst
    Research & Advisory

    Sarah Watt
    Senior Director Analyst
    Research & Advisory

    Andrew Stevens
    Senior Director Analyst
    Research & Advisory

    Miguel Cossio
    Senior Principal Analyst
    Research & Advisory

    Courtney Rogerson
    Senior Prinicpal Analyst
    Research & Advisory

    David Gonzalez
    VP Analyst
    Research & Advisory

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    Gartner experts are trusted advisors for 2,500+ supply chain leaders and executives

    Gartner helps organizations grow and maintain ownership of strategic initiatives. Make the right decisions with trusted insights and objective advice.