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Sustainable Supply Chain

Latest episodes

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Mar 31, 2025 • 36min

Sustainable Packaging in Food Service: What Works, What Doesn’t

Send me a messageIn this week’s episode, I sat down with Andrew Hargest, founder of Supply Club, to unpack the complexities of sustainable packaging in the food service sector.We discussed what sustainability really means in the context of packaging - beyond the buzzwords - and why cost is no longer the blocker it once was. Andrew explained how compostability only works if composting infrastructure exists, and how misconceptions around materials often steer businesses in the wrong direction.He also shared how Supply Club is leveraging AI to streamline product listings and backend operations, reducing friction and costs. Their GreenBux programme adds another layer: combining a customer loyalty scheme with verified carbon offsetting - turning everyday purchases into tangible climate action.We also touched on supply chain resilience in the face of tariffs, and why agile sourcing strategies are becoming essential. Andrew’s approach to integrating tech, while maintaining supply chain flexibility, offers useful insights for both large and small organisations looking to build more sustainable procurement practices.If you’re navigating packaging decisions or just keen to understand how sustainability is evolving across supply chains, this one’s worth a listen.Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.For links and past episodes: www.sustainablesupplychainpodcast.com#supplychain #sustainability #packaging #carbonoffsets #compostablepackaging #foodservice #greentech #circulareconomy #logistics #AIinSupplyChain #SustainableSupplyChainPodElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.
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Mar 24, 2025 • 55min

Repair or Ruin? E-Waste, Informal Economies, and the Role of Manufacturers

Send me a messageIn this episode, I sit down once again with Kenny McGee, CEO of Component Sense, to delve into one of the most confronting aspects of global supply chains — electronic waste, or e-waste.Kenny recently returned from Agbogbloshie, Ghana, a site once dubbed the world’s largest e-waste dump. What he found there was far more complex than expected: a vast, informal economy built around salvaging, repairing, and repurposing our discarded electronics. From TVs and fridges to circuit boards and copper wiring, items we think are being “recycled” are often ending up in the hands of workers — many of them teenagers — who burn, strip, and break devices using bare hands and basic tools.We talk through the journey of a used TV from a UK household to the streets of Accra, explore the supply chains that enable illegal exports of e-waste, and reflect on the human and environmental costs tied to our throwaway tech culture. Kenny also shares the hopeful side — stories of resilience, resourcefulness, and local charity-led education and healthcare initiatives.Key takeaways:Why the second-hand trade isn’t inherently bad — but needs regulation.How plastic and clothing waste are compounding the e-waste problem.The role manufacturers must play in designing for repair and reuse.Why abrupt changes to e-waste flows could hurt the very people we aim to help.If you're in supply chain, electronics manufacturing, or sustainability, this one’s well worth your time.For more, visit ComponentSense.com or follow Kenny on LinkedIn.🎧 Listen now and subscribe on your favourite podcast platform.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.
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Mar 17, 2025 • 31min

The Sustainability Thread: Connecting Data, Compliance & Action

Send me a messageThe Sustainability Thread: Digitalising Supply Chain SustainabilityIn this episode of The Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sit down with Klaus Brettschneider, Director of Sustainability Products at Linx-AS, to explore how digitalisation is transforming sustainability management. Klaus introduces the concept of the sustainability thread—an evolution of the digital thread—that connects sustainability data across an organisation, enabling businesses to move beyond compliance and embed sustainability into product lifecycle management (PLM).We discuss the challenges companies face, from fragmented data to complex supply chains, and how automation can streamline processes like carbon accounting and lifecycle assessments. Klaus shares insights on regulatory pressures such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), highlighting how businesses must align their IT strategies with sustainability goals to stay ahead.We also cover:✅ Why sustainability reporting is overwhelming teams—and how to fix it✅ The role of AI, IoT, and blockchain in supply chain transparency✅ Why industries like steel and cement are progressing, while agriculture struggles✅ The importance of supplier collaboration in tracking sustainability dataKlaus argues that digitalisation is the missing link in supply chain sustainability. If companies want to make meaningful progress, they must digitise sustainability data, integrate it into their processes, and ensure seamless data flow across their value chains.📌 Listen now and learn how to future-proof your sustainability strategy!Here is the the Sustainability ThreElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.
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Mar 10, 2025 • 38min

Billions in Grants Are Available—Here’s How Manufacturers Can Get Them

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Micki Vandeloo, president of Lakeview Consulting, to explore a critical but often overlooked funding opportunity: grants for manufacturers. Many manufacturing firms are unaware of the substantial funding available to support sustainability initiatives, equipment upgrades, and workforce training. Micki sheds light on how businesses can access these funds and avoid leaving money on the table.We discuss:The stark lack of awareness among manufacturers about available grants.Key differences between grants, subsidies, tax credits, and loans.How sustainability-related grants are growing in prominence, particularly for energy efficiency, renewables, and supply chain reshoring.Why state-level grants are often easier to secure than federal ones.The impact of changing political administrations on grant availability and funding priorities.With sustainability mandates increasing and businesses under pressure to decarbonise, grants provide a strategic way to offset investment costs. If your company is looking to adopt cleaner technologies, improve efficiency, or expand production, now is the time to explore these funding opportunities before policies shift.Find out how to navigate the complex grant landscape and ensure your business isn’t missing out.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.
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Mar 3, 2025 • 32min

Maximising IT Asset Lifecycles: A Smarter Approach to Sustainability

Send me a messageThe sustainability of IT infrastructure is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in reducing corporate carbon footprints. In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Payne, SVP of Supply Chain Solutions at MDSi, to explore how organisations can optimise reverse logistics, extend asset lifecycles, and reduce emissions in their IT operations.Shannon explains why many large enterprises have well-defined procurement processes but lack structured methodologies for managing IT asset decommissioning, reuse, and recycling. She shares insights into how companies can reduce waste, lower costs, and maximise value from legacy equipment through certified pre-owned IT solutions, which can cut emissions by up to 80% compared to new hardware.We also discuss the growing energy demand of AI, expected to surge by 160% by 2030, and how businesses can balance technology refresh cycles with sustainability goals. Shannon outlines key supply chain challenges, including tracking stranded assets, reducing unnecessary purchases, and optimising forward and reverse logistics for minimal environmental impact.Key Takeaways:The role of IT infrastructure in corporate sustainability and carbon reductionHow AI is reshaping supply chain efficiencies—and increasing energy demandThe business case for refurbished IT assets and the cost savings they offerWhy reverse logistics is often overlooked and how to make it more effectiveEssential KPIs for tracking sustainability progress in supply chain management💡 Want to learn how to reduce IT waste while cutting costs? Tune in now.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.
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Feb 24, 2025 • 36min

Cutting Waste in Cold Chain Logistics with AI

Juan Meisel, CEO of Grip and former scaling expert at ButcherBox, dives into the complexities of cold chain logistics. He discusses how AI technology revolutionizes shipping perishable goods, enhancing efficiency and cutting waste. Juan uncovers the benefits of predictive models that manage packaging and routing in real time, and the importance of weather adaptability in maintaining supply chain resilience. He explores balancing sustainability with cost, and challenges the notion of standardization in packaging, advocating for variability to boost eco-friendliness.
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Feb 17, 2025 • 37min

AI, Supply Chains, and the Sustainability Challenge: A Data-Driven Approach

Join Sunder Balakrishnan, Head of Supply Chain Analytics at LatentView, as he dives into the intersection of AI, supply chains, and sustainability. He reveals why pursuing perfect data is a myth and how companies can leverage AI to optimize costs while enhancing environmental responsibility. The discussion includes innovative uses of digital twins to minimize waste and carbon footprints. Balakrishnan also emphasizes that sustainability should be ingrained in supply chain design from the start, highlighting the importance of data-driven insights and employee education in this transformative journey.
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Feb 10, 2025 • 32min

How AI & Digital Transformation Are Reshaping Sustainable Supply Chains

Send me a messageIn this episode of The Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Paul Magel, President of Business Applications at Computer Generated Solutions (CGS), to explore the critical role of digital transformation in supply chain sustainability.We discuss how AI, automation, and data-driven transparency are reshaping supply chains, improving efficiency, compliance, and resilience in an increasingly complex global market. Paul shares insights into:Why AI is a game-changer for productivity, process optimisation, and product innovationHow digital tools drive sustainability, from tracking emissions to improving supplier transparencyThe challenge of balancing cost and sustainability, and where businesses can find efficienciesSupply chain agility vs efficiency—which matters more in today’s unpredictable landscape?The future of supply chains by 2030—what will AI, blockchain, and automation enable?We also discuss the growing impact of regulatory compliance in sustainability reporting, the role of circular economy models, and how companies can prepare for stricter environmental regulations without compromising competitiveness.If your organisation is navigating the complexities of sustainable supply chains, this episode offers practical takeaways on leveraging technology for smarter, greener operations.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more fresh new insights every Monday morning, bright and early!Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.
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Feb 3, 2025 • 38min

Why the Future of Warehousing is Smarter, Leaner & Greener

Send me a messageHow is automation transforming warehousing and supply chains? What role does sustainability play in logistics, and can businesses balance cost efficiency with environmental responsibility? In this episode of The Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Seth Weisberg, CEO of ABCO Systems, to explore these pressing questions.Seth shares his journey from PricewaterhouseCoopers to leading a third-generation logistics integration company. We discuss how automation, AI, and electrification are reshaping warehouse operations, optimising space, and reducing carbon footprints. While automation boosts efficiency, it also raises concerns about labour displacement—Seth provides a nuanced take on how businesses can navigate these shifts.We also examine the impact of data-driven decision-making in logistics, from improving pick paths to reducing packaging waste. Seth highlights how optimising packaging—by selecting the right box sizes—can cut down on material waste, improve transport efficiency, and lower emissions. The conversation extends to the circular economy, where repurposing materials and rethinking logistics models can further reduce environmental impact.Whether you're a supply chain professional or just keen to understand how warehouses operate behind the scenes, this episode offers a critical look at the intersection of logistics, technology, and sustainability.🔗 Listen now and find out how automation is reshaping the future of supply chains.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.
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Jan 27, 2025 • 41min

The Role of Data in Building Sustainable and Efficient Supply Chains

Send me a messageIn this episode, I sit down with Bailey Robin, CEO and co-founder of Matium, to explore how data-driven decision-making can transform supply chains into more efficient and sustainable systems. Bailey shares the fascinating backstory of Matium, a platform focused on connecting supply and demand in material markets to reduce cost, carbon, and time per unit of consumer demand. His insights are as technical as they are practical, making this a must-listen for anyone tackling sustainability in supply chains.We discuss some of the biggest inefficiencies in today’s supply chains, like shipping materials vast distances unnecessarily, and how addressing these inefficiencies can significantly lower carbon emissions. Bailey explains how Matium applies lean manufacturing principles and process mapping to identify value-added versus non-value-added activities. The goal? To minimise waste and maximise efficiency while making sustainability economically viable.One of the standout moments in our chat is Bailey’s explanation of how future supply chains could evolve—featuring decentralised, micro-manufacturing hubs powered by low-cost, renewable energy. He also dives into the role automation and AI will play in shaping supply chains, not just in streamlining operations but also in driving localised production.Bailey highlights the importance of creating systems that align sustainability goals with business incentives. His proposal for an immutable transaction ledger to track materials and carbon emissions at every step could be a game-changer for verifying Scope 3 emissions and kickstarting robust carbon markets.Whether you’re in manufacturing, logistics, or just curious about the mechanics of sustainability, this episode offers sharp insights into the challenges and opportunities Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

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