Every product or service that you consume is part of a supply chain. Supply chains include an array of activities connecting mining or harvesting, processing, manufacturing, logistics, marketing, retail, consumption, and waste management. Even quite simple products or services can have complex supply chains that span the globe.
Each of these activities along the supply chain will have an impact, socially and environmentally. Some are positive, such as job creation and training opportunities. Others are negative, such as deforestation to expand rangelands for meat production.
For years, large companies and brands have come under increasing pressure from governments, NGOs and consumers to address social and environmental concerns in their supply chains. For instance, food companies like Unilever have faced criticism for deforestation caused by growing palm oil plantations, or for the depletion of fish stocks.
