Digital workshop series: Sustainability in the supply chains of spices and other plant-based raw materials

Sustainability has become a key issue in the food industry in recent years. In view of growing consumer demands, legal regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and a general increase in awareness of environmental and social issues in society, more and more companies are rethinking their business processes and adopting a more sustainable approach. However, sustainability must not only be promoted within the company itself, but above all along the supply chain. The digital workshop series shed light on the topics that play a role in this and what needs to be considered.

Focus on planetary load limits

In order to provide space for knowledge transfer and discussion, the ZNU held a series of digital events on sustainability along the supply chains of spices and other plant-based raw materials. A total of six workshops offered input from international experts on the most important sustainability challenges along the supply chains. The target group included representatives from manufacturing companies, trading companies, associations and research institutions. The topics of the workshops were based on the most important planetary boundaries and human rights and covered aspects such as climate change, biodiversity, water scarcity and human rights & child labor.

The workshop series thus provided a comprehensive overview of a wide range of social and environmental challenges in the supply chain of spices and other plant-based raw materials and highlighted tried-and-tested strategies and approaches for companies. In particular, the combination of contributions from science, NGOs and companies provided a comprehensive view of the challenges and possible solutions. Information on the individual workshops can be found in the final report linked below. In addition, the recordings of the sessions are available on the following page:
ZNU: Center for Sustainable Leadership

Overall, the presentations and discussions provided a good introduction to the various topics. However, it also became clear that more time is often needed to grasp the depth and complexity and to examine it from different perspectives. Many aspects of sustainability are still under-researched today, both in the natural and social sciences and in business practice. For example, reducing emissions in agriculture while maintaining or increasing yields is a global challenge that is still being worked on at full speed. Significant progress can be made by applying the strategies and solutions presented. Systematic and widespread implementation could bring companies much closer to achieving a balance between the three dimensions of sustainability - economic, ecological and social.

ZNU - Center for Sustainable Leadership at Witten/Herdecke University

Project management: Dr. Julius Wenzig

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Final report "Digital workshop series: Sustainability in the supply chains of spices and other plant-based raw materials"