Sustainable Sourcing - Between Global Aspiration and Local Reality
On April 9th 2014, the first MIBAS debate on CSR took place at the University of Hamburg. The central topic discussed by our panel guests Kai Könecke, Vice President Supply Chain at Unilever Deutschland GmbH, and Dr. Prof. Timo Busch, Chair of Energy and Environmental Management at the University of Hamburg, was “Sustainable Sourcing – between Global Aspiration and Local Reality“. The discussion was moderated by Lydia Schmidt, a student of the MIBAS. Interesting new insights and lively discussions with the students made it a successful debate.
Mr. Könecke shortly introduced Unilever’s “Sustainable Living Plan” and explained problems faced by businesses who manage their resources in a sustainable way. Considering that most businesses are focusing on short term eco- and waste management strategies, Prof. Busch appreciated Unilever’s long term “green planning” as it seems to be far more ambitious than strategies of their competitors. At the same time he questioned its realization as the plan simultaneously aims to double the profit while halving the ecological footprint of the corporation by 2020. He argued to reach the goal, Unilever’s eco-activities need to go beyond the supply chain influencing the consumer’s behaviour. Mr. Könecke argued that sustainable management and CEO commitment is the only way to ensure longevity of businesses of all kind. Unilever aims at being a pioneer in the area of sustainable sourcing and hopes to lead the industry by good example.
Inspired by the given insights of Mr. Könecke and the scientific point of view of Mr. Busch the open discussion with about 60 Students of MIBAS and other Master Programs included a wide range of topics and offered a great opportunity for sincere exchange of thoughts about sourcing strategies, normative expectations, and supplier structures. Questions about the details of Unilevers “Sustainable Living Plan” such as: How does Unilever define Sustainable Sorucing? How is the traceability along the sustainable supply chain assured? And how does Unilever use their market power? In answering and discussing these and numerous other questions Mr. Könecke was very open and committed. It became clear, that Unilever’s goal of doubling the size of its business is beyond question and sustainable sourcing is mainly reached through more efficient processes and closer cooperation with the suppliers. Another topic that became part of the debate was the issue on palm oil and its cultivation in rainforest areas, as it is one of Unilever’s most important agricultural resources. Unilever is highly dedicated committed in addressing the problem, but there is still a long way to go in the future. Overall it was a lively discussion that was positively evaluated by guests and students likewise.