Die Rolle von Echtzeit-Transparenz und anderen Technologien zur Erreichung der Logistik-Nachhaltigkeit im Jahr 2023

In recent years, the importance of logistics sustainability in the supply chain has become increasingly evident.

For instance, Mark Althen, the president of Penske Logistics, told Forbes in 2020: "The ability to monitor goods in real-time, analyze data, and make decisions that improve the flow of goods and materials is fundamental to In recent years, the importance of logistics sustainability in the supply chain has become increasingly evident.

A year later, Mark Holifield, the EVP of Supply Chain for The Home Depot, echoed those sentiments. "Real-time visibility is critical to our supply chain operations, as it allows us to make informed decisions and adjust our plans in response to changing circumstances,” Holifield told the audience during the 15th Annual BGSA Supply Chain Conference. “We use a variety of digital technologies, including machine learning and AI, to collect and analyze data from across our supply chain network. This enables us to quickly identify and address any issues that arise, and to continuously optimize our operations for efficiency and cost-effectiveness."

The pressure to achieve greater logistics sustainability throughout global supply chains has never been higher. From reducing carbon emissions to promoting social responsibility, companies recognize the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives in maintaining their social license and long-term viability. This article explores the growing focus on ESG initiatives and the role of real-time visibility, digital technologies, and collaboration in meeting logistics sustainability goals in 2023.

The Role of Supply Chain Technologies in Achieving ESG Initiatives

A sustainable and responsible supply chain can help reduce a company's environmental impact, improve social conditions, and enhance governance practices. Real-time visibility and technology are crucial as companies leverage real-time visibility, digital tools, and analytics to better track and analyze their supply chain data—enabling data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and reduce waste. Collaboration platforms can also improve supplier engagement and communication, making it easier to share information and work toward common sustainability goals. A closer look at these areas follows.

Increased Transparency

Supply chain professionals aiming to achieve logistics sustainability are leveraging real-time visibility solutions like Tive Solo 5G trackers to increase transparency—across all stages and modes of transport. By offering end-to-end visibility, these solutions enable companies to:

• Identify and address inefficiencies
• Prevent food waste
• Reduce carbon emissions

As ESG becomes a more significant focus for investors and customers alike, enhanced transparency in the supply chain helps companies showcase their commitment to environmental, social, and governance goals.

Improved Supplier Engagement

Engaging suppliers has become a priority as companies strive to adopt better ESG practices that support logistics sustainability. By creating ESG metrics for suppliers and clearly communicating these expectations, businesses can foster a more collaborative and transparent relationship with their suppliers. This, in turn, helps identify and mitigate potential ESG risks—while driving continuous improvement in the supply chain.

Better Data Management

Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, are critical in managing ESG data effectively. By providing actionable insights, these tools help companies identify areas for improvement, optimize resource usage, and reduce waste. Companies can use this data to make informed decisions and drive sustainable practices throughout their supply chain, resulting in lower carbon emissions and better alignment with ESG goals.

Increased Efficiency

Real-time visibility solutions enable companies to minimize inefficiencies—such as empty miles and dwell time—which contribute to higher carbon emissions. Companies can significantly improve efficiency by optimizing routes, reducing idle time, and ensuring better coordination between shippers and carriers, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly supply chain.

Stakeholder Engagement

As customers, investors, and regulators increasingly demand sustainable practices, engaging stakeholders has become essential in driving ESG initiatives. Real-time visibility solutions offer companies the opportunity to showcase their commitment to sustainability—and gain the trust of stakeholders. By providing traceability and demonstrating their ESG progress, companies can attract responsible investments, enhance customer loyalty, and comply with evolving regulations.

Logistics Professionals’ Role in Driving Sustainability Efforts 

Logistics professionals are crucial in driving sustainability goals by transforming supply chains to be more eco-friendly and efficient. They are responsible for making strategic decisions related to the procurement, transportation, and distribution of goods, which can significantly impact a company's carbon footprint and overall sustainability performance.

Challenges & Opportunities in Implementing Sustainable Supply Chains

Despite the increasing focus on sustainable supply chains, companies often face challenges—such as a lack of visibility, upfront costs, and difficulty measuring their logistics sustainability initiatives' return on investment (ROI). However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, improved efficiency, and better risk management. Logistics professionals can overcome these obstacles by embracing new technologies, adopting a holistic approach, and driving end-to-end supply chain transformation.

Importance of Visibility & ROI-backed Initiatives

Visibility is critical to achieving sustainable supply chain goals. Real-time visibility enables companies to track materials, understand supplier working conditions, and collect data to measure their sustainability program’s effectiveness. Implementing digital tools, data analytics, and collaboration platforms can help logistics professionals gain the necessary visibility and create a strong business case for their logistics sustainability initiatives. ROI-backed initiatives ensure that companies focus on long-term value creation, considering factors such as cost reduction, revenue growth, risk management, and intangible benefits such as customer loyalty and brand reputation. 

Focus on End-to-End Supply Chain Transformation

To create a truly sustainable supply chain, logistics professionals must look beyond procurement and focus on end-to-end transformation—including planning, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. This requires cross-functional collaboration with other departments, such as finance and risk management, to identify and capitalize on opportunities for improvement. By leveraging available tax incentives and grants—and exploring innovative technological solutions—logistics professionals can drive end-to-end supply chain transformation that benefits both the environment and the company's bottom line.

Expanding the Business Case for Sustainable Supply Chains

Sustainable supply chains offer more than just cost savings and efficiency gains. Companies that invest in logistics sustainability can also see revenue growth, better risk management, and intangible benefits such as customer loyalty and brand reputation. Furthermore, focusing on sustainability can have long-term impacts on share price and shareholder value, making it a smart investment for companies looking toward the future.

Practical Steps to Implement Sustainable Supply Chain Initiatives

Implementing sustainable supply chain initiatives requires:

• Aligning supply chain goals with organizational-wide commitments
• Improving real-time visibility and traceability
• Deploying technological capabilities for better engagement and data sharing
• Broadening ROI measurement to include intangible impacts
• Moving beyond procurement to capture benefits across the entire supply chain

Leveraging tax incentives and grants can also make it easier to implement logistics sustainability initiatives and drive transformation.

Learning from Trailblazers in Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Many companies are considered trailblazers in sustainable supply chain management—and others can learn from them. These companies prioritize transparency and public-facing goals, focus on employee quality of life and brand protection, and see financial benefits and increased share price expectations as a result of their sustainability efforts. Examples include the following:

• Microsoft: In January 2021, Microsoft announced that it would be carbon negative by 2030—and by 2050, it would have removed all the carbon it has emitted since its founding in 1975. In addition, the company aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Regarding social initiatives, Microsoft plans to provide digital skills training to 25 million people worldwide by 2025.
• Nestle: Nestle has set a goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2025, and has also committed to using 100% reusable or recyclable packaging by 2025.
• Unilever: Unilever has committed to becoming a net-zero company by 2039, including reducing emissions from its operations and supply chain. The company has set a goal to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023, and plans to invest €1 billion in climate change initiatives over the next decade.
• Walmart: Walmart has set a goal to become a zero-emission company by 2040. To achieve this goal, the company plans to power its facilities with 100% renewable energy by 2035, and transition its entire fleet to electric vehicles by 2040.

These are just a few examples of companies that have shared quantifiable ESG initiatives and goals for 2023. Many other companies have set similar goals—and are taking action to reduce their environmental impact and improve their social and governance practices. Whatever the goal, these companies share a common need for greater real-time visibility.

Tive Provides the Real-Time Visibility Solutions Needed to Improve Logistics Sustainability

Real-time visibility and technology are essential in achieving logistics sustainability goals that help drive effective supply chain management. By expanding the business case for sustainable supply chains and taking practical steps to implement these initiatives, companies can create long-term value, improve their environmental impact, and ensure their continued success in an often volatile global marketplace. With the support of logistics professionals and trailblazers in the field, sustainable supply chains can become the norm—creating a more sustainable future for all.

Tive founder and CEO Krenar Komoni envisions just that—a world working together to reach ESG initiatives and logistics sustainability to ensure good stewardship of the environment and its resources. Learn more about how Tive’s single-use or multi-use trackers and its Get Green Program help drive sustainable logistics.our business. Technology has allowed us to optimize freight movement in ways that were not previously possible. We can now see what is happening at any given point in time and make decisions that drive efficiencies and reduce costs."

A year later, Mark Holifield, the EVP of Supply Chain for The Home Depot, echoed those sentiments. "Real-time visibility is critical to our supply chain operations, as it allows us to make informed decisions and adjust our plans in response to changing circumstances,” Holifield told the audience during the 15th Annual BGSA Supply Chain Conference. “We use a variety of digital technologies, including machine learning and AI, to collect and analyze data from across our supply chain network. This enables us to quickly identify and address any issues that arise, and to continuously optimize our operations for efficiency and cost-effectiveness."

The pressure to achieve greater logistics sustainability throughout global supply chains has never been higher. From reducing carbon emissions to promoting social responsibility, companies recognize the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives in maintaining their social license and long-term viability. This article explores the growing focus on ESG initiatives and the role of real-time visibility, digital technologies, and collaboration in meeting logistics sustainability goals in 2023.

The Role of Supply Chain Technologies in Achieving ESG Initiatives

A sustainable and responsible supply chain can help reduce a company's environmental impact, improve social conditions, and enhance governance practices. Real-time visibility and technology are crucial as companies leverage real-time visibility, digital tools, and analytics to better track and analyze their supply chain data—enabling data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and reduce waste. Collaboration platforms can also improve supplier engagement and communication, making it easier to share information and work toward common sustainability goals. A closer look at these areas follows.

Increased Transparency

Supply chain professionals aiming to achieve logistics sustainability are leveraging real-time visibility solutions like Tive Solo 5G trackers to increase transparency—across all stages and modes of transport. By offering end-to-end visibility, these solutions enable companies to:

• Identify and address inefficiencies
• Prevent food waste
• Reduce carbon emissions

As ESG becomes a more significant focus for investors and customers alike, enhanced transparency in the supply chain helps companies showcase their commitment to environmental, social, and governance goals.

Improved Supplier Engagement

Engaging suppliers has become a priority as companies strive to adopt better ESG practices that support logistics sustainability. By creating ESG metrics for suppliers and clearly communicating these expectations, businesses can foster a more collaborative and transparent relationship with their suppliers. This, in turn, helps identify and mitigate potential ESG risks—while driving continuous improvement in the supply chain.

Better Data Management

Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, are critical in managing ESG data effectively. By providing actionable insights, these tools help companies identify areas for improvement, optimize resource usage, and reduce waste. Companies can use this data to make informed decisions and drive sustainable practices throughout their supply chain, resulting in lower carbon emissions and better alignment with ESG goals.

Increased Efficiency

Real-time visibility solutions enable companies to minimize inefficiencies—such as empty miles and dwell time—which contribute to higher carbon emissions. Companies can significantly improve efficiency by optimizing routes, reducing idle time, and ensuring better coordination between shippers and carriers, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly supply chain.

Einbindung der Stakeholder

Da Kunden, Investoren und Regulierungsbehörden zunehmend nachhaltige Praktiken fordern, ist die Einbindung von Stakeholdern für die Förderung von ESG-Initiativen unerlässlich geworden. Echtzeit-Transparenzlösungen bieten Unternehmen die Möglichkeit, ihr Engagement für Nachhaltigkeit zu demonstrieren – und das Vertrauen der Stakeholder zu gewinnen. Durch die Bereitstellung von Rückverfolgbarkeit und den Nachweis ihrer ESG-Fortschritte können Unternehmen verantwortungsvolle Investitionen anziehen, die Kundenbindung stärken und sich an sich entwickelnde Vorschriften halten.

Die Rolle von Logistikexperten bei der Förderung von Nachhaltigkeitsbemühungen 

Logistikexperten spielen eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Verwirklichung von Nachhaltigkeitszielen, indem sie Lieferketten umweltfreundlicher und effizienter gestalten. Sie sind verantwortlich für strategische Entscheidungen in Bezug auf Beschaffung, Transport und Distribution von Gütern, die den CO2-Fußabdruck und die gesamte Nachhaltigkeitsleistung eines Unternehmens erheblich beeinflussen können.

Herausforderungen und Chancen bei der Umsetzung nachhaltiger Lieferketten

Trotz des zunehmenden Fokus auf nachhaltige Lieferketten stehen Unternehmen oft vor Herausforderungen – wie mangelnde Transparenz, hohe Anfangskosten und Schwierigkeiten bei der Messung des Return on Investment (ROI) ihrer Logistik-Nachhaltigkeitsinitiativen. Diese Herausforderungen bieten jedoch auch Chancen für Innovation, verbesserte Effizienz und besseres Risikomanagement. Logistikexperten können diese Hindernisse überwinden, indem sie neue Technologien einsetzen, einen ganzheitlichen Ansatz verfolgen und eine durchgängige Transformation der Lieferkette vorantreiben.

Bedeutung von Transparenz und ROI-gestützten Initiativen

Transparenz ist entscheidend für die Erreichung nachhaltiger Lieferkettenziele. Echtzeit-Transparenz ermöglicht es Unternehmen, Materialien zu verfolgen, die Arbeitsbedingungen der Lieferanten zu verstehen und Daten zu sammeln, um die Wirksamkeit ihres Nachhaltigkeitsprogramms zu messen. Die Implementierung digitaler Tools, Datenanalysen und Kollaborationsplattformen kann Logistikexperten dabei helfen, die notwendige Transparenz zu erlangen und einen überzeugenden Business Case für ihre Logistik-Nachhaltigkeitsinitiativen zu erstellen. ROI-gestützte Initiativen stellen sicher, dass Unternehmen sich auf die langfristige Wertschöpfung konzentrieren, unter Berücksichtigung von Faktoren wie Kostensenkung, Umsatzwachstum, Risikomanagement und immateriellen Vorteilen wie Kundenbindung und Markenreputation. 

Fokus auf durchgängige Lieferkettentransformation

Um eine wirklich nachhaltige Lieferkette zu schaffen, müssen Logistikexperten über die Beschaffung hinausblicken und sich auf eine durchgängige Transformation konzentrieren – einschließlich Planung, Beschaffung, Fertigung, Logistik und Distribution. Dies erfordert eine funktionsübergreifende Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Abteilungen, wie Finanzen und Risikomanagement, um Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten zu identifizieren und zu nutzen. Durch die Nutzung verfügbarer Steueranreize und Zuschüsse – und die Erforschung innovativer technologischer Lösungen– können Logistikexperten eine durchgängige Lieferkettentransformation vorantreiben, die sowohl der Umwelt als auch dem Unternehmensergebnis zugutekommt.

Den Business Case für nachhaltige Lieferketten erweitern

Nachhaltige Lieferketten bieten mehr als nur Kosteneinsparungen und Effizienzsteigerungen. Unternehmen, die in Logistik-Nachhaltigkeit investieren, können auch Umsatzwachstum, besseres Risikomanagement und immaterielle Vorteile wie Kundenbindung und Markenreputation erzielen. Darüber hinaus kann die Konzentration auf Nachhaltigkeit langfristige Auswirkungen auf den Aktienkurs und den Shareholder Value haben, was sie zu einer klugen Investition für zukunftsorientierte Unternehmen macht.

Praktische Schritte zur Umsetzung nachhaltiger Lieferketteninitiativen

Die Umsetzung nachhaltiger Lieferketteninitiativen erfordert:

• Abstimmung der Lieferkettenziele mit unternehmensweiten Verpflichtungen
• Verbesserung Echtzeit-Transparenz und Rückverfolgbarkeit
• Einsatz technologischer Möglichkeiten für besseres Engagement und Datenaustausch
• Erweiterung der ROI-Messung um immaterielle Auswirkungen
• Über die Beschaffung hinausgehen, um Vorteile in der gesamten Lieferkette zu erzielen

Die Nutzung von Steueranreizen und Zuschüssen kann auch die Umsetzung von Logistik-Nachhaltigkeitsinitiativen erleichtern und den Wandel vorantreiben.

Lernen von Vorreitern im nachhaltigen Lieferkettenmanagement

Viele Unternehmen gelten als Vorreiter im nachhaltigen Lieferkettenmanagement – und andere können von ihnen lernen. Diese Unternehmen priorisieren Transparenz und öffentlichkeitswirksame Ziele, konzentrieren sich auf die Lebensqualität der Mitarbeiter und den Markenschutz und sehen finanzielle Vorteile sowie erhöhte Erwartungen an den Aktienkurs als Ergebnis ihrer Nachhaltigkeitsbemühungen. Beispiele hierfür sind:

• Microsoft: Im Januar 2021 kündigte Microsoft an, bis 2030 CO2-negativ zu sein – und bis 2050 alle CO2-Emissionen, die seit der Gründung im Jahr 1975 entstanden sind, wieder entfernt zu haben. Darüber hinaus strebt das Unternehmen an, seine CO2-Emissionen bis 2030 um 50 % zu reduzieren. Im Hinblick auf soziale Initiativen plant Microsoft, bis 2025 weltweit 25 Millionen Menschen digitale Kompetenzen zu vermitteln.
• Nestlé: Nestlé hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, bis 2050 Netto-Null-Treibhausgasemissionen zu erreichen. Das Unternehmen plant, die Treibhausgasemissionen bis 2025 um 20 % zu senken und hat sich außerdem verpflichtet, bis 2025 zu 100 % wiederverwendbare oder recycelbare Verpackungen zu verwenden.
• Unilever: Unilever hat sich verpflichtet, bis 2039 ein Netto-Null-Unternehmen zu werden, einschließlich der Reduzierung von Emissionen aus seinen Betrieben und der Lieferkette. Das Unternehmen hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, bis 2023 eine entwaldungsfreie Lieferkette zu erreichen und plant, in den nächsten zehn Jahren 1 Milliarde Euro in Klimaschutzinitiativen zu investieren.
• Walmart: Walmart hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, bis 2040 ein emissionsfreies Unternehmen zu werden. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, plant das Unternehmen, seine Einrichtungen bis 2035 zu 100 % mit erneuerbaren Energien zu versorgen und seine gesamte Flotte bis 2040 auf Elektrofahrzeuge umzustellen.

Dies sind nur einige Beispiele von Unternehmen, die quantifizierbare ESG-Initiativen und -Ziele für 2023 veröffentlicht haben. Viele andere Unternehmen haben ähnliche Ziele gesetzt – und ergreifen Maßnahmen, um ihre Umweltauswirkungen zu reduzieren und ihre sozialen und Governance-Praktiken zu verbessern. Unabhängig vom Ziel haben diese Unternehmen alle ein gemeinsames Bedürfnis nach größerer Echtzeit-Transparenz.

Tive bietet die Echtzeit-Transparenzlösungen, die zur Verbesserung der Logistik-Nachhaltigkeit erforderlich sind

Echtzeit-Transparenz und Technologie sind unerlässlich, um Ziele der Logistik-Nachhaltigkeit zu erreichen, die ein effektives Lieferkettenmanagement fördern. Indem Unternehmen das Geschäftsmodell für nachhaltige Lieferketten erweitern und praktische Schritte zur Umsetzung dieser Initiativen unternehmen, können sie langfristigen Wert schaffen, ihre Umweltauswirkungen verbessern und ihren anhaltenden Erfolg in einem oft volatilen globalen Markt sichern. Mit der Unterstützung von Logistikexperten und Vorreitern in diesem Bereich können nachhaltige Lieferketten zur Norm werden – und so eine nachhaltigere Zukunft für alle schaffen.

Tive-Gründer und CEO Krenar Komoni stellt sich genau das vor – eine Welt, die zusammenarbeitet, um ESG-Initiativen und Logistik-Nachhaltigkeit zu erreichen und so einen verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit der Umwelt und ihren Ressourcen zu gewährleisten. Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie Tives Einweg- oder Mehrweg-Tracker und sein Get Green Program dazu beitragen, nachhaltige Logistik voranzutreiben.