Sustainability's Double-Edged Sword

May 2023
London School of Economics (LSE)

Introduction

Dive into the world of sustainable supply chains with the London School of Economics! Discover why big names like Nestlé and Unilever are both the heroes and villains in the sustainability saga. This article peels back the layers on multi-stakeholder initiatives, like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, and asks: are they really the solution we've been waiting for? Spoiler: it's complicated. Get ready for a journey through power dynamics, responsibility, and the quest for a greener planet.

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Why It Matters

Discover how this topic shapes your world and future

Unraveling the Tapestry of Sustainable Supply Chains

Imagine you're sipping on your favorite chocolate milk, wearing a comfy cotton t-shirt, or writing in your notebook. Ever wonder where all these things come from? Behind every product is a complex journey involving numerous materials and countless hands. This journey forms what we call a supply chain. With the world aiming for sustainability, understanding how these supply chains can harm or help our planet and societies is crucial. It's not just about the big companies like Nestlé or Unilever; it's also about the smaller players and even you as a consumer. This topic isn't just significant on a global scale, affecting environmental and social issues, but it's also deeply connected to your daily choices. By exploring sustainable supply chains, you're stepping into a world where your decisions can lead to a healthier planet.

Speak like a Scholar

Sustainable practices

Ways of producing and consuming goods that do not deplete resources or harm the environment, ensuring that future generations can meet their needs.

Supply chain

The entire process of making and selling commercial goods, including every step from the original raw materials to the final product you use.

Focal companies

Big, influential companies in a supply chain that have the power to set rules and standards for sustainability.

Multi-stakeholder meta-organisations (MS-MOs)

Groups formed by different kinds of organizations, like businesses, non-profits, and academic institutions, working together to solve complex problems.

Discursive power

The ability to influence people's beliefs and actions through the way issues are talked about.

Hegemonic discourse

A way of speaking and presenting ideas that becomes dominant within society, shaping how we understand and engage with various issues.

Independent Research Ideas

The role of consumer awareness in promoting sustainable supply chains

Investigate how educating consumers about the origins of products can influence the sustainability practices of companies.

Technology's impact on transparency in supply chains

Explore how new technologies, like blockchain, are changing the way we track the sustainability of products from origin to consumer.

The psychological effects of sustainable branding on consumer choices

Delve into how companies use 'green' branding to influence consumer behavior and whether this leads to genuine sustainability improvements.

Comparative analysis of sustainability practices in different industries

Look into how industries like coffee, cotton, and palm oil differ in their approaches to sustainability and what lessons they can learn from each other.

The influence of local vs. global sustainability standards

Examine the tension between global sustainability initiatives and local practices, focusing on how this affects small-scale farmers and producers.

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