What Does it Mean to Source Chemicals Sustainably?
Read time: 3-4 minutes
Last week I took part in an interesting round table discussion which focused on sustainability in the Cosmetic and Personal Care industry. It got me thinking about my own activities, how I can improve them, and start measuring them a little bit better.
I’m not teaching you anything you don’t already know when I say that chemicals can have a significant impact on the environment, our health, etc. and by choosing to source chemicals sustainably, we can make sure our planet stays healthy and safe for everyone.
Sadly, and I have certainly been guilty of this in the past, we don’t think enough about where our chemicals are coming from. Knowing that some methods can harm our planet is one thing, knowing how to minimise or eliminate it all together is another thing completely.
So, let’s try and unpack this topic a little more as follows:
Understanding Sustainable Sourcing
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Chemicals
Common Sourcing Mistakes
Steps to Sustainable Sourcing
The Impact on Business and Planet
"Sustainability is not about the quick fix or the cheap solution. Generally, it means finding the way that nature and humans can coexist." - David Suzuki
Understanding Sustainable Sourcing
To put it simply, it means getting chemicals in a way that’s kind(er) to our planet. But we need to have a much deeper understanding of the entire lifecycle of the products.
Feedstocks, production, transportation, usage, and waste management.
Don’t get me wrong though, it’s a balancing act.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Chemicals
Although not always the case, eco-friendly products may not only help the planet, but could also contribute to a healthier living and working environment. Products may have fewer harmful emissions, be less toxic, reduce the risk of health issues associated with exposure – it’s really a case-by-case basis though.
As a very basic fact however, businesses which prioritise sustainability often see a boost in their reputation. Customers and clients are increasingly looking for environmentally conscious companies to support, so this shift can lead to new business opportunities and a stronger customer base.
Common Sourcing Mistakes
Although seemingly obvious, the biggest mistake is not fully considering the environmental impact.
Often, sustainability is overlooked due to perceived higher costs or logistical challenges.
However, neglecting this aspect can lead to long-term environmental damage and potential backlash from increasingly eco-conscious consumers.
Also, failing to properly research and vet suppliers can result in partnering with companies that do not adhere to sustainable practices, indirectly contributing to environmental harm.
Steps to Sustainable Sourcing
Okay, that all sounds great. But how do we ACTUALLY source sustainably?
Well, how about breaking it down into the following steps:
Conduct an audit of the chemicals currently being used and identify more sustainable alternatives.
Work with suppliers to understand their sustainability practices and set clear expectations for environmental responsibility.
Educate your team about the importance of sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Communicate your sustainability goals and achievements outwardly. (So, make sure you are tracking as much as you can).
The Impact on Business and Planet
For the planet, it means reduced pollution, conservation of natural resources, and a healthier ecosystem.
For business, sustainable practices can lead to cost savings in the long run through more efficient use of resources and potential government incentives.
Additionally, a sustainability focus can enhance brand image, attract environmentally conscious customers, and foster a positive corporate culture, all of which contribute to the long-term success and resilience of a business.
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So, there you have it. Sourcing chemicals sustainably is all about making smart choices that are good for the environment and for us.
By being more conscious of the decisions we are making, we can start to be more informed and potentially improve things.
Alchem is still in its infancy in the chemical industry, but this is certainly something I want to focus my efforts on a lot more moving forward.
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Thanks for reading, and see you next week.
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