A significant initiative undertaken by a major retailer aimed to assess and improve the environmental and social performance of its supply chain. The mechanism involved scoring suppliers based on their efforts related to sustainability across various metrics, providing a framework for improvement and transparency.
This undertaking encouraged suppliers to reduce their environmental impact, promote ethical labor practices, and enhance product safety. The overarching benefit was a more responsible and resilient supply chain, potentially leading to cost savings, improved brand reputation, and a greater alignment with consumer values. Introduced in the late 2000s, it marked a shift towards integrating sustainability considerations into core business operations and influencing industry-wide practices.