The one thing companies need to build a more ethical, sustainable supply chain

Scott Tannen, founder of Boll & Branch, emphasized that massive organizations with mainstream supply chains often don't have transparency about sourcing materials, making it hard for employees or consumers to understand the product's origins. He stated, 'The way their supply chain works was passed down to them by somebody else, and passed down to that person from someone before.' This lack of inquiry accessibility demonstrates a structural issue in the industry.

Tannen shared the implications of cotton farming on human health and finance, noting that the conditions for workers in developing countries are dire. He remarked on the suffering of Indian cotton farmers, many of whom have taken their lives due to overwhelming debt exacerbated by the high costs of genetically modified seeds. This stark reality highlighted the urgent need for better practices in sourcing raw materials.

Regarding his journey to create Boll & Branch’s supply chain, Tannen said, 'That became a first choice. And then that choice begets another choice and another choice and another choice.' He illustrated how one informed decision leads to a series of better choices, ultimately prompting a constructive evolution in how products can be ethically and sustainably produced.

The article discusses the inherent challenges traditional companies face when trying to reform their supply chains. Tannen mentioned that financial concerns often inhibit supply chain transparency and development. He noted, 'an employee... might be met with some resistance-like a CFO bringing up how supply chain tweaks could affect margins,' which underscores the tension between ethical production and profit margins.

Read at Fast Company