

Sustainable Supply Chain
Tom Raftery
Welcome to the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, hosted by Tom Raftery, a seasoned expert at the intersection of technology and sustainability. This podcast is an evolution of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, now with a laser-focused mission: exploring and promoting tech-led sustainability solutions in supply chains across the globe.Every Monday at 7 am CET, join us for insightful and organic conversations that blend professionalism with an informal, enjoyable tone. We don't script our episodes; instead, we delve into spontaneous, meaningful dialogues about significant topics, always with a touch of fun.Our guests are a diverse mix of influencers in the field - from founders and CxOs of pioneering solution providers to thought leaders and supply chain executives who have successfully implemented sustainability initiatives. Their stories, insights, and experiences are shaping the future of sustainable supply chains.While the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast addresses critical and complex issues, we aim to keep the discussions accessible, engaging, and, most importantly, actionable. It's a podcast that caters to a global audience, reflecting the universal importance of sustainability in today’s interconnected world.We are always eager to hear from our listeners. Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to us, helping shape the podcast into a platform that truly resonates with its audience. Feel free to reach out via email or connect with us on social media to share your thoughts, ideas, or just to say hello.Subscribe to the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast and be a part of this crucial conversation. Together, let's explore how technology and innovation can lead the charge in creating more sustainable, responsible, and efficient supply chains for a better tomorrow.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 9, 2025 • 37min
Six-Second Wins: Designing Waste Out of Supply Chains with Intelligent Automation
Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I had a cracking chat with René Schrama, Chief Commercial Officer at Peak Technologies. We dug into the evolving landscape of supply chain automation and what it truly means to “leverage automation intelligently” today.René shared how supply chain leaders are moving beyond full-scale automation projects and instead focusing on targeted improvements that actually matter. We explored why finding even six seconds to save in a warehouse process can add up to real gains, and how the Kaizen approach remains a solid guiding principle for continuous improvement.We didn’t shy away from the challenges, either. René highlighted the impact of geopolitical disruptions like tariffs and shifting trade policies, and why adapting supply chain strategies has become more critical than ever.A big takeaway for me? Automation isn’t about replacing people, it’s about striking the right balance between human creativity and machine precision. We also discussed the importance of designing out waste, re-harvesting resources, and why open systems, not closed silos, are key to future-proofing operations.If you’re in supply chain, sustainability, or digital transformation, this one’s worth a listen. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or on my website at https://www.sustainablesupplychainpodcast.com/#SupplyChain #Sustainability #Automation #Kaizen #IntelligentAutomation #PodcastElevate 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: 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.

Jun 2, 2025 • 48min
Cutting Food Waste & Reimagining Agri-Trade By Aligning Incentives And Utilising AI, Blockchain and IoT
Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by Gary Loh, CEO of DiMuto, who brings a refreshing perspective on fixing the fractured agri-food trade. Gary’s insights shine a light on the 30% of food wasted globally and how digital tools like AI, IoT, and blockchain can help us reduce that figure.We discuss why traditional silos, where growers, packers, shippers, and retailers rarely share data, need to be broken down. Gary explains how DiMuto’s approach aligns economic incentives for everyone in the supply chain, driving transparency and reducing food waste. He also delves into how real-time data is empowering smallholder farmers, opening up access to trade financing and reducing costly claims.We also touch on the impact of US tariffs, shifting climate conditions, and FSMA 204 compliance, and why digital transformation is no longer optional. Gary’s journey from finance to agriculture shows that real change comes when you address the incentives and give farmers and buyers the tools to see the full picture.If you’re serious about building a transparent, resilient supply chain, or just curious how aligning incentives, AI and data can cut waste in our global food system, this episode is worth a listen.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: 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.

May 26, 2025 • 42min
Inside Origin Cargo Management: A Smarter Path to Supply Chain Resilience
Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sat down with Jim McCullen, CTO of Century Supply Chain Solutions, to unpack how technology—particularly AI—is quietly but effectively reshaping the logistics space.Jim’s been with Century for over 30 years, which is practically unheard of in tech. We discussed what’s kept him there so long, and how he’s used that time to help major importers bring order to supply chain chaos—from managing tariff shifts and port disruptions to reducing carbon emissions through smarter origin management.We explored why North American firms lean more heavily on origin cargo management than their counterparts elsewhere, and how AI is now finally delivering real value—whether it’s helping route freight more efficiently or enabling natural language queries through supply chain chatbots. Importantly, Jim also touched on the need for trust in AI systems and how they’re rolling it out in ways that support rather than replace people.Other topics we covered: how data integration is still holding supply chains back, the balance between resilience and sustainability, and why training like a mountain bike racer actually makes sense if you’re trying to stay focused in a complex global operation.If you’re looking for practical ways to modernise supply chain operations, reduce emissions, and respond more intelligently to disruption, this one’s worth your time.Listen now and let me know what you think.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: 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.

May 19, 2025 • 37min
Solving Supply Chain Fragmentation: Why Visibility Starts With Better Data
Send me a messageWhat if the data you already have could unlock massive sustainability and profitability gains in your supply chain?In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by Danny He, CEO of Soapbox, who makes a compelling case that the real barrier to progress isn’t a lack of technology, it’s fragmented data and disconnected workflows.We unpack how most supply chains are still operating on siloed systems that don’t communicate, forcing businesses to rely on outdated, manual processes that drive waste, overproduction, and cost. Danny shares why true end-to-end visibility requires more than dashboards or AI hype - it needs integrated, real-time data from every part of the ecosystem, including 3PLs and transport providers.We also explore how tackling overproduction, often 5-25% of inventory in many businesses, is one of the most overlooked sustainability opportunities. Less waste, lower emissions, and better cash flow. What’s not to like?If you’ve ever struggled with aged stock, lack of inventory visibility, or systems that don’t talk to each other, this episode is for you.We also touch on:✔ Why most companies are nowhere near “just-in-time” inventory, and how they could be✔ The real role of AI in supply chain (spoiler: it’s not a magic wand)✔ How better data can reduce waste before products are even madeListen now and let me know, what’s stopping your organisation from achieving true end-to-end supply chain visibility?#SupplyChain #Sustainability #DataDrivenSupplyChain #InventoryManagement #SupplyChainTechnology #AI #JustInTime #CircularEconomy #DigitalTransformation #EmissionsReduction #SupplyChainVisibilityElevate 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: 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.

May 12, 2025 • 41min
From Waste to Wealth: How Urban Mining Can Solve the Critical Metals Shortage
Send me a messageWhat if I told you that most of the platinum and palladium in old diesel vehicles ends up lost or landfilled, even though these are some of the world’s most critical and valuable materials?In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sit down with Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx, to explore how his company is turning waste into opportunity. Regenx has developed a low-energy, chemical-based process to recover platinum and palladium from diesel catalytic converters, materials that traditional smelters have largely ignored.We discuss why diesel converters are harder to recycle than petrol ones, how their process avoids the high energy costs of smelting, and why circular supply chains like this are vital for reducing dependency on mining in places like South Africa and Russia.Don shares insights on scaling urban mining, the importance of building local processing capacity, and the hidden supply chain of 27 million catalytic converters scrapped globally each year, most of which are never properly recycled.If you care about circular economy strategies, critical raw material supply, or the future of sustainable manufacturing, this episode is for you.Find out more at https://regenx.tech.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: 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.

May 5, 2025 • 36min
Rethinking Supply Chain Planning: AI, Risk, and Sustainability with JF Gagné
Send me a messageUPDATE: Since recording this episode JF has informed me he's no longer working with Pendulum.AI is everywhere right now, but is it actually helping supply chain leaders make smarter, more sustainable decisions?In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by JF Gagné, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Pendulum, who’s spent over two decades building AI systems that do more than just spit out forecasts. JF shares how generative AI can integrate data across the enterprise to drive contextual, collaborative decisions - helping businesses manage risk, cut waste, and improve sustainability outcomes.We dig into:Why traditional supply chain planning systems are too rigid for today’s volatile environmentHow AI can move from giving “perfect outputs” to helping teams reach consensus and make informed trade-offsPractical examples of using AI to reduce carbon emissions, track forced labour risk, and optimise inventoryWhat most companies get wrong when implementing AI in supply chainsWhy continuous risk assessment, not just better forecasting, is key to agility and resilienceJF also offers a blunt reality check: the world we built our supply chains in no longer exists. If we keep treating today’s disruptions as isolated events, we’re planning for a past that’s not coming back.Whether you’re piloting AI projects or just trying to get a handle on growing ESG requirements, this episode will help you think more critically about what real innovation in supply chains should look like.🎧 Listen now and learn how to build a smarter, more sustainable supply chain.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: 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.

8 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 37min
Using AI to Build Resilient, Sustainable Supply Chains
In this conversation with Jen Chew, Vice President at Bristlecone, she shares insights on applying AI to enhance sustainability in supply chains. Jen discusses the shift from AI experimentation to real-world applications, emphasizing the importance of data readiness and analytical skills. She debunks the myth that sustainability comes with high costs, revealing how it can actually drive efficiencies. The talk also covers generative AI’s role in sourcing strategies and the impact of evolving trade policies, providing a roadmap for future-proofing supply chains.

Apr 21, 2025 • 39min
Forced Labour, Flood Risks, and Design Thinking: Rhea Rakshit on Building Ethical Supply Chains
Send me a messageOn this week’s episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by Rhea Rakshit, VP of Product Management at Sayari, a company helping organisations untangle the complex web of supply chain risk with data, design thinking, and a strong dose of social impact.We talk about why traditional supply chain visibility just doesn’t cut it anymore - and how real insight starts with understanding who you’re sourcing from and who they’re connected to. Rhea brings a fascinating perspective, shaped by her background in social innovation and systems design, and years working on both the consumer and enterprise sides of supply chain tech.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why ESG is no longer just a CSR checkbox✅ How forced labour, climate risk, and deforestation are being tracked with data-led approaches✅ What “human-centred design” actually looks like in the context of supply chain software✅ The difference between visibility and insight - and why it matters for resilience✅ How global North boardrooms often miss the lived realities of their suppliers in the global South✅ Why consolidating sustainability ownership under risk or compliance functions is a game-changerIf you’re serious about building a resilient, ethical, and future-proof supply chain, this conversation is a must-listen.🎧 Subscribe and tune in at sustainablesupplychainpodcast.com#supplychain #sustainability #esg #productcarbonfootprint #duediligence #forcedlabour #deforestation #supplychaintransparency #realtimedata #sustainablebusinessElevate 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: 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.

Apr 14, 2025 • 38min
Scope 3, AI, and the Data Gap – Real Talk with ENGIE Impact’s Paige Janson
Send me a messageWe’ve all seen it - corporate sustainability targets set in boardrooms with no real plan to back them up. In this episode, I sit down with Paige Janson, CEO of the Sustainable Resource Management division at ENGIE Impact, to talk about what happens next, when the ambition meets the reality of data gaps, regulatory complexity, and internal resistance.With nearly 20 years’ experience helping global organisations decarbonise, Paige shares practical insights into where companies are getting stuck and what’s needed to drive real change, not just write sustainability reports.We cover:Why data - especially validated, recurring data - is the real gold standard for sustainability successHow to avoid the common mistake of setting targets before understanding your energy and emissions baselineWhat’s needed to keep Scope 1, 2 and 3 reporting credible under growing scrutinyThe link between executive accountability and actual progressHow AI is already transforming carbon data management (and what’s coming next)Why aligning sustainability with core business operations - from finance to facilities - is criticalWhether you’re in supply chain, ESG, or just trying to make sense of Scope 3, this one’s worth your time.Find more episodes at sustainablesupplychainpodcast.comListen, share, and if you enjoy the show, consider supporting it at tinyurl.com/SSCpodElevate 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: 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.

Apr 7, 2025 • 32min
Why Real-Time Data Is the Missing Link in Product Carbon Footprinting
Send me a messageIn this week’s episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sit down with Simon Kim, CEO and founder of Glassdome, to unpack a critical and fast-evolving area in sustainability: product carbon footprinting (PCF).We explore why accurate, site-specific emissions data is becoming essential for manufacturers, not just to comply with EU regulations like the Battery Passport and Digital Product Passport, but to stay competitive in global markets. Simon shares how Glassdome collects real-time data directly from factory floors, bypassing outdated guesswork and generic industry averages that can’t support real decarbonisation.We also examine:Why the EU is setting the global pace for sustainability regulationsThe role of primary data in supply chain emissions reportingHow even SMEs can affordably modernise their data infrastructureGlassdome’s partnership with Siemens and what that signals for future data exchangeWhat best-in-class emissions tracking could look like by 2030For manufacturers wondering where to start, Simon makes it clear: get your data infrastructure in place and begin engaging your supply chain. You can’t manage what you can’t measure.This episode is a must-listen for supply chain professionals, sustainability leads, and anyone interested in the future of carbon accounting in manufacturing.🎧 Listen now to learn how emissions tracking is evolving from regulatory checkbox to strategic differentiator.For more, visit www.sustainablesupplychainpodcast.comElevate 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: 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.