SWITCH-Asia Network Facility
European Union
Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy
UNEP/Wuppertal Institute Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production gGmbH

Supply Chains and SCP

Download the study on ENGAGING ACTORs OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN.


The thematic study on on-going SWITCH-Asia projects examines the role that engaging the supply chain is playing and potentially can play in enhancing sustainable consumption and production. The study also highlights opportunities for replication of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) practices, and recommends potential opportunities for enhanced supply chain engagement to future projects.

 

This study found that, all four SWITCH-Asia projects reviewed were engaged in implementing innovative approaches to create or improve conditions necessary for successful engagement of SMEs in the supply chain to enhance their sustainability performance.

 

Necessary Conditions for Successful Sustainable Supply Chain Engagement:

  • Sufficient demand or “market” pull
  • Limited market “leakage”
  • Ability to demonstrate sustainable performance
  • Adequate supply chain organization
  • Ability to respond to market demand

 

The study also found further opportunities to enhance Supply Chain Engagement. These include opportunities to expand project scope to include more actors in the supply chain. The study suggests to uss supply chain engagement as a projects recruiting and replication tool. The study shows that SMEs who are successful in entering international trade can be used as a means to promote sustainable production even among producers focused on the domestic market. To learn more, download the complete study on supply chain engagement.