The supply chain describes the sum of the processes and stages in the manufacture of a product or service through to completion. In the context of sustainability management, the supply chain plays a special role insofar as immense impacts on the environment and society can occur along the manufacturing steps. Companies bear great responsibility, especially for products that have a global supply chain. Due to weaker or lacking regulations on environmental protection and human rights in developing countries, the impact of production there is enormous.
In terms of sustainable development, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to consider and organise not only the supply chain but also the subsequent phases of the life cycle of their products. For many physical products, a large part of the ecological footprint results from the use and disposal of the products.
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