Sustainable Sourcing As executives endeavor to reduce their company's environmental footprint, supply chains have increasingly become a key area of focus. Improvements in transportation efficiency, operations, raw material selection and packaging are all topping the list of "green" supply chain initiatives. Discuss the importance of sustainability at and how your procurement professionals can make an impact in your own organization. Ensure your organization is making the right steps toward a sustainable supply chain.

*Offer valid for executives involved in direct or indirect spend only.

Key session:

Main Conference Day Two, July 16, 2008

Responsible Procurement In A Global Market
Shondra Garrigus, Vice President Purchasing, TRI Trading

Environmental issues are increasingly becoming an essential growth point in managing any business today. While there are environmental regulations domestically, there are also growing demands by the overseas buyers for more and more environment-friendly products. Globalization increases the opportunities for buyers to source from in an increasing number of countries. As buyers increase their focus on environmental improvement, the issue of supplier environmental performance increases in importance. This is particularly true for organizations that regard environmental improvement as a social goal, not just an issue of cost, risk and public image. In order to produce environment friendly products, manufacturers need to work with their suppliers of raw materials and components. Using their purchasing power, the industries can set up environmental criteria for their suppliers upstream in supply chain. In this session Shondra highlights the follow strategies to transform the way your buyers buy.

• Developing a supply chain that meets "American" expectations in terms of:
• Product Quality (impact of the "Melamine Effect" on sourcing practices)
• Packaging/Labeling standards  
• Phytosanitary compliance
• Container loading needs