Toward a Circular and Slow Supply Chain: France Supply Chain and ADEME Outline the Future by 2050 

Historically, supply chains have beenthe “blind spot ” in national foresight exercises. This program aims to address this gap by demonstrating thatthe coordination of materialflows is a key lever for reducing our material and carbon footprints.

What path should we take to achieve carbon neutrality? To answer this question, ADEME conducted a forward-looking study that , by the end of 2021, had identified four scenarios ranging from radical energy conservation to an approach focused on carbon capture and the maintenance of a consumer society. An update incorporating, among other factors, the effects of the supply chain is planned for 2027, based on the findings of our study.

Drawing on quantified models of energy, resource, and food demand, this unbiased study serves as a basis for discussion to help policymakers and citizens assess the impact and trade-offs of each societal choice.

The project led by France Supply Chain aims to define generic supply chain indicators that characterize the ADEME scenarios and to incorporate the concepts of " slow logistics " and the " circular supply chain " as drivers for a fundamental rethinking of logistics and supply chains.

This study is divided into three phases:

• Phase 1 – Develop a profile of the supply chains for each of the ADEME scenarios and the trend projection through 2050.

• Phase 2 – Deploy and refine the profiles: Collect and analyze data based on feedback from companies in four strategic sectors(construction, automotive, agri-food, and electrical and electronics (EEE)).
• Phase 3 – Define and test supply chain, slow logistics, and circular supply chain indicators across these four sectors: validate the assumptions and adapt them to operational realities.

For Sidonie Boissée, the stakes are now critical: “We are facing a society of accumulation […]. The real question is: what do we do with the stock we have today?” She cites the example of copper, a critical raw material at risk of shortage as early as 2030, to illustrate the urgency of transitioning to an economy based on functionality and value retention within the region.

Following the completion of the first three phases of the project, three indicators were selected:

1. Supply chain indicator: the supply chain’s carbon footprint, defined as the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, expressed in kilograms of CO₂ equivalent emitted per ton of goods produced or placed on the market (kg CO₂e/tkm). This indicator is already widely measured, as it is required for sustainability reporting. 
2. Indicator characterizing the Circular Supply Chain: the supply chain’s material footprint, defined as kgMPV per ton of goods produced. This refers to the total amount of virgin raw materials extracted to support the company’s manufacturing production and/or economic activity. 
3. A metric used to characterize logistics lead time: the time it takes to process an order, defined as the time elapsed between when an order is placed and final delivery to the customer or a distribution point.

The study is now entering a practical phaseof testing these indicators (carbon footprint, material footprint, timelines) with businesses. To ensure these projections are grounded in real-world conditions, your practical perspective is essential.