Supply Chain weekly wrap-up: 04/13/18 – 04/19/18

Update on Shipping Industry’s environmental action

In last week’s wrap-up, it was revealed that the shipping industry needed to take action in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions as it represented on of the few major industries without a sustainable climate plan. It is predicted that without any action, emissions from shipping could climb by 250%, as global trade increases.

After members of the International Maritime Organization met in London to discuss this further, a historic deal was made. Originally, it was suggested that the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions should be cut down by between 70 and 100 percent. However, it was agreed that the shipping industry should cut its CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050. As part of the agreement, 173 countries are committed to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases produced by shipping activities. Achieving this target indicates that most of the newly built ships will be powered by renewable fuels in the 2030s.

To find out more about this, click here.

Another week, another company sustainability announcement

On Monday, Procter & Gamble (P&G), the American multinational consumer goods corporation, revealed it had set more environmental sustainability goals after it met most of the ones originally set to be achieved by 2020. The previous goals focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water usage in manufacturing facilities and landfill waste. The new objectives seek to facilitate and encourage positive effects on the environment and society in an attempt to overcome some of the most significant challenges in the world; limited resources and the growing consumption levels.

By 2030, P&G hopes to further cut its greenhouse gas emissions by half and acquire an adequate amount of renewable energy to run all of their plants. Moreover, at least 5 billion liters of water will be obtained from circular sources. In addition, the company is counting on the help of its brands to encourage responsible consumption through recyclable and reusable packaging. In terms of society, P&G will also carry on forming partnerships to tackle a variety of issues, including ocean plastic pollution, forest protection and water protection and the recycling of absorbent hygiene products.

To read more about these sustainability goals, click here.

Add another BiTA member to the list

Blockchain is a buzzword that is gaining even more traction in the supply chain space; so much so that the Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA) was formed to understand its use and set industry standards in the freight industry. This forum has already experienced a lot of success, assembling industry stakeholders to explore blockchain usage in the transportation, supply chain and logistics markets, since it was created last year. SMC³, a knowledge hub for less-than-truckload technology, data and education, is the latest member to join BiTA. The alliance now has over 250 members.

SMC³ will use their wealth of experience of all segments of the supply chain to help set standards, and will support the alliance in achieving their numerous technology goals. These consist of developing and publicizing blockchain standards that the industry can use to build transportation applications, to create a discussion platform for blockchain’s logistics use cases, and for education on new trends in the blockchain field.

More information can be found here.

Have a great weekend!

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