Sustainability no longer stops at the factory gate. Even companies that have already improved their own production and energy use discover that most of their environmental footprint actually sits upstream – in the materials they buy, the packaging they source, and the logistics behind it all.
For SMEs, this may feel out of reach. In reality, sustainable procurement is one of the most powerful levers for real impact.
Why it matters
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suppliers can represent up to 80% of a manufacturer’s carbon footprint
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choosing partners based also on environmental and social performance increases resilience
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the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will require transparency across the full value chain – those who start now will be ahead
Where to start
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map your major suppliers (the 10–20 that represent the highest spend / material volume)
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add clear environmental & social criteria into purchasing decisions
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focus on collaboration instead of one-way demands – co-create improvement plans
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use simple data tracking and self-assessments to measure progress
The business value
Sustainable procurement is not just a compliance topic – it is a strategic advantage. Companies that integrate circular principles reduce exposure to resource risks, strengthen customer trust, and gain better results in tenders that include ESG criteria.
A truly green supply chain is built through everyday decisions and shared responsibility – and SMEs can lead this shift by starting with transparency and dialogue.