In This Issue

  • 🚢 Decarbonizing Ocean Shipping: A major deal using sustainable fuels.

  • 📦 Sustainable Packaging: Innovations in recycled content and efficiency.

  • 🌳 Amazon Resilience: Big trees proving climate resistant (for now).

  • 🌍 Global Pledges: Half of emissions now covered by climate pledges.

  • 🏛️ California's Mandate: Thousands of companies face new reporting laws.

The Unseen Cost

The convenience of fast fashion comes at a steep environmental price, with online shopping and wasteful disposal practices exacerbating pollution and carbon emissions.

This Week's Briefing

[Logistics] 🚢 DHL, Hapag-Lloyd Sign Deal to Decarbonize Ocean Shipping with Sustainable Fuels
DHL and Hapag-Lloyd have signed a three-year agreement to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions using sustainable marine fuels in ocean shipping. The agreement utilizes a "book and claim" system, decoupling decarbonization from the physical use of sustainable fuels. A first order has already achieved 25,000 tons CO2e emissions reductions.

So What? This partnership demonstrates a tangible method for companies to address Scope 3 emissions in their supply chains, a challenging but crucial aspect of decarbonization. The 'book and claim' system offers flexibility and scalability, potentially accelerating the adoption of sustainable marine fuels despite current supply limitations.

[Materials] 📦 PAC Worldwide Unrolls Sustainable Packaging Innovations at PACK EXPO 2025 - Morningstar
PAC Worldwide is launching sustainable packaging innovations at PACK EXPO 2025, including a Post Consumer Recycled Bubble Roll with 50% recycled content. They are also launching a fixed release liner for their wicketed paper mailer, proven to increase packer throughput by 20-50%. These innovations aim to meet the growing demand for sustainable and efficient eCommerce packaging solutions.

So What? This signifies a shift towards more sustainable materials and streamlined processes in packaging, potentially reducing waste and improving operational efficiency. Professionals in the sustainable supply chain should consider these innovations to reduce their environmental impact and improve productivity.

[Materials] 🌳 Big trees in Amazon more climate-resistant than previously believed
A new study reveals that large trees in the Amazon are growing larger and more numerous, demonstrating resilience to climate change and acting as effective carbon sinks. This growth is attributed to increased CO2 in the atmosphere, which the trees absorb. However, this positive trend is threatened by deforestation, fires, and land clearance, particularly from road construction and agricultural expansion.

So What? This research underscores the critical role of intact, mature forests in climate stabilization and highlights the urgent need to prevent further deforestation. Professionals in sustainable supply chains should prioritize sourcing from regions that actively protect these forests and advocate for policies that limit destructive land-use changes.

[Policy] 🌍 Analysis: Half of global emissions covered by 2035 climate pledges after UN summit in New York
A Carbon Brief analysis reveals that half of global emissions are now covered by 2035 climate pledges after the UN summit. China, Russia, and Turkey were among the nations making new pledge announcements. While 53 countries have submitted their pledges, major emitters like India and Indonesia have yet to do so.

So What? This mixed progress highlights both the increasing global commitment to climate action and the significant gaps that remain. Professionals in the sustainable supply chain need to closely monitor these evolving national policies to anticipate regulatory changes and identify opportunities for low-carbon solutions.

[Policy] 🏛️ California Releases List of More than 4,000 Companies Required to Begin Reporting Under New Climate Disclosure Laws
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released a list of over 4,000 companies required to comply with new state climate reporting laws. These laws mandate disclosures on climate-related risks, opportunities, and value chain greenhouse gas emissions. The regulations impact many large U.S. companies, potentially exceeding the scope of federal climate disclosure rules.

So What? This signifies a major shift in corporate climate accountability, particularly for supply chains linked to California. Supply chain professionals must understand these requirements and prepare for comprehensive emissions reporting to maintain market access and avoid penalties.

A Ray of Hope

Despite the challenges, proven strategies such as vehicle electrification and increased consumer demand for sustainable products offer viable pathways toward significantly reducing our collective carbon footprint.

Innovation Spotlight

[Logistics] 🚚 DP World & Maersk in Electric Banana Deliveries
In a significant move to decarbonize food supply chains, DP World and Maersk have partnered with a major producer to transport bananas from Ecuador to the US using a dedicated fleet of electric trucks. The initiative, which includes a first-of-its-kind charging hub at the Port of Guayaquil, is expected to cut CO2 emissions by up to 400 tonnes annually and sets a new standard for sustainable produce logistics.

So What? This is a powerful, real-world example of tackling the "first mile" emissions of a global supply chain. The partnership demonstrates that major logistics players are now willing to invest in the critical infrastructure needed to make EV fleets viable, providing a tangible and scalable model for reducing Scope 3 emissions in the food and beverage sector.

The Question

With climate pledges falling short, and corporate accountability on the rise, how can supply chain professionals drive real, measurable impact beyond compliance?

Delivered by,
The Team from WovenPattern

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