Individual Report 1 On Supply Chain Sustainability Assignment Sample

Introduction OfIndividual Report 1 On Supply Chain Sustainability

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Businesses now have a more urgent obligation than ever to encourage sustainable practices and solve environmental issues. Companies are therefore under pressure to adopt sustainable practices and implement environmental rules in order to lessen their influence on the environment (Sun, 2021). This article will focus on Amazon, one of the largest and most well-known corporations in the world. The article will offer a critical analysis and discussion of Amazon's supply chain sustainability principles and practices, its supply chain approach in response to current global sustainability constraints, and how management procedures and legal frameworks might lessen supply chains' environmental impact. This paper examines how Amazon could employ its competitive edge and leadership to increase operational efficiency in environmental management, greenhouse gas emissions management, and pollution management. The triple bottom line, which combines economic, environmental, and social issues as the three pillars of sustainability, will also be considered in the analysis of Amazon's environmental policies and practices. This analysis will be used to generate suggestions on how Amazon can do a better job of encouraging sustainable practices and minimizing its environmental effect.

Theories

There are various kinds of theories which are particularly related to given study and which have also seen applied by the Amazon in their supply chain management process. Below discussed are the theories that will be applied to the study:

• Triple Bottom Line Theory: A notion known as the "triple bottom line" places emphasis on the necessity of weighing economic, environmental, and social factors while making business decisions. It implies that businesses should think about how their actions affect people and the environment in addition to focusing on earning profits. The TBL suggests that businesses should strive to achieve a balance between these three dimensions of sustainability, rather than prioritizing one over the others. This approach recognizes that a company's success is not only measured by its financial performance but also by its social and environmental impact. By considering all three dimensions of sustainability, businesses can create long-term value for their stakeholders and contribute to a more sustainable future (Correia, 2019).
• Green Supply chain Management: This idea entails incorporating environmental factors into every step of the supply chain, from product sourcing and design to production, delivery, and removal.. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of supply chains while also improving efficiency and reducing costs. In order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, GSCM practices can include the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient production techniques, reduced packaging, and optimized transportation routes. In order to ensure that suppliers' goods and services adhere to environmental standards and to encourage them to adopt sustainable practices, GSCM also involves engaging with suppliers. Companies can increase their environmental performance, lower their carbon footprint, and strengthen their reputation as socially responsible companies by implementing GSCM practices (Dube, 2011).
• Circular Economy: This is an economic model that seeks to eliminate waste and promote the sustainable use of resources. It involves designing products and systems that can be reused, repaired, or recycled, rather than disposed of after use. A circular economy prioritizes longevity and durability in product design and chooses materials that can be recycled or used in new ways. When a product has outlived its usefulness, it is collected, disassembled, and its components are used to make new products. The goal of the circular economy is to establish a stable state that minimizes waste, slows down the use of resources, and encourages long-term development. By facilitating the creation of creative marketing strategies and distribution networks, it also has the possibility of creating opportunities for economic growth (Ekins, 2019).
• Life Cycle Assessment: This approach is used to evaluate a product or service's environmental impact over the course of its entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to the disposal of used parts.. LCA is a crucial tool for companies and policymakers to evaluate the environmental impact of goods and services and to make defensible choices that will support sustainability. LCA involves four stages: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. The goal and scope definition stage defines the purpose and boundaries of the assessment. The inventory analysis stage involves gathering data on the environmental inputs and outputs associated with the product or service. The impact assessment stage evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the product or service. The interpretation stage involves analyzing and communicating the results of the assessment to stakeholders (Sharma, 2019).

Discussion

Examines, And Discuss Principles and Practices of Amazon’s Supply Chain Sustainability

Digital streaming, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce are areas in which Amazon excels. One of the largest corporations in the world, Amazon will generate more than $386 billion in revenue in 2020, and its operations will have a significant environmental impact (Amazon, 2021). In order to lessen its environmental impact, Amazon has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives throughout its supply chain. Considering the principles and practices of amazon's supply chain sustainability, in recent years, Amazon has taken significant steps to increase the sustainability of its supply chain. Reducing waste and lessening Amazon's environmental impact is one of the main tenets of its sustainability initiatives (Amazon, 2023). Amazon has implemented a number of supply chain initiatives to accomplish this, including packaging optimization, energy consumption reduction in its warehouses, and an increase in the use of renewable energy (Unhelkar, 2023).

As noted by Lai et al. (2020), "Amazon has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in its operations, and optimizing its transportation network. The supply chain at Amazon has adopted a circular economy strategy. Amazon is able to lessen waste and its environmental impact by designing products and packaging with recyclable materials. In addition, Amazon has started programs like Amazon Second Chance, which enables users to recycle their outdated electronics, minimizing the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills (Ellen, 2019). The supply chain of Amazon has also adopted a life cycle assessment approach. With this method, Amazon is able to assess how its products affect the environment at every stage of their life cycles, from production to disposal. By doing this, Amazon can spot opportunities to lessen its environmental impact and decide on its supply chain with knowledge. The principles of GSCM, which include incorporating environmental considerations into all phases of the supply chain, are in line with Amazon's sustainability initiatives. For instance, Amazon has implemented programs like Frustration-Free Packaging, which gets rid of extra packaging and cuts down on waste. Along with lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain, Amazon has set a goal to run all of its operations on renewable energy by 2025. Also, according to Seuring and Gold (2012), " Environmental concerns must be incorporated into every step of the supply chain, from product design and sourcing to production, distribution, and end-of-life management. (Srivastava, 2007). Also, by considering an additional theory of Carbon footprint it can be seen that, by 2040, Amazon hopes to have zero carbon emissions, ten years earlier than the Paris Agreement's deadline. The business has taken a number of steps to lessen its carbon footprint, including purchasing electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. Additionally, the business has created a program called "Shipment Zero" with the objective of having 50% of all Amazon shipments achieve this goal by 2030.

In general, Amazon's supply chain sustainability principles and practices are in line with the theories of circular economy, life cycle assessment, and green sustainable supply chain management (Chin, 2015). The company has put in place a number of initiatives to lessen its impact on the environment, including waste reduction, renewable energy, sustainable packaging, and product disposal. Amazon has also set high standards for lowering its carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions. The business is still criticized for its environmental impact, particularly with regard to its logistics and transportation activities. Amazon must therefore keep funding sustainability programs throughout its supply chain if it is to meet its sustainability objectives and lessen its environmental impact.

What is supply chain strategy of the company in response to current pressures on global sustainability

Applying different efforts to lessen its environmental impact and meet its sustainability goals is part of Amazon's supply chain strategy in response to the current pressures on global sustainability. The company has established challenging goals to lessen its carbon footprint, use more renewable energy, and cut waste throughout its supply chain activities (Yu, 2022). Switching to renewable energy is one of Amazon's main strategies for lowering its environmental impact. By 2025, the company wants to run all of its operations on renewable energy. Amazon has made investments in wind and solar energy projects and signed agreements to buy renewable energy from outside suppliers in order to meet this objective. In addition, Amazon has adopted energy-saving practises and technologies, such as using LED lighting and improving data centre cooling systems (Staff,Amazon, 2022). Reduce waste and encourage circularity as part of Amazon's supply chain sustainability strategy. The business has adopted eco-friendly packaging techniques, like using recyclable materials and making smaller packaging. Amazon has also established waste reduction initiatives, such as recycling programmes for hazardous and e-waste. The business has also created programmes to advance circularity, like the "Frustration-Free Packaging" programme, which aims to lessen the amount of packaging used in its goods (Rourke,Anastasia O’, 2022). Amazon has also taken steps to lessen the impact of its logistics and transportation operations on the environment. Through its "Shipment Zero" programme, the company aims to make all Amazon shipments net-zero carbon. Amazon is making investments in electric and alternative fuel vehicles, improving delivery routes, and putting policies in place to minimise packaging waste and maximise packaging density in order to meet this goal (Ogawa, 2022).

One theory that can be used to explain Amazon's supply chain sustainability strategy in response to global sustainability pressures is the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory.. RBV contends that a company's assets and skills, including those pertaining to sustainability, can give it a competitive edge and improve performance. The foundation of Amazon's supply chain sustainability strategy is the company's strong emphasis on technology and innovation, which are crucial assets and capabilities that allow it to accomplish its sustainability objectives. For instance, Amazon has made significant investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and has committed to utilising only renewable energy sources to power its entire global infrastructure by the year 2025 (Kodua, 2019). With this investment in renewable energy, Amazon not only lessens its environmental impact but also cuts operating expenses, giving it a competitive edge. The logistics network of Amazon is another tool that helps with the company's supply chain sustainability strategy. Amazon can optimise supply chain operations and lessen its environmental impact thanks to its extensive logistics network. Amazon's supply chain sustainability strategy complements its resources and capabilities and is in line with the company's overarching goal of becoming the most customer-focused organisation in the world. Amazon is meeting consumer demand for more environmentally friendly goods and services by putting sustainability initiatives into practise, such as lowering greenhouse gas emissions and waste. By fostering customer loyalty and trust, this customer-focused approach also gives businesses a competitive edge (Dr. Madhani, 2010).

How legislation and management practices can limit the environmental impact of supply chains in Amazon

Amazon is a global e-commerce giant with a significant presence in the retail industry. As a result, the company has an enormous supply chain network that spans the globe. With this extensive network comes the responsibility of ensuring that the environmental impact of the company's supply chain is minimized. Amazon's environmental leadership and policies aim to address this responsibility, and they also align with current legislation and management practices to limit the environmental impact of its supply chain.

One of the key ways that legislation and management practices can limit the environmental impact of Amazon's supply chain is through carbon emissions reduction. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon emissions, and it aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. To achieve this, Amazon has implemented various initiatives, including transitioning to renewable energy and improving the energy efficiency of its buildings and operations (Amazon, 2022). Additionally, the company is working with suppliers to encourage them to adopt similar sustainability practices and reduce their carbon emissions. Another way that legislation and management practices can limit the environmental impact of Amazon's supply chain is through waste reduction. Amazon has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing waste, including the Frustration-Free Packaging program, which aims to reduce the amount of packaging materials used in deliveries (Arslon, 2022). Moreover, the company has launched the Climate Pledge Friendly program, which identifies products that have sustainability certifications and are more environmentally friendly. These initiatives align with current waste reduction legislation and management practices and help to limit the environmental impact of Amazon's supply chain. Furthermore, legislation and management practices can limit the environmental impact of Amazon's supply chain by promoting sustainable sourcing. Amazon has set a goal to source 100% sustainable cotton by 2025, and the company is also working with suppliers to improve the sustainability of their operations. By sourcing materials sustainably, Amazon can reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain and also support sustainable practices throughout its industry (Yang, 2011).

Moreover, Amazon's commitment to sourcing 100% sustainable cotton by 2025 and working with suppliers to improve their sustainability practices demonstrates the company's dedication to promoting sustainable sourcing. These initiatives not only limit the environmental impact of Amazon's supply chain but also contribute to the broader effort to address global sustainability challenges. Overall, Amazon's environmental leadership and policies demonstrate a commitment to limiting the environmental impact of its supply chain. By aligning with current legislation as well as management practices, the company can further improve its sustainability practices as well as reduce its environmental footprint. Additionally, Amazon's initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, waste, in addition to promote sustainable sourcing can serve as a model for other companies to follow as well as contribute to the broader effort to address global sustainability challenges. In supposition, Amazon's environmental leadership and policies are crucial in minimizing the environmental impact of its supply chain. By aligning with current legislation and management practices and implementing initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, waste, and promoting sustainable sourcing, Amazon is contributing to the global effort to address sustainability challenges (Arslon, 2022).

Conclusion and Recommendation

The study concluded by analysing Amazon's supply chain sustainability practises and environmental leadership and policies. The study showed that Amazon is strongly committed to environmental sustainability and has put forward a number of initiatives to lessen the impact of its supply chain on the environment. By reducing carbon emissions, waste, and promoting sustainable sourcing, Amazon's supply chain strategy is centred on promoting sustainability. The firm's dedication to implementing programmes like the Frustration-Free Packaging programme and the Climate Pledge Friendly programme in order to switch to renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, reduce packaging waste, and identify more environmentally friendly products. Additionally, Amazon's efforts to encourage sustainable sourcing are demonstrated by its engagement with its suppliers to lower their carbon emissions and advance sustainability practises. Amazon is supporting the global effort to address sustainability issues by implementing these initiatives. The three dimensions of sustainability in business practise are aligned with Amazon's initiatives when viewed in the context of the triple bottom line concept. The company is committed to tackling sustainability issues holistically as evidenced by its efforts to promote environmental sustainability while also taking into account economic and social factors. Overall, the research demonstrates that Amazon's environmental leadership and policies are a good example of how businesses can use leadership and strategic advantage to improve operational effectiveness in the areas of environmental management, greenhouse gas emissions management, and pollution management.

In general, the study shows how businesses can use leadership and strategic advantage to increase operational effectiveness in the areas of environmental management, greenhouse gas emissions management, and pollution management. A good example of this is shown by Amazon's environmental leadership and policies. There is still an opportunity for enhancement despite Amazon's commendable efforts to promote sustainability in its supply chain. The following suggestions are made for the business to improve its sustainability practises:

• Increase transparency: Amazon can improve its supply chain sustainability by increasing transparency in its sourcing practices. This can be achieved by providing more information on supplier sustainability performance, disclosing environmental impact metrics, and publicly reporting on progress towards its sustainability goals.
• Promote circularity: Amazon can promote circularity in its supply chain by implementing programs for product repair, refurbishment, and recycling. These programs can extend product lifetimes and reduce the environmental impact of waste.
• Promote sustainable transportation: Amazon can promote sustainable transportation by transitioning to electric or low-emissions delivery vehicles and incentivizing its suppliers to adopt sustainable transportation practices.
• Address social sustainability: While Amazon has made significant progress in promoting environmental sustainability, it can also focus on social sustainability in its supply chain. This can be achieved by ensuring fair labor practices and protecting workers' rights in its supplier factories.
• Collaborate with stakeholders: Amazon can collaborate with stakeholders such as suppliers, customers, and NGOs to promote sustainability in its supply chain. By working together, these stakeholders can share knowledge, resources, and best practices to achieve common sustainability goals.
• Innovate new solutions: Amazon can leverage its resources and expertise to develop and implement new solutions to promote sustainability in its supply chain. This can include adopting new technologies such as blockchain to increase transparency and accountability, or developing new packaging materials that are more sustainable and recyclable (Correia, 2019).

So, it can be said from the above discussion that, Amazon has made significant progress in promoting sustainability in its supply chain, but there is still room for improvement. By implementing these recommendations, Amazon can continue to enhance its sustainability practices and contribute to the global effort to address sustainability challenges.

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