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October 14, 2024

Circular Supply Chain: 1rs retex of the 4 workshops

As part of the transition to a circular economy, companies are seeking to transform their models to meet environmental and societal challenges. However, this transition remains complex, particularly for Supply Chains, where flow management, traceability and interoperability are essential. In collaboration with Citwell, we ran a series of workshops throughout 2024 dedicated to building circular Supply Chains.

Circularity

A circular supply chain: yes, but how?

Moving to a circular supply chain is a pressing necessity for many companies seeking to adopt more sustainable models. However, the complexity lies not only in managing flows. 

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Many manufacturers and economic players would like to switch to the circular economy, but don't have all the information and skills they need to make this pivot.

Camille Demarquilly,
Michelin Vice President Global Supply Chain Engineering

That's why our workshops aim to provide concrete tools and feedback to help you take this step. The supply chain is a crucial lever in the successful transition to the circular economy. In-depth collaboration, inventory and demand planning, and flow optimization are becoming priorities for ensuring effective circularity.

Key Themes for a Successful Circular Supply Chain

Our workshops cover several areas critical to the success of a circular supply chain, including :

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Circular planning

Adapt traditional planning tools to meet the specific needs of the circular economy.

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Extending product lifespan

Thanks to eco-design, remanufacturing, repair and retrofit, products are used longer, reducing the demand for new resources.

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Circular logistics

Optimizing return flows and managing logistics loops make these new models competitive.

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Traceability

Transparency about the flows and players involved is essential for an efficient circular supply chain.

These topics were addressed through concrete testimonials from various companies, and were complemented by working sessions in sub-groups on the notions of sizing and multi-locality, circularity management, and data and operational management.

Opening workshop bringing together institutions, researchers and supply chain players
Opening workshop bringing together institutions, researchers and supply chain players.

The Orange Example: Traceability and Value Sharing

Orange is a good example of how a circular supply chain can be both efficient and inclusive. The model for their boxes, designed to be circular from the outset, is based on total control of the loop, ensuring exemplary traceability. Orange limits the diversity of its models (only a dozen or so), which facilitates repair, renovation and continuous improvement processes. Their model also includes a strong partnership with ESATs, reinforcing the social value of the system.

Some key points of their approach:

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Owned by Orange

Control of the supply chain is facilitated by the fact that the boxes remain the property of the company, which simplifies monitoring and equipment renovation.

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Partnership with manufacturers
Eco-design becomes a necessity to harmonize the two models, circular and linear.
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Continuous improvement
Orange regularly demands innovations and improvements from its suppliers, integrating environmental and financial performance criteria at every stage of the product life cycle.

This cooperation between the various players creates shared value, while integrating the social and environmental dimension into every decision.

The workshops conducted with Citwell on building circular Supply Chains clearly show that the transition to a circular economy is not only possible, but also beneficial for businesses, the environment and society. Concrete examples from our members demonstrate that this transformation, although complex, can bring increased resilience to the Supply Chain, while generating opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

The publication of a methodological guide at the end of these workshops will provide the community of supply chain professionals with the tools they need to succeed in this transformation, while reconciling economic performance and environmental impact.

RENDEZ-VOUS
DECEMBER 5 AT RISC

TO FIND OUT ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

RISC: inspiring and daring new models for a frugal and desirable supply chain
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