Sustainable transition is a major challenge, but it also opens up new opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
CSR is gaining ground within Supply Chain departments. The figures speak for themselves: 82% of them place it at the top of their priorities, testifying to a paradigm shift towards more responsible practices (Source : PWC).
Against this backdrop, companies are realizing that optimizing internal flows, at the heart of intralogistics, is a major strategic lever. It enables them both to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their competitiveness. By integrating intelligent technologies and rethinking their processes, they reinforce the strength and coherence of their supply chain, while promoting greater synergy with their ecosystem and partner networks.
01. What is a sustainable supply chain or “green supply chain”?
A sustainable supply chain is based on a logistics system that takes into account the entire product life cycle, from raw material sourcing to production, transport, recycling and final distribution. Sustainability in logistics focuses on three main objectives:
- Reducing our carbon footprint through the use of clean technologies and renewable energies.
- Promote the circular economy
by minimizing waste and encouraging the recycling or reuse of materials. - Guarantee fair working conditions, ensuring that ethical and social standards are respected by all partners and suppliers.
02. The pillars of a sustainable supply chain.
The transition to a responsible supply chain requires the collective mobilization of all players in the chain. Although the investments involved are considerable, a methodical approach and customized support will help minimize risks and optimize results. The main areas to be developed are :
Responsible sourcing
- Build solid partnerships with companies committed to corporate social responsibility, by verifying their compliance with current standards. - Give priority to local sourcing to boost the local economy and limit transport distances.
Logistics optimization
- Optimize delivery routes using advanced planning tools such as TMS (Transport Management System), to limit the number of vehicles on the road. - Develop a last-mile policy to offer more sensible, cost-effective delivery services.
Sustainable production
- Integrate more environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes, through the use of renewable energies and the reduction of industrial waste. - Invest in automation and green technologies to support this transition.
Returns management and the circular economy
- Implement efficient reverse logistics, optimizing the collection, sorting and processing of end-of-life products. - Encourage recycling, reuse and repair to create new sources of value.
Digitalization and traceability
- Facilitate transparency and traceability of operations thanks to digitalization to enable real-time monitoring of operations, adjust activity accordingly and monitor indicators linked to energy performance.
03. The benefits of a sustainable supply chain.
The benefits of the green supply chain extend far beyond the company’s internal operations. It is an essential medium- and long-term strategy for guaranteeing sustainability, improving competitiveness and enhancing market attractiveness:
- A competitive advantage: Social and environmental responsibility has become a real lever of differentiation for companies. By adopting a CSR policy, they stand out from the competition and create a relationship of trust with their customers.
- Substantial savings: Process optimization, waste reduction and the use of more efficient technologies deliver substantial energy savings.
- Better risk management: By streamlining their processes, companies are more flexible in the face of market fluctuations, and can respond more quickly to regulatory changes or raw material shortages.
- Enhanced attractiveness : By demonstrating their commitment to society, companies strengthen their employees’ sense of belonging, while attracting more young talent. Indeed, 58% of them consider CSR policy to be a decisive criterion for joining a company. (Source: Topformation).
04. The challenges of the transition to a sustainable supply chain.
Although the benefits of a sustainable supply chain are undeniable, companies face a number of challenges in achieving this transformation:
- High initial investment: acquiring new technologies, modernizing infrastructures and adapting production processes all represent substantial costs, which can hold companies back due to the often-delayed return on investment.
- Complexity of collaboration: the green supply chain requires close collaboration and coordination between all players in the chain to ensure the adoption of common practices.
- Lack of standards: The absence of universal sustainability standards makes it difficult to harmonize practices.
To meet these challenges, companies need to invest in employee training and develop solid partnerships with their suppliers, integrating these efforts into a long-term vision.
05. The role of intralogistics in a sustainable supply chain.
Intralogistics plays an important role in the transition to more responsible production and consumption models. By adopting a global approach, companies strengthen their resilience, competitiveness and reputation. Warehouse managers are fully aware of this, with 93% of them having launched at least one CSR initiative by 2024, according to a study Citwell.
The integration of advanced intralogistics technologies, such as Goods-to-Person solutions, intelligent sorting systems or autonomous equipment (robotics, AGVs) combined with WMS and WCS software, gives companies greater visibility over their operations. It also helps to reduce errors, optimize space utilization, and improve working conditions for employees by making tasks less arduous.
As part of a circular logic, sustainable intralogistics facilitates the establishment of return and recycling loops. Collaboration with suppliers who share the same values, and the choice of short circuits, encourage local economic development. To measure and compare companies’ CSR performance, independent platforms such as Ecovadis offer detailed evaluations, enabling customers to make informed and transparent choices.
In 2024, Transitic was awarded the Committed label by Ecovadis, in recognition of our CSR efforts. We have set up a committee of volunteer employees to reflect and act on key issues such as the implementation of a supplier charter, the recycling of our materials and our commitment to community involvement.
To find out more about our initiatives, visit our dedicated page
#connectedintralogistics
France
96 Boulevard du Petit Quinquin
CRT - 1 59812 LESQUIN
Standard : +33 (0)3 20 87 66 96
Germany
Transitic Systems GmbH
Am Scheid 1
57290 Neunkirchen
