Sustainable Supply Chain

Send me a messageHi, Tom Raftery here! In this special episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I look back on 2024's 47 episodes of the podcast. Fittingly given the rise in popularity of AI, I do this through the lens of Google Notebook's AI-generated insights. So in this 2024 review, we’re unpacking three major themes from the year:AI’s Role in Sustainability: From satellite monitoring of deforestation to predictive maintenance that cuts waste and improves safety, AI has revolutionised how companies approach sustainability.Collaboration is Key: Sustainability thrives on partnerships, whether it’s businesses working with suppliers to tackle Scope 3 emissions or startups collaborating with corporates for fresh solutions. It’s all about breaking down silos and raising the bar together.Circular Economy in Action: Moving from “take, make, waste” to “reduce, reuse, recycle,” businesses are finding innovative ways to repurpose waste and rethink design for lasting impact.2024 proved sustainability isn’t optional—it’s essential for resilience, growth, and survival. I’ll be back on 6th January with exciting new episodes. Happy holidays and here’s to a sustainable 2025!What’s Next?Catch upcoming episodes with Jenna Fink and Kristin Naragon. Like, share, and subscribe to keep the momentum going!Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sit down with Kayla Broussard, CTO for the Consumer and Travel Market at Kyndryl, to explore how data and technology are reshaping supply chains to be more resilient, efficient, and sustainable.Kayla walks us through some of the biggest challenges in supply chains today, from waste generated by defective products and discarded materials to fragile global networks vulnerable to disruption. She explains how technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and digital twins are being deployed to address these challenges, creating smarter, more connected supply chains.We dive into real-world examples from industry leaders like Walmart, Unilever, Tesla, and Procter & Gamble, examining how data-powered strategies are reducing food waste, optimising transport routes, and improving resource efficiency. Kayla also shares insights into the often-overlooked environmental cost of managing data itself and offers practical tips for companies to reduce their digital carbon footprint.One standout theme in our conversation is the concept of treating data as a product. Kayla discusses how this approach enables companies to foster better collaboration and drive innovation by making data more accessible and actionable across their supply chain ecosystems.We also touch on emerging technologies like private 5G networks, IoT devices, and AI-driven automation, which are enhancing visibility and efficiency across the supply chain. Kayla wraps up with actionable advice on key metrics—such as carbon footprint and energy consumption—that organisations should track to align their supply chain strategies with sustainability goals.If you're keen to understand how to harness data and technology to future-Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by Aaron Lober, Vice President of Marketing at CADDi, to explore how data-driven manufacturing is reshaping the industry. Manufacturing, as we know, is the backbone of our global economy, but it’s grappling with challenges like rising costs, a retiring workforce, and the urgent need for sustainability. Aaron shares compelling insights into how leveraging historical data can help address these issues while improving efficiency and profitability.We dive into CADDi’s innovative approach to manufacturing intelligence, which equips organisations with the tools to make smarter, faster decisions. By centralising decades of historical parts and production data, manufacturers can reduce procurement costs, optimise supply chains, and tackle the perennial question: Have we built this before?Aaron also touches on the value of institutional knowledge as manufacturers face a wave of retirements in the coming years. We discuss practical strategies for preserving that knowledge through data systems, ensuring a seamless transfer to the next generation of workers.Sustainability is, of course, a focal point. We talk about how manufacturers can integrate sustainable practices without sacrificing efficiency or profitability, from reshoring suppliers to using AI for carbon footprint analysis.And looking ahead, Aaron predicts the transformative role of emerging technologies like AI in improving labour productivity, streamlining processes, and supporting better decision-making across the supply chain.If you’re a manufacturer or supply chain professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.To download CADDi’s report mentioned in the episode, visit us.cadElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Jon Goriup, Co-Founder and CEO of VCG AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way industries think about waste and sustainability. Jon and his team are pioneering an innovative approach to transforming industrial byproducts into valuable resources, helping companies cut emissions and uncover new revenue streams in the process.We delve into the mechanics of circular value chains, where waste becomes an asset rather than a liability. Jon explains how VCG AI uses cutting-edge data analytics and AI to map material flows, evaluate waste streams, and recommend optimal upcycling processes—saving companies time and resources while delivering tangible economic and environmental benefits.Some of the key highlights include:The shift in mindset as companies realise the economic potential of waste and embrace circular supply chains.Real-world examples, such as transforming spent grains and yeast from breweries into high-value food ingredients.How AI accelerates decision-making and implementation, allowing firms to move from analysis to action quickly and effectively.The challenges companies face, from navigating complex regulations to addressing non-core business activities, and how these can be mitigated.The role of collaboration across supply chains and how VCG AI is enabling large-scale circular transformations, even at the regional level.Jon also shares how industries and governments can work together to accelerate this transition, the KPIs that matter most, and the broader implications for sustainability globally.If you’re curious about how technology is reshaping sustainability or looking to gain practical insights iElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.