How can you encourage your logistics partners to adopt your sustainability values?

Before persuading logistics partners to adopt your sustainability values, conduct a thorough sustainability assessment using criteria like environmental policies, certifications, performance indicators, and improvement plans. Benchmark and compare their sustainability performance using tools like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to identify gaps, opportunities, and best practices. Understanding your partners' current stance will enable more targeted and effective communication regarding your sustainability values.

Use your purchasing power. Make sustainability policies and practices a must-have, and part of the criteria in your recruitment process, and take your business elsewhere if suppliers aren't engaged with sustainable transformation.

Approach sustainability contracts with an open mind and with the aim of finding mutually beneficial solutions and agreements. Be firm, yet understanding of the fact that sustainability progress may differ. Also, there is no limit to your ESG or sustainability clauses. From dealing with human rights and environmental commitments to ensuring the use of sustainable transportation and packaging, they are all relevant and crucial.

The saying it takes a village is appropriate. Supply chain partners must show #WillingnessToCommit and look to build interest and enthusiasm. Communication of desires to enhance sustainability is key. At the same time look for easy victories…. No one wants to give up revenue to be greener or socially better so find ways to improve while also protecting #AbilityToProfit. This is how to turn the #GearsOfChange

After assessing your logistics partners, communicate your sustainability expectations clearly and consistently. Integrate sustainability into contracts, agreements, and specifications by setting measurable and achievable goals. Utilize incentives like preferential terms, recognition, or bonuses for partners meeting or exceeding standards. Alternatively, impose penalties such as fines, sanctions, or termination clauses for those failing or violating sustainability requirements. Clear communication and a structured approach help ensure alignment with your sustainability values.

Highlight the business case for being more sustainable. Typically, larger organisations and developments are now starting to ask for evidence of sustainability throughout the supply chain. If you can show your suppliers that by being more sustainable they will get more work from you then it may help them see the benefits to them too.

Go beyond communication and actively collaborate with logistics partners to support the adoption of your sustainability values. Provide training, guidance, and feedback, and share best practices, resources, and tools. Establish platforms for dialogue and learning, such as forums, workshops, or webinars, to discuss challenges and innovations. Join or create networks and alliances with organizations that share your sustainability vision, such as the Green Freight Initiative or the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative. Collaboration and support foster a shared commitment to sustainable practices.

To ensure the adoption of your sustainability values by logistics partners and monitor their performance improvement, implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system. Collect and analyze data on key indicators like greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, waste generation, or social compliance. Employ audits, surveys, or interviews to verify and validate information. Use the results to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, adjusting strategies and actions accordingly. Regular evaluation ensures ongoing commitment to sustainability goals.

Engaging in joint projects focused on sustainability strengthens the partnership & commitment to shared values. In one case, we collaborated with a logistics partner on a project to reduce packaging waste. This collaborative effort not only achieved significant waste reduction but also strengthened our partnership & shared commitment to sustainability. Demonstrating real examples of successful sustainability initiatives can inspire & encourage partners. Sharing stories from other sectors or companies that have seen tangible benefits from sustainable practices has been a key strategy in my discussions with partners, showing them the practicality and benefits of these measures.

El portal del proveedor está siendo, (según mi experiencia), el primer corte para cualquier tipo de socio estratégico, (ya sea logístico o no); es cierto que en el área de logística y distribución se genera un ruido mucho más amplificado que en otro tipo de asociaciones estratégicas. La medición del impacto, la formación, divulgación y el emprendimiento del viaje juntos, será básico para lograr que la logística emprenda el "green journey", pero que ese viaje es compartido. Hay que empezar a comprender que la empatía en todos los procesos de sostenibilidad corporativa será un ingrediente clave.

Encouraging the logistics partners to embrace sustainability values involves fostering collaboration and shared commitment. Initiate transparent conversations, emphasizing the mutual benefits of sustainability. Offering incentives, such as preferential partnerships or shared cost savings, serves as a tangible encouragement. Providing resources and training on sustainable practices ensures partners have the knowledge and tools to align with your company's values. Finally, regular communication and joint goal-setting create a sense of shared responsibility.