Supply chains and livelihoods

It shouldn’t cost the earth for supply chains to meet our needs. Yet entrenched in many global supply chains are environmental abuse, poor working conditions, unequal distribution of profits, and inefficient use of resources.

Shifting these complex problems requires us to collaborate, remove barriers to progress, coordinate our efforts and innovate solutions in the face of disruptive change. Only then can we secure sustainable supply, viability and fair livelihoods across global industries.

What are our goals?

Engaging brands, retailers and consumers in buying sustainably sourced products.
Transforming supply chain business models to distribute value more equally.
Addressing barriers to transparency.
Identifying and building opportunities for sustainable jobs and livelihoods, and growing the resilience of farmers, workers and communities.

Talk to Charlene Collison, our Associate Director, Sustainable Value Chains and Livelihoods, or see more of our work below.

We're tracking this challenge live on the Futures Centre, head over to see what #signalsofchange we're spotting.

Beauty and Personal Care Sustainability Project

Demand for sustainable products is growing, and calls for safe and sustainable products, with transparent and clear ingredient lists, are increasing. So, how do we get more sustainable products on retailers’ shelves? Read more

Circular Leap Asia

A new Forum report shines a light on the huge untapped potential of fashion manufacturers to contribute to the fashion sector’s circular transformation and highlights the opportunity to recalibrate industry power dynamics as the industry emerges from the COVID-19 crisis. Read more

Consumer Futures 2020

A practical tool based around four future scenarios to help consumer goods organisations plan for the years ahead. Read more

Cotton 2040

Cotton 2040 aims to create a resilient cotton industry in an increasingly climate-disrupted world by bringing together stakeholders across the value chain. Read more

Cotton 2040: aligning sustainability impact metrics

As part of Cotton 2040, we are working with the major sustainable cotton standards, programmes and codes on greater alignment of sustainable cotton impact metrics. Creating more credible, consistent and comparable data will help brands and retailers to more confidently track the impact of their sustainable cotton sourcing decisions. Read more

CottonUP guide

Together with the partners in the Cotton 2040 coalition, we are calling on brands and retailers to radically increase their sourcing of sustainable cotton and have launched a digital guide to support them with fast-tracking their sourcing strategies Read more

Creating sustainable value chains

Resources for organisations working to pilot and scale alternative business models that have the potential to balance nature, people and economy. Read more

Decent Rural Living Initiative

Identifying, supporting and scaling solutions that improve the lives of rural workers in Indonesia. Read more

Eliminating single-use plastics with Asian food delivery companies

Promising convenience, affordability and choice for busy consumers, food delivery services have burgeoned in recent years, particularly in Asia. In 2015, the Asia Pacific region accounted for nearly half the total value of global home food delivery, and it’s expected to be the industry’s fastest growing region in the next 2 years. Read more

Envisioning the future of Man-made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF)

Man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF) – including viscose, rayon, modal and lyocell – have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable future. The MMCF 2030 Vision outlines how it could build a more resilient apparel and textile industry and contribute to regeneration across its value chain. Read more

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