Building Greener Supply Chains: Measure, Reduce, Transform

 At RTL, we understand that sustainability is not just a requirement, but an opportunity to gain a competitive edge. Companies that prioritise sustainable supply chains can position themselves as leaders in their industries, meeting consumer expectations and navigating regulatory landscapes with confidence. Our approach is built around a framework that focuses on four key pillars: Measure, Remodel, Remove, and Govern. Together, these actions drive tangible results and long-term value for your business.

The first step in creating a sustainable supply chain is to measure your current impact. This involves a thorough understanding of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the business
• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions, such as the supply chain and distribution

We can help you track and quantify these emissions to set realistic, measurable targets for reduction. By understanding where your emissions are coming from, we can work together to develop a plan for reducing your carbon footprint.

Once you’ve measured your emissions, the next step is to remodel your supply chain for efficiency and sustainability. We explore various strategies to help you reduce your environmental impact:

• Sourcing: We assess opportunities for nearshoring and reshoring—methods that may reduce the carbon footprint of your products by shortening the distance they travel and improving transparency in the supply chain.
• Logistics Operations: Are your current logistics methods the most efficient and eco-friendly? We examine alternatives such as intermodal transportation and groupage services, both of which can significantly reduce your carbon impact.
• Processes: We also take a close look at your production processes. Are there high-carbon practices that could be improved by adopting greener, more efficient methods? Our analysis will identify areas for improvement that reduce carbon emissions but doesn't compromise on service or product quality.

Transportation is often the largest contributor to a supply chain's carbon footprint. By introducing alternative fuels into your logistics operations, such as HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), electric vehicles, or hydrogen, you can drastically reduce your environmental impact.

We help you evaluate the feasibility of integrating alternative fuels into your supply chain, ensuring that both operational efficiency and sustainability are optimised.

The final piece of the puzzle is governance—ensuring that your business has the right frameworks in place to manage sustainability long-term. We assist businesses in developing and maintaining governance structures to manage carbon reduction across all activities, as well as obtaining the necessary certifications and accreditations:

• ESG Framework support
• Scope 3 Reporting
• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems)
• B Corp Certification
• CBAM Reporting (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)

We also help businesses develop systems for continuous monitoring, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of every decision.

By working with RTL, you’ll have a partner who understands the complexities of global trade and the importance of sustainable supply chains. We offer end-to-end support, from measuring your environmental impact to implementing effective solutions that help you stay ahead of your competition and meet evolving regulatory requirements.

Let's Start the Conversation
If you’re ready to build a sustainable supply chain that drives competitive advantage, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your long-term sustainability goals.