Numerous logistics companies have already adapted to the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. Now, the EU Parliament has approved a weakening of the regulations concerning compliance with humane working conditions and environmental factors. Not everyone considers this appropriate in every case.

Kühne Logistics University (Hamburg). Photo: KLU

At least one new study by Marianne Jahre, Professor of Operations Management and  Dean of Research at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) in Hamburg, concludes that  sustainability and security of supply are not mutually exclusive in the pharmaceutical sector. In her view,  such criteria can even play a crucial role in curbing global health risks such as antibiotic resistance.

M. years. (zVg)

The study focuses on a tender issued by the Norwegian Hospital Procurement Trust for  generic antibiotics – one of the first tenders in this sector to  systematically incorporate environmental criteria into the evaluation. Instead of an almost exclusive focus on cost, preference was given to suppliers who better met defined environmental requirements.

An important factor

While this approach led to higher expenses in the short term due to higher prices,  it fostered more stable collaboration with selected suppliers and helped  secure the supply base. An unexpected finding was also a significant increase in transparency, as potential risks  with suppliers could be identified earlier.

Photo: HHLA

“It is important to me that research not only provides insights but also has an impact –  especially where supply chains  have a direct influence on people’s health and security of supply,” says Marianne Jahre. “In this study, we are pursuing the approach (…) of making decisions in  procurement and supply chain management in such a way that they  are not only efficient but also responsible and sustainable in the long term.”

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