Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1482881
A greener supply chain isn't only about environmental impact. It's also about saving resources and money for your business. 36 PalletCentral • September-October 2022 palletcentral.com pallet industry is a prime example of an industry that incorporates productive recycling practices that are absolutely in line with sustainability principles. Many companies fail to realize the financial impact of waste in the supply chain. ese costs tend to be hidden compared to upfront savings offered by suppliers. A closer look can reveal numerous processes where cost savings are negated. Disposing of excess packaging, paying for wasted water and energy, and costly shutdowns due to poor conditions can end up costing far more than those initial savings. Taking the time to audit and eliminate wasteful practices at each step in the supply chain can result in lower costs. More importantly, it can also result in stronger, more resilient processes. Companies can work directly with suppliers to reduce waste, decrease environmental impact, and improve working conditions. Each of these steps forges stronger relationships between companies and suppliers. ose relationships allow all parts of the supply chain to work toward the common goal of business having a positive impact on the community. Environmental Responsibility A challenge for companies that want to green their supply chain is that they often do not directly control key parts of the chain. Factories and producers in developed countries generally have to abide by environmental regulations. An effort to work with suppliers to exceed local regulations benefits their workers and their communities. ose suppliers become less fragile and prone to disruption and the supply chain grows stronger. ose suppliers are also less likely to create environmental damage. Companies that knowingly use suppliers that are harming the environment may find themselves paying for portions of costly cleanup. is can feel like an impossible task for many businesses. Everyone wants to be environmentally responsible, but where do you start? One place to start is educating your clients on the value of wooden pallets in their greening efforts.