Sustainability supply chain management is an integral part of the sustainability program of every business. Concerning the environmental, social, and economic impact a company can have on its vendors and customers, sustainability is increasingly becoming more of a necessity as all industries strive to move towards a sustainable future for their organization as well as the environment. A lot of factors could be considered as driving forces for this change but corporate pressures triumph over the others.

It isn't just about going green anymore. Every individual in contact with your organization - your customers, clients, partners, and vendors - will want to know how exactly you're moving ahead with a mission of a sustainable future. Sure, going green is one way to start but it includes more activities like carrying out tasks that do not affect the environment, do not affect climate changes, do not harm the natural habitat, or in general are just done 'the right way' consistently. According to McKinsey, companies that look after managing their supply chains are more likely to gain from consumer spending that will take place in future, expectedly.

Below are a few tips suggested by Samer El Bizri on how to successfully carry out sustainability supply chain management for your organization:

1. Seek collaboration with other leading businesses

Developing a sustainable supply chain includes creating and maintaining meaningful relations and connections. Tackling certain problems individually is unattainable most of the times, and may also hinder your ability to reach a certain level on your own. A little help during such times goes a long way, especially when it is meant to achieve something great for the society. The collaboration will give rise to new opportunities and also kick-start your innovative ideas to work for good.

2. Keep the communication steady and ensure a common vision

Ensuring a sustainable supply chain management also means dealing with a lot of individuals who are involved with your projects and activities. While these people could be your distributors, vendors, contractors, etc., they could be inadvertently kept out of the communication loop as long as the work gets done. This will create a gap in maintaining a proper connection and may result in indifference, which needs to be avoided at all costs. Your vision must be clear in all consciousness to everyone who is related to your company. Leave no doubts about the aims and values of the company. People should know what goes on to maintain the level of sustainability your company claims and supports. Creating that link between quality, integrity, sustainability, and the value you hold for each relation will perfectly justify all your operations in future.

3. Delineate your supply chain

A lot of companies do not realize the considerable effects their supply chain can have on the environment. A criterion can deem helpful for prioritizing suppliers, and it can include factors such as budget, the longevity of the business, and in some ways - geography. Make sure you're aware of the many challenges that you and your suppliers could face. After identifying those challenges, you have to find your major potential suppliers and make sure to trace the flow of supplies, and all the other information about the service. Learn to identify any red flags, understand the levels of risks that come with any potential supplier, and take your call accordingly.

Samer El Bizri is CEO of the Zeconomy, Inc. based in New York which provides help in supply chain management and enterprise software. With Zeconomy, Inc. Samer El Bizri injects liquidity where it counts most - reduce cost without added credit risk. If financing costs are eliminated at one or more levels, prices come down across the entire supply chain.