Wal-Mart has been making a presence lately. In a span of a week, the retail giant launched a programme seeking to convert recyclable materials into products for pets, while at the end of the totem pole peeked out into the global market for acquisition opportunities.
A clearly admirable work, I would say, as I read the latest piece of news announced yesterday. Wal-Mart has made news once again, this time vowing to make changes to its global sourcing strategy. It will now seek to buy more sustainably-sourced products from small and mid-sized farmers.
This topic of sustainability has gone on for awhile. But just in September, Procter & Gamble decided to compact its entire range of laundry detergents from the US and Canada as it tries to reduce wastage in its supply chain. Apparel giants like H&M put water, chemical and energy usage in their supply chains through their Chinese textile suppliers. Meanwhile, Ersnt & Young's efforts to implement a greener supply chain weren't in vain, as they helped the company reduce its carbon footprint by 15% in the US.
This are just brands off the top of my head. Sustainability today is crucial, and procurement plays a key role in making sure spend is used to the benefit of the entire supply chain and to the environment.
Green is apparently in.
