By Sandhya Menon, Sustainability Advisor, LEMAN Group
Sustainability is no longer just a strategic buzzword – it’s a defining lens through which more and more supply chain decisions are being made.
At LEMAN, we see this every day in our dialogue with customers. The questions they ask have evolved. Beyond cost and lead time, there’s now a strong focus on environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance standards. In other words: ESG.
From optional to essential
What used to be considered “nice to have” is now a non-negotiable in many industries. Whether driven by regulatory requirements, customer expectations, or corporate values, ESG criteria are becoming embedded into procurement strategies and supply chain partnerships.
This is particularly evident in sectors like Pharma, where traceability and responsible sourcing are paramount, and in Lifestyle and Retail, where consumers increasingly demand transparency. But the trend is widespread – and accelerating.
A changing conversation
We’re seeing customers request carbon footprint documentation, demand emissions reporting tools, and ask tough questions about working conditions and ethical standards across the supply chain.
In response, logistics partners like LEMAN must step up. That means offering greater visibility, providing the data that enables informed decisions, and working proactively with customers to support their sustainability goals.
Collaboration is key
It’s also clear that no company can tackle ESG alone. Collaboration is essential – not only between suppliers and customers, but also across departments internally. We need finance to track sustainability-linked KPIs. We need operations to implement greener workflows. And we need leadership buy-in to make sustainability a shared priority.
Where we go from here
For supply chain managers, ESG is no longer a side project. It’s part of the core. And for logistics partners, the role we play is evolving. We’re not just carriers of goods – we’re facilitators of sustainable progress.
At LEMAN, we’re proud to be on that journey – and we’re ready to keep challenging ourselves and supporting our customers as ESG continues to shape the future of supply chains.