The Future of Sustainable Supply Chains: Key Insights from OECD 2026 Discussions
Our very own Beatrice Snider is back from the OECD discussions — a few themes clearly shaping what’s next for supply chains and sustainability:
1. EU ban on destroying unsold goods (from July 2026)
Brands are rethinking overproduction as unsold apparel and footwear will no longer be allowed to be destroyed. The conversation now is: how do we balance efficiency without creating excess stock or risking stockouts? Demand-responsive production, better forecasting, and faster supply chain decision-making are quickly becoming non-negotiable.
2. Workers’ voices matter in due diligence
Audits alone aren’t enough anymore. Industry conversations are shifting toward giving workers safe, trusted channels to raise concerns. Challenges remain around access, trust, and how grievance data is used — but collaboration across brands, governments, and worker organizations will be key.
3. ROI & audit fatigue remain critical
With regulatory pressure rising across the EU and US, sustainability and compliance teams are under pressure to prove ROI. At the same time, suppliers continue to face heavy audit burdens, with some facilities spending hundreds of days per year on certifications. Reducing duplication through collaboration and smarter partnerships remains a priority.
Also top of mind for manufacturers:
- Protecting workers from external shocks (tariffs, pandemics)
- Recycling and circularity progress
- Trade compliance complexity
- Certification overload
- Finding ways to reduce reliance on audits while maintaining standards
While some of these conversations feel familiar, many organizations are only now starting their journey — meaning there’s still strong opportunity to lead and support smarter supply chain transformation.
