Sustainable supply chains are a success factor
The issue of sustainability is playing an increasingly important role for companies. But the ecological footprint is not determined solely by the company's own value creation. Logistics processes must also be aligned sustainably by taking ethical, social and ecological aspects into account when managing the supply chain. Arvato Supply Chain Solutions is therefore also taking appropriate measures in line with the Bertelsmann Group's clear goal of climate neutrality by 2030.
Supply chain sustainability refers to the management of environmental, social and economic impacts throughout the lifecycle of products and services - from raw material sourcing and logistics to product return and recycling.
Transparency is the name of the game
"Sustainability in the supply chain is a major challenge for companies due to its complexity and the many players involved in the supply chain," says Andreas Barth, Group Head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility. "Ultimately, it's a matter of making all processes transparent and ensuring seamless information on the origin of all components and goods." This is where modern digital technologies such as Big Data management, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and security tools such as blockchain and RFID play a significant role, creating unprecedented transparency and taking supply chain operations to a new level. This is all the more important as not only order volumes but also consumer demands for delivery speed continue to rise. Only when companies have real-time access to third-party logistics networks and comprehensive visibility into their entire supply chain, including subcontractors, will they be able to put both sustainability and speed into practice.
Experts offer support
However, although many companies have long recognized the relevance of the topic, implementation has often been lacking. This is where specialized supply chain and e-commerce specialists such as Arvato Supply Chain Solutions can offer valuable support by identifying and exploiting optimization potential along the supply chain. This applies not only to the alignment of the supply chain and transport routes according to climate criteria, but also to the sustainable design of our business buildings, which we are actively promoting at several locations.

Corporate Responsibility at Arvato Supply Chain Solutions
Andreas Barth, Group Head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Arvato Supply Chain Solutions, explains in an interview what strategy we are pursuing in the area of corporate responsibility and what our long-term goals are.
He discusses measures that have already been implemented as well as projects planned for the future.
Measures & information to improve the carbon footprint
Energy efficiency of buildings
Automated packaging solution
Industry trend comparison: The customer is the same!

Benefit from the knowledge of our experts!
3 industries - similar patterns and customer expectations
In our 8-part study series, we have taken a look at different industries - fashion, electronics and automotive - and comprehensively highlight developments and trends, their market maturity and complexity, and how they are viewed from the customer's perspective. Among other things, we examine the topic of sustainability and shed light on the degree of development in the various industries.
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Do you have questions about corporate responsibility or would you like to exchange ideas on this topic? Feel free to contact us.

Miriam Bartsch
Senior Manager Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability