LRS Consultancy and Burges Salmon have developed a guide, ‘A practical path to resource efficiency’ aimed at manufacturers, retailers and brand managers, as well as their supply chain partners, offering ideas about how to make better use of materials and energy.

The guide provides case studies showing how other companies have looked at their supply chains and their own businesses and implemented resource efficiencies.

It also demonstrates what business should consider in terms of materials and energy security to make supply chains more resilient.

According to LRS Consultancy managing director Dee Moloney, being efficient with material resources and energy not only makes good business sense, but is not that complicated to achieve in practice.

“Fully circular or closed loop supply chains are often seen as the desired business model in terms of resource efficiency,” she said.

“However, in many cases, less complex and lower cost approaches to improving resource efficiency can deliver huge benefits across the supply chain within a relatively short time.

“We recognise that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution and hope our guide demonstrates the importance of a range of approaches, such as systems thinking, collaboration, corporate leadership and good business practice.”

Nick Churchward, partner in the energy & environment team at Burges Salmon added: “Many businesses are realising the financial and reputational importance of making their operations more sustainable.

“Customers want it, Governments are encouraging it and increasingly shareholders are demanding it. These factors are driving a marked shift in both thinking and doing and the realisation that there is real potential for economic growth and investment by delivering more sustainable business models.”

Maxine Perella

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