Supply Chain Collaboration for Sustainability

In this chapter, we highlight the crucial role of collaboration within supply chains to collectively address sustainability challenges. Traditionally, companies have primarily concentrated on improving their own sustainability impacts, often neglecting the broader supply chain context. However, stakeholders and regulations now hold companies accountable for the sustainability impacts of their entire value chains, making supply chain sustainability an imperative for businesses. We argue for a shift toward collaborative approaches in supply chain sustainability, involving all actors within the supply chain and extending beyond industry-level initiatives. While acknowledging the complexities and potential barriers associated with collaboration, we emphasize the significance of aligning and acting collectively across the supply chain. Throughout the chapter, we present three cases that illustrate various forms of supply chain collaboration, showcasing downstream to upstream engagement with suppliers and sub-suppliers. These cases serve as concrete examples of the positive outcomes that collaboration can achieve, considering the intricate dynamics of supply chain interactions. By strengthening collaboration efforts, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for supply chains.