Sustainable supply chains
We are seeing ever greater emphasis on how products are produced and how the entire supply chain performs in terms of sustainability. A business can take an active approach to sustainability issues within its own organisation, but if the product consists of materials that in turn have a big impact on the environment or are produced in a way that does not take into account social factors, the end product will not in fact be sustainable.
This is a complex field, as it can often be difficult, especially as a small business, to influence suppliers further along an often global supply chain that quickly branches out into numerous subsuppliers.
Choose a sustainable supplier
Aim to choose suppliers that fulfil relevant environmental requirements as well as social aspects such as protective clothing for workers, regulated working hours, fair wages and freedom to join trade unions. Choose suppliers that you have confidence in and can build a long-term partnership with, so that you feel you can trust the information they give you. Perhaps you can join forces with others in your industry who use the same subcontractors to have a stronger voice?
Choosing goods with labelling such as the Nordic Swan, Good Environmental Choice, Fairtrade or organic is one way to ensure that they are better from a sustainability perspective, but not necessarily all. Choosing good-quality options that are long-lasting is generally also good from a sustainability perspective.
Voluntary labelling – the Market Surveillance Council (in Swedish)
Learn more about making your business sustainable
Below you will find additional information if you wish to delve deeper into sustainability. For example, a link to the National Agency for Public Procurement’s page on sustainability. Find tips on the requirements you can place on your own suppliers, and what applies if you are going to be a supplier yourself. There are also questions to consider specifically for this area.