Sustainable Supply Chain

Send me a messageIn this episode, I sit down with Kenny McGee, CEO and founder of Component Sense, to explore how his company is driving sustainability in the electronics industry. Kenny shares the story behind Component Sense’s origins—born out of a pressing need to manage surplus electronic components—and how it has grown into a leader in redistributing excess inventory.We dig into some hard truths about waste in the electronics supply chain. Did you know that millions of brand-new components are scrapped every year simply because they’re surplus to requirements? Kenny explains how Component Sense prevents this waste by redistributing unused, traceable parts to businesses that need them, ensuring valuable resources don’t end up in landfills.From navigating financial crises and COVID-19 to tackling Brexit’s logistical headaches, Kenny’s journey highlights the challenges of running a purpose-driven business. He also discusses how his team has developed innovative tools, such as their InPlant system, to integrate seamlessly into clients' supply chains, making redistribution both easy and profitable.We also touch on broader industry challenges, including the rise of counterfeit components, the regulatory gaps around circularity, and the urgent need for global, not just local, sustainability efforts. Kenny makes a compelling case for prioritising reuse over waste, urging businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact.Towards the end, we explore the fascinating role legacy components play in keeping vital industrial machinery alive, a topic that underscores the value of thinking long-term in our throwaway culture.If you’ve ever wondered how we can align sustainability with business value in the electronics industry, this episode will give you practiElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Send me a messageIn this episode of The Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Thom Campbell, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Capacity LLC, a leading third-party logistics and fulfilment company. Thom shares fascinating insights from his 25 years in the industry, where sustainability has evolved from an afterthought to a core priority.We discuss how Capacity has woven sustainability into its operations, from banning styrofoam peanuts over two decades ago to installing solar panels across their warehouses. Thom dives into consolidated shipping—a practice that not only cuts emissions but also optimises costs for retailers and brands alike.The conversation also explores the practicalities of energy-efficient facilities, including achieving LEED and ENERGY STAR certifications, and the role of AI and robotics in logistics. Thom outlines how AI has transformed their processes, from improving order batching to speeding up robotic learning curves, with significant implications for sustainability.We also address the regulatory landscape, including California’s WARE programme, and how businesses can adapt without breaking the bank. Thom candidly shares the challenges of aligning with client sustainability goals, particularly for influencer-driven brands where packaging and presentation are under constant scrutiny.Finally, Thom offers his take on the ongoing debate between e-commerce and traditional retail, as well as the clutter businesses must eliminate to achieve “sustainability joy.”Whether you’re in logistics, sustainability, or simply curious about the intersection of the two, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions.Tune in to learn more about how supply chains can become not just efficient, Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sit down with Ganesh Gandhieswaran, Co-Founder and CEO of ConverSight, to dive into how data and AI are transforming sustainable supply chains. Ganesh’s extensive background in data analytics for manufacturing and supply chains sets the stage as we discuss how AI and data integration can offer deep insights for companies aiming to meet sustainability targets.Ganesh explains how today’s data-rich environment provides new opportunities for companies to make informed decisions about carbon emissions, resource usage, and overall environmental impact. Yet, he’s quick to highlight the challenges – from integrating data across global suppliers to ensuring data quality and consistency. With AI and predictive analytics, Ganesh demonstrates how companies can not only monitor but actively manage sustainability efforts, predicting issues before they arise and adjusting strategies on the go.We also touch on the importance of data visualisation tools in making sense of complex sustainability metrics, enabling leaders to see patterns and act quickly. From predictive maintenance to the transition toward a circular economy, Ganesh’s insights show that technology can genuinely underpin a greener supply chain – but only if organisations take a structured, measurable approach. It’s an episode filled with actionable takeaways for any company looking to leverage data for a sustainable future.Have a listen, and let me know your thoughts on LinkedIn or Twitter (@tomraftery).Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Send me a messageIn this episode, which is generously sponsored by Component Sense, I sit down with Joanne Flinn, Chair of the ESG Institute, to unpack what it really means to push sustainability forward in business, far beyond the usual carbon targets. Joanne shares her personal journey to becoming an advocate for sustainable transformation, influenced by her father’s work in agricultural economics and her early exposure to global sustainability issues.We dig into the critical work the ESG Institute is doing to guide companies on their ESG journeys, especially around complex challenges like value chain sustainability and the need for clarity in multi-stakeholder decision-making. Joanne explains the Institute's “Sustainability Readiness Profiles,” a practical tool to help companies identify their ESG maturity and shape their approach accordingly – whether they’re observers, pledgers, compliers, or transformers.We also discuss the mindset shifts needed to make sustainability integral to business strategies: moving from short-term gains to long-term resilience and embracing multi-dimensional goals beyond simple profit metrics. Joanne even makes an unexpected (but spot-on) connection between ESG in business and the evolving safety standards in rugby.Tune in to learn why approaching sustainability as a “game of lifting standards” can drive real change, and what steps leaders can take now to create a thriving, resilient future.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.