According to an article published this month by Procurement Leaders, New York City, N.Y., USA, government regulations and initiatives have driven innovation within the industry this past year, as pulp and paper suppliers look to develop efficient recycling practices and technology and investigate the use of alternative forms of raw materials in their production lines.

 

Pulp and paper suppliers are also continuously looking to reduce production expenses – particularly as both water and energy are significant cost drivers for the industry. Therefore, reducing these inputs will not only be beneficial for the environment but will also generate value for the company.

 

A large number of pulp and paper suppliers are already making significant movements in the direction of becoming more sustainable and improving transparency within their supply chains. The WWF 2015 Environmental Paper Company Index has highlighted the continuous improvements in increased transparency and sustainability among pulp and paper suppliers.

 

For instance, 69% of participants improved their performance across responsible sourcing, clean production and environmental management systems, and consistent reporting over the past two years (2014-2015).

 

To achieve supply chain transparency and contribute to a greener economy, procurement should work closely with their suppliers to ensure all pulp and paper is sourced from sustainable, well-managed and certified forests. Procurement should also consider working only with suppliers that have adopted environmentally friendly pulp and paper production processes, such as efficient recycling and waste management initiatives.