Innovative initiatives to improve the social and environmental impact of supply chains

Bilbao, October 31, 2024 - Yesterday, in the framework of the European projects ReSChape (Reshaping Supply Chains for Positive Social Impact) and CROCEMS (Collaborative Robotics for Circular Economy in Manufacturing Sectors), the University of Deusto organized a breakfast-colloquium to raise awareness of various innovative initiatives and strategies aimed at improving the social and environmental impact of supply chains. The event took place in the Atrium of the Library-CRAI of the University of Deusto.

The day began with a welcome and presentation of the workshop by Dr. Rosanna Fornasiero of the CNR, coordinator of the ReSChape project. Afterwards, Dr. José Luis Retolaza and Dr. Alberto de la Calle from the University of Deusto, another project partner, explained the importance of social responsibility and its implementation in companies.

The event served as a platform for the presentation of the latest developments of the European ReSChape project, which aims to transform supply chains through more sustainable and resilient practices. The CROCEMS project, focused on the circular economy as a growth tool for the manufacturing industry, was also discussed.

One of the highlights was the roundtable on “Social Accounting and Responsible Supply Chains,” where industry leaders such as Iñigo Aizpuru (IHOBE), Ramón Bernal (Lantegi Batuak) and Galo Álvarez (Vidrala) shared their experiences and perspectives on the application of social accounting in their operations. This tool makes it possible to measure and reflect the contribution of organizations to society, evaluating their impact on workers, customers, suppliers and the community.

The second part of the meeting, led by Dr. Alicia Martínez de Yuso of the Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC), focused on social, economic and environmental sustainability in logistics outsourcing. During this interactive workshop, the research results of the ReSChape project were presented, including a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) designed to measure the impact of outsourcing on employment and working conditions. Participants validated these KPIs and discussed their applicability in industrial settings, contributing to the development of recommendations for balancing business efficiency with favorable labor conditions.

The event concluded with a closing session, leaving attendees with valuable insights on how companies can generate positive social impact through innovative supply chain management strategies.

About ReSChape

The EU-funded ReSChape project focuses on the analysis of social, economic and environmental changes and disruptions to assess their impact on supply chains (SC). Through it, new SC models will be proposed to secure a more efficient and people-centered process, using digital technologies. The project aims to increase resilience and sustainability in the EU through strategies for resource efficiency and digitalization. It will also develop innovative tools to track sectors' business patterns and define mechanisms to assess the relationship between disruptions and SCs. Based on its results, innovative scenarios will be devised with recommendations for future global value chains, promoting fair, inclusive and sustainable trade.