Sustainability Solutions That WORK: Looking Beyond the Oversimplified Answers

Sustainability is a strategic imperative that can drive cost savings, optimize operations, and build resilience across the supply chain. But how can businesses effectively integrate sustainability into their core operations to achieve real results?In this episode, Scott W. Luton is joined by Evan Junker, Chief Growth Officer, and Tjeerd de Jong, Partner at Sparq360, to discuss actionable strategies for embedding sustainability into everyday supply chain management. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to improving operational efficiency, they share practical examples of how companies are transforming sustainability from a compliance requirement into a competitive advantage.Evan and Tjeerd also explore the importance of cross-functional leadership alignment, the impact of EcoVadis scores, and how businesses can reduce payback periods on sustainability initiatives. Tune in to discover how to implement real-world sustainability solutions that not only protect the planet but also boost the bottom line.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:32) Discussing sustainability in supply chains and breaking old habits(01:48) The importance of sustainability in RFQs and market expectations(03:20) Insights from Sparq360’s supply chain sustainability survey(05:00) Challenges companies face with sustainability programs(06:10) Cross-functional leadership for sustainability success(08:22) Building a strategy and setting measurable targets for sustainability(10:34) Achieving cost reductions and operational efficiencies with sustainability(12:09) Examples of sustainable practices in logistics and inventory management(13:48) The role of EcoVadis in sustainability certifications(15:35) Avoiding common pitfalls when implementing sustainability programs(17:50) How Sparq360 helps clients manage sustainability and optimize supply chains(19:22) Driving down emissions through smarter logistics strategies(21:06) The importance of collaboration with suppliers and partners(23:11) Understanding resilience in supply chain sustainability(25:34) Real-world examples of companies successfully optimizing sustainability(28:02) Practical ways to shorten payback periods for sustainability investmentsAdditional Links & Resources:Download your copy of the Summary of “2024 Supply Chain Trends and Attitudes” here: https://bit.ly/4ehyKqqConnect with Evan Junker: www.linkedin.com/in/evanjunkerConnect with Tjeerd de Jong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjeerd-de-jong-7129ab1/Learn more about SPARQ360: https://sparq360.com/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Pedaling to Profit: Trek’s Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Success Story: https://bit.ly/4gWMIzUWEBINAR- The ABCs of Cargo Security and Loss Prevention: https://bit.ly/3zAirpTWEBINAR- Supply Chain in 2025: Top 5 Labeling and Packaging Artwork Trends to Watch: https://bit.ly/3Y9FWiZWEBINAR- Future-Proof Your Logistics: AI-Powered Solutions for Competitive Edge: https://bit.ly/3BouB5EThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Amanda...