Hospitality Supply Chains: Massive footprint or a force of good?
13 experts shared their view
Slowly but surely, supply chains and procurement practices are taking their rightful place on hospitality's sustainability agendas. For too long, the negative environmental and socio-economic impacts linked to the industry's procurement practices have remained unnoticed, overlooked and, ultimately, accepted. Whether food and beverages (F&B), furniture, fixture and equipment (FF&E), operational supply and equipment (OS&E), utilities or services, there is room for improvement in every stage and in every area. In a highly competitive market such as the hotel industry, decision are often driven by cost efficiency. As a consequence, supply chains are often oriented towards the lowest wages and cheapest materials, especially in regards to OS&E and FF&E. What are the key objectives steering procurement practices in hotels today and tomorrow? Which measures have shown great results and how can improvements be tracked? What does a sustainable supply chain management mean to you and your organisation? And, what role do guests play in supporting sustainable procurement practices?
As the travel industry blossoms from the COVID pandemic, we have a unique opportunity to establish relationships with other like-minded businesses and leaders (such as Bcorp certified companies). Hospitality supply chains should not encroach on ecosystems or communities, locals health and safety is prioritized, companies pay the right taxes in the right place at the right time, employees salary is at least a living wage, and they are subject to fair employment terms, any form of discrimination is eradicated, stakeholders concerns are actively solicited and transparently addressed, local biodiversity is protected, and the activity supports local communities to thrive (local businesses, population have access to food, water, energy, housing, education, and healthcare). We can reduce risks and incorporate a regenerative approach in Hospitality by creating alliances (e.g WBA, ACT), establishing strategic partnerships, and implementing technology. A great example is blockchain technology to improve product traceability, smart contracts, employment conditions (e.g Vechain, SustainChain), environmental protection, human rights risks due diligence verification, and third-party certification The aim is to have operations that generate net-zero GHG emissions, hospitality activity restores ecosystems, and ensures an inclusive, safe, and fair livelihood for communities, employees, and society.