The three pillars of a sustainable supply chain ~ Balancing social, environmental and economic goals effectively ~
With 94 per cent of executives classing supply chain sustainability as a competitive advantage, it's clear that going green isn't just good ethics — it's smart business. A sustainable supply chain must address three interdependent pillars: economic, environmental and social. Research by Anilkumnar et al. explains that true sustainability is only achieved when all three are equally prioritised. Here, Dr Alexander Krajete, an expert in emissions treatment solutions, explores ways to improve sustainability in supply chains.
Social sustainability the core pillar
Social sustainability is essential for long-term sustainability — and by extension, profitability — because today’s consumers increasingly prioritise ethical and socially responsible practices.
Brands that neglect social responsibility risk losing trust, customer loyalty and market share, especially as awareness grows around issues such as labour rights, diversity and inclusion, community impact and ethical governance.
Without social sustainability, the entire supply chain can falter. For instance, in early 2024, fast fashion retailer Shein faced renewed criticism over labour conditions in its Chinese subcontractor factories.
Reports of poor working conditions led to public backlash, online boycotts and pressure from U.S. and European lawmakers to meet labour standards. As a result, Shein’s net profit reportedly fell by nearly 40 per cent, damaging its economic sustainability.
Emerging technologies such as blockchain offer solutions to social sustainability challenges. Blockchain provides a secure, transparent and decentralised way to record transactions and trace materials through the supply chain.
A key example is cobalt sourcing. It’s estimated that 25 per cent of cobalt mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo involves child labour and is often mixed with lower-quality cobalt.
Blockchain enables manufacturers to trace the origin of materials, ensuring they are ethically sourced and high-quality. This, in turn, strengthens both the economic and social sustainability of the supply chain.
Economic sustainability through environmental consideration
Logistics account for the majority of its emissions throughout supply chains. The logistics and transport sector contributes to over a third of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Forward logistics often receive the most attention in supply chain management. However, to design a green, closed-loop supply chain, managers must also consider reverse logistics — the process of returning goods from the consumer back to the manufacturer.
The closed-loop supply chain model emphasises reuse, recycling and remanufacturing to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.
Although the logistics industry is beginning to adopt electric vehicles to reduce transport emissions, much more progress is needed. A key challenge is planning for charging infrastructure. Including charging times in route planning is essential, given the freight industry's tight schedules and the penalties associated with missed delivery windows.
Alternatively, we can make use of existing logistics fleets. Sustainable supply chains work by leveraging the best available technologies
Modern solutions can help make current vehicles more economically sustainable. One such solution is a filter composed of zeolites, microporous minerals, placed in the bypass mode of a vehicle.
This emissions filter, installed during manufacturing, removes harmful small components such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide in a regenerative manner rather than destroying them catalytically. The technology reduces harmful emissions across the spectrum by around 90 per cent.
This technology transforms emissions waste into valuable resources. Thanks to its regenerative design, the system doesn't just capture harmful substances like nitrogen oxides — it repurposes them. For example, nitrogen oxides can be converted into nitric acid, a compound widely used in industrial processes such as fertiliser production, metal treatment and chemical manufacturing.
By generating nitric acid on-site, manufacturers can reduce their dependence on external suppliers, helping to secure operations during periods of raw material scarcity or supply chain disruption.
This solution is not limited to trucks; it can also be applied to shipping logistics. Maritime transport accounts for 11 per cent of total transport emissions. Therefore, this approach not only contributes to a more environmentally sustainable supply chain but also supports the industry in reaching its net zero emissions target by 2050.
A way forward
To build a truly sustainable supply chain, social, environmental and economic factors must be addressed in a holistic and balanced way. By adopting responsible practices and innovative technologies, the logistics industry can lead the shift towards long-term global sustainability.
Discover the vision behind using gas purification to build a cleaner, more sustainable supply chain.
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For further information contact: Dr Alexander Krajete, Prinz Eugen Str. 66, 4061 Pashing, Austria
Telephone: +43 699 172 668 20
www: https://www.krajete.com/
e-mail: info@krajete.com
Press enquiries: Greg Coppack or Isabelle Clowes, Stone Junction
Suites 1&2 The Malthouse, Water Street, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AG
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: greg@stonejunction.co.uk or isabellec@stonejunction.co.uk
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About Krajete: Krajete GmbH is the leading provider of gas technologies on behalf of nature. We sample, separate and valorise gas components and create immediate added-value for our customers. Krajete learned and keeps learning from nature in our journey towards a sustainable circular economy. At Krajete we understand that over the course of billions of years, nature evolved and adapted to find solutions that can be harnessed by today’s industries. By observing nature and exploiting its toolbox we are here to enable your business's transition to a much more sustainable approach to industry and manufacturing
Ref: KRJ016/05/25
