Circularity, supplier engagement and the ‘elephant in the room’ of sustainable procurement

Sustainable procurement can mean many different things, but changing trade dynamics, climate priorities and supply chain regulations are forcing companies to revise their approach to purchasing.

For most, sustainable procurement means finding a balance between economic, social and environmental performance. “We’re using that sustainability approach alongside everything else, meaning that this carries equal value in our procurement decisions alongside cost and value, quality of the product and lead time – the three traditional procurement elements. Sustainability is the fourth element that sits alongside and has equal value,” Jamie Shaw, Global Sustainability Director at flooring manufacturer Karndean, explained at a recent CSO Futures webinar.