Circular supply chains
Designing supply chains for the circular economy ellenmacarthurfoundation.org
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Sustainable Development Goals and Supply Chain Leaders
Introduction
Supply chain leaders play a critical role in the circular economy transition as they are responsible for the sourcing, movement, and transformation of the 100 billion tonnes of materials that enter the global economy each year. The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature.
Transforming the Supply Chain
In order to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the circular economy, supply chain leaders can focus on nine key areas:
- Implementing sustainable sourcing practices
- Reducing waste and promoting recycling
- Adopting renewable energy sources
- Implementing efficient transportation and logistics
- Promoting ethical labor practices
- Enhancing transparency and traceability
- Collaborating with suppliers and customers
- Investing in innovation and technology
- Evaluating and reporting on sustainability performance
Influencing the Wider System
Supply chain professionals have the opportunity to influence the wider system by leveraging their connections to network partners, including suppliers and customers. They can play a catalyzing role in advancing the adoption and scale of circular economy principles beyond their own organizations. By collaborating with stakeholders, advocating for sustainable practices, and sharing best practices, supply chain leaders can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and drive positive change in the global economy.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
- Indicator: Amount of waste generated and recycled
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers
- Indicator: Percentage of workers in hazardous or non-hazardous working conditions
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- Indicator: Investment in research and development (R&D) as a proportion of GDP
Explanation:
1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production is addressed in the article as it discusses the circular economy, which aims to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature. Target 12.2 specifically focuses on the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, which aligns with the principles of the circular economy. The article mentions the importance of supply chain leaders in transforming their organizations’ supply chains to achieve these goals. The indicator mentioned in the article is the amount of waste generated and recycled, which can be used to measure progress towards sustainable resource management.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth is connected to the issues highlighted in the article as it emphasizes the role of supply chain professionals in influencing the wider system and advancing the adoption of circular economy principles. Target 8.8 aims to protect labor rights and promote safe working environments for all workers. The article implies that supply chain professionals can contribute to creating safer and more secure working conditions within their network partners, such as suppliers and customers. The indicator mentioned in the article is the percentage of workers in hazardous or non-hazardous working conditions, which can be used to assess progress in ensuring safe working environments.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure is also relevant to the issues discussed in the article. The article highlights how supply chain leaders can play a catalyzing role in advancing the adoption and scale of circular economy principles beyond their own organizations, indicating the need for upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable. Target 9.4 specifically focuses on this aspect. The indicator mentioned in the article is the investment in research and development (R&D) as a proportion of GDP, which can be used to measure progress in promoting innovation and sustainable industrial practices.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | Amount of waste generated and recycled |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers | Percentage of workers in hazardous or non-hazardous working conditions |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Investment in research and development (R&D) as a proportion of GDP |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ellenmacarthurfoundation.org
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