Supply Chain Sustainability Initiatives That Make a Difference

Updated on August 27, 2023
supply chain in health care

Even though the pandemic has upended the supply chain and caused unprecedented backlogs, industry leaders are still staying true to their sustainability and green initiatives. In fact, 81% of companies are more focused on sustainability today than they were three years ago. So whether you’ve already implemented sustainability practices or are just beginning to set goals for the future — there’s no doubt that green initiatives are here to stay.

The good news is, companies that have embraced environmentally friendly practices and policies are seeing a return on investment (ROI). According to a recent survey, businesses that adopt sustainability models experience cost savings (67%), benefits to company reputation (59%) and perception of industry leadership (52%).

Learn how leaders in supply chain solutions are focusing on sustainability initiatives that are making a difference in the industry and beyond.

Solutions That Make an Impact

In recent years, more and more supply chain companies are making great strides to reduce their carbon footprint with smart solutions. And for an industry that is built around speed, cost and reliability — embracing green initiatives is no small feat. However, some of the most successful supply chain organizations are going green and reaping the benefits of leading the industry.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s 2021 Green Supply Chain Award winner, TRIOSE, Inc., a provider of intelligent supply chain solutions for health systems, has been recognized for making sustainability a core mission. In 2018, the company launched a partnership that gives healthcare providers across the country access to Green Cell Foam, a biodegradable, sustainable packaging solution that is made from food-grade cornstarch and dissolves in water. The foam protects the most at-risk shipments from costly damages and claims while protecting the environment from harmful waste. 

In addition to green packaging solutions, others in the supply chain industry are also driving efficiencies through route optimization and fuel consumption. This entails designing courier and fleet solutions that maximize driver schedules and vehicle availability to reduce the amount of fuel used. Although it can be challenging to juggle all of the pieces, the benefits to the environment and potential cost savings to customers are worth the extra effort. What’s more, advancements in alternative fuels are on the horizon and will soon be a viable replacement to diesel, which currently makes up 93% percent of the transportation market share.

One other green strategy that many organizations are utilizing and seeing success with includes seeking out like-minded partners who share their environmental values. By partnering with companies like United Parcel Service (UPS), a global leader in carbon-neutral shipping solutions, companies align themselves with the best in the business and can make a collective impact to reach sustainability goals together. 

A Look Ahead

As we look to the future, companies developing strategic environmental sustainability initiatives will undoubtedly drive much-needed change in the industry. Seeking out alternative packaging solutions, optimizing routes and vehicles, and partnering with earth-friendly organizations are simple ways for supply chain leaders to do their part. But there is definitely more to come — expect to see an increase in innovation and sustainability strategies as the industry continues to evolve and fully commit to reducing its environmental footprint today and tomorrow.

For more information about TRIOSE Inc., click here

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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.