Sustainability: business, life, environment

According to a recent report by the GMA and Deloitte Consulting, corporate visions are becoming more environmentally responsible. In fact, consumer products companies are beginning to realize that manufacturing and distribution operations represent a major opportunity to achieve substantial gains in sustainability. 

Specifically, companies are incorporating sustainability concepts into their internal operations and distribution process.  They are looking beyond basic concepts such as green packaging and realizing the value of integrating business sustainability into their manufacturing and supply chain operations.  These changes represent a major opportunity for companies to deliver improved financial performance.

The report cites five high-level trends continuing to shape business sustainability and are creating opportunities for proactive companies.

•    Consumers demands are still being driven largely by price and convenience.

•    Business customers and retailers area demanding more customized shipments, special sizes, and improved service levels.

•    Supply chains are constantly changing, which creates complex networks  of supply and distribution.

•    Economic uncertainty has placed a higher focus on cost reduction and slowed capital investment.

•    The business world continues to be challenged by the lack of metrics, standards, and common methodologies for evaluating the progress of sustainability initiatives.

Finding ways to address these challenges, leading businesses are transforming sustainability roadblocks into business opportunities.  Creating solutions is differentiating companies from the competition. 

Integrating sustainability concepts into core business functions makes companies more nimble in a fast-changing world.  It also makes a business’s brands more attractive to consumers and retailers, and its management more respected by employees, regulators and the financial markets. In short, the drivers for improved business sustainability equate to improved performance.