Voices | Responsibility WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY: How Transparency Drives Responsible Growth While it may seem daunting to lift the veil on supply chains that were designed to operate in the shadows, it’s entirely possible – and incredibly rewarding – for companies to embrace this shift. By Elizabeth Wimbush FOR DECADES, the promotional products industry has thrived on speed, volume and convenience. Global supply chains, often murky and difficult to track, have helped keep costs low and products plentiful. But times are changing. Consumers and businesses alike are becoming more conscious of where their products come from and how they are made. They’re asking tough questions about labor conditions, environmental impact and ethical sourcing. The good news? Transparency isn’t just a challenge. It’s an opportunity for growth, innovation and trust-building. And while it may seem daunting to lift the veil on supply chains that were designed to operate in the shadows, it’s entirely possible – and incredibly rewarding – for companies to embrace this shift. Let’s explore how. Why Transparency Matters Transparency is more than just a buzzword – it’s about integrity, trust and responsibility. Customers and end users want to align with brands that share their values. This means they care not just about the product, but about the people and processes behind it. Is it made with ethical labor? Are sustainable materials being used? How are suppliers held accountable? In our industry, the supply chain involves many players, from raw material producers to manufacturers, decorators, suppliers and distributors. Every step along the way, there’s potential for ethical or environmental risks. Whether it’s forced labor, unsafe working conditions or harmful environmental practices, these risks aren’t just bad for business – they’re bad for people and the planet. By embracing transparency, companies can mitigate these risks and demonstrate a genuine commitment to doing better. Start With A Commitment To Responsible Growth Investigating and better understanding your supply chain doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s OK. What matters most is making a clear commitment to the journey. Start by acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers and that this process will take time. As an industry, we’ve spent years operating with limited visibility into our supply chains, so it’s natural that opening things up will present challenges. Begin with an internal assessment. What are your current practices, and where do you see gaps? Are you regularly engaging with your suppliers to understand their practices? Do you have policies in place that prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainability? The key is to start small but start somewhere. Build Strong Supplier Relationships Transparency begins with relationships. It’s crucial to build open and trusting relationships with your suppliers. This doesn’t mean just sending emails and hoping for the best. It means active engagement. Ask questions. Be curious. Visit factories if possible. Understand how your suppliers operate, what their challenges are and how they ensure ethical and sustainable practices. In the promotional products industry, it’s not uncommon to rely on a wide network of suppliers to meet deadlines and cost demands. But jumping from one supplier to another for the sake of a quick deal often comes at the expense of quality and transparency. Invest in relationships with suppliers who are willing to be open about their processes and who are as committed to 22 • NOVEMBER 2024 • PPAI
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