We know sustainability is a top priority for manufacturers, and its importance grows each year. But here's the thing – while you've probably got your A- and B-parts covered, are you giving your C-parts the attention they deserve?
C-parts might seem like the little guys in your supply chain, but ignoring them can create significant sustainability headaches. So, let's dive into the challenges these components can bring and how you can tackle them head-on.
Emissions Reporting: The C-Part Conundrum
We all know measuring carbon emissions is essential if you want to cut them down. You've probably nailed your scope 1 and 2 emissions – those direct emissions and the ones from the electricity you buy. But what about scope 3 emissions? Those are the real puzzle pieces, covering emissions released during every stage, from raw material extraction to product disposal.
Imagine you're trying to track the emissions for a steel bolt made in Asia. You'd need to consider:
Extracting and refining raw materials
Producing steel at a steelworks
Manufacturing the bolts
Shipping them internationally
Delivering to a central warehouse
Final delivery to you
Use of your product
Potential returns and disposal
That's a lot to juggle. Calculating these emissions on your own is a tall order. That's where an external partner comes in handy. They can help you accurately read those elusive scope 3 emissions.
Making Emissions Reporting Easier
For an accurate measurement of scope 3 carbon emissions, most manufacturers should consider working with an external partner. No matter your industry, plenty of businesses specialize in measuring the emissions generated throughout your supply chain.
If you're satisfied with your current C-parts purchasing process, working with these experts can help you get a handle on your emissions. But if you want to make a more impactful change, consider choosing a supply chain partner like Component Solutions Group (CSG), who can handle your C-parts sourcing, purchasing, and shipping while reporting on the emissions the work generates.
How to Improve Supplier Sustainability
You've invested in renewable power sources, efficient equipment, and top-notch waste management. But if your C-parts come from unsustainable sources, your efforts might not be as impactful as you'd like.
Verifying supplier sustainability, especially when they're located far away, can be challenging. Language barriers, travel costs, and limited influence make it difficult. But here's a surprising twist: some suppliers in regions like Asia might be ahead of the game in sustainability compared to their counterparts. Considering sustainability, it may be better to source parts from a modern, sustainable supplier in China and have them shipped by sea than have parts freighted by road from another supplier that uses dirty fossil energy to power their factory.
Working with a partner like CSG gives you more leverage. As part of a large group of companies, you'll have more influence and options if your current suppliers aren't up to par. It can be a challenge to make an impact as a single company – but as one of many companies, you gain a large pool of reliable alternatives if your preferred supplier isn't responsive.
C-Parts Management: Avoiding Sustainability Pitfalls
C-parts can be tricky. It might be time to rethink if you're facing parts shortages, long lead times, or high minimum order quantities. Poor C-parts management can lead to express orders, air shipments, and wasted resources, which can undermine your sustainability goals.
To tackle this, consider consolidating your suppliers and optimizing your inventory. Small changes can make a big difference, helping you avoid last-minute rush orders and reduce waste.
C-Part Sustainability With CSG
C-parts might seem insignificant, but they can make or break your sustainability efforts. With the pressure on to make your business more sustainable, don't let these little guys slip through the cracks.
At CSG, we're all about making sustainability manageable and impactful. We're proud to hold a Silver EcoVadis sustainability rating, and we're here to help you navigate the challenges of C-parts. Let's make your entire supply chain – from A to C – more sustainable.
Are you ready to boost your sustainability game? Contact the team at CSG, and together, we'll make sustainability achievable. By partnering with us, you'll streamline your supply chain and boost your sustainability efforts in one go. Get in touch today.