I began my career at a leading European company in professional laundry services. The company had a naturally sustainable business model. Its solutions enabled customers to access services without having to purchase the products. Since the company rented out products, its goal was to develop durable product lines. This strategy maximized the use of products, promoted recycling, and balanced economic growth with environmental impact. As a Procurement Leader at the time, my sourcing strategy for textiles focused on optimizing costs and extending product longevity.

I was not stopping there, by actively sourcing textiles from Asia and Africa, including countries such as Pakistan, India, China, Ethiopia, Egypt and Syria. Upholding decent work standards and working responsibly with third parties were key considerations during the supplier selection process. Although Bangladesh was not a targeted market for my sourcing, the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, the deadliest garment-factory disaster in history, heightened my awareness of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) challenges and the need to collaborate with suppliers to improve sustainability and ethical practices.

In 2022, I decided to enhance my sustainable practices in supply chain management by joining the Certified Sustainable Supply Chain Professional (CSSCP) program, accredited by ISCEA – International Supply Chain Education.

One of my friends recommended The Matcha Initiative, a non-profit organization, and I chose to contribute by helping businesses embark on their journey towards sustainability, particularly in developing solutions for a more sustainable end-to-end supply chain. In addition to sharing experiences, The Matcha Initiative introduced me to a vibrant community of leaders who are committed to a more sustainable future.

Throughout my career as a procurement leader, I've had the chance to be involved in collaborative projects that promote sustainability. Here are a few examples:  

• I took an eco-design approach to develop textile products made from organic cotton grown using environmentally friendly methods and certified with a Fairtrade label. The Fairtrade textile standard plays a key role in changing textile supply chains by engaging manufacturers and workers, improving wages and working conditions, and encouraging companies to commit to fair trade terms with small cotton producers.
• I implemented a tracking solution using RFID technology to extend the lifecycle of textiles and ensure optimal use of inventories, resulting in waste reduction and increased resource efficiency.
• To promote responsible practices across the value chain, I helped establish a Corporate Social Responsibility policy for the procurement process. This included creating a supplier code of conduct outlining the company's requirements for suppliers and defining the framework to conduct supplier CSR assessments to address risks associated with suppliers' production locations and commitments to ethical, environmental, health, and safety standards.
• By supporting local communities through responsible sourcing in very remote areas such as Pakistan and the APAC region, I was able to humbly contribute to strengthening employment and income opportunities as a means to alleviate poverty.
  

Many organizations may not prioritize sustainability due to a focus on short-term goals, cost concerns, lack of awareness or understanding, or limited commitment from leadership. It can be challenging to align personal convictions and expectations with everyday realities. To bridge this gap, I took the initiative to continue self-learning and expanding my network. A strong network can offer access to resources and expertise that might not be available internally, such as connections with suppliers, partners, and industry experts who can provide insights and support for sustainable initiatives. The goal is to start with small, gradual steps, understanding that change management takes time.

Skills important to have for a sustainable supply chain:

• Strategic thinking: The ability to see the big picture and align procurement and supply chain practices with overall sustainability goals.
• Change management: Leading teams and organizations through transitions in practices and processes to meet sustainability goals.
• Innovation: Embracing new ideas and technologies that can promote sustainability in procurement and supply chain operations.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve sustainability targets.