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Hi, Tom Raftery here! In this special episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I look back on 2024's 47 episodes of the podcast. Fittingly given the rise in popularity of AI, I do this through the lens of Google Notebook's AI-generated insights. So in this 2024 review, we’re unpacking three major themes from the year:

1. AI’s Role in Sustainability: From satellite monitoring of deforestation to predictive maintenance that cuts waste and improves safety, AI has revolutionised how companies approach sustainability.
2. Collaboration is Key: Sustainability thrives on partnerships, whether it’s businesses working with suppliers to tackle Scope 3 emissions or startups collaborating with corporates for fresh solutions. It’s all about breaking down silos and raising the bar together.
3. Circular Economy in Action: Moving from “take, make, waste” to “reduce, reuse, recycle,” businesses are finding innovative ways to repurpose waste and rethink design for lasting impact.

2024 proved sustainability isn’t optional—it’s essential for resilience, growth, and survival. I’ll be back on 6th January with exciting new episodes. Happy holidays and here’s to a sustainable 2025!

What’s Next?
Catch upcoming episodes with Jenna Fink and Kristin Naragon. Like, share, and subscribe to keep the momentum going!

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I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

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In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sit down with Kayla Broussard, CTO for the Consumer and Travel Market at Kyndryl, to explore how data and technology are reshaping supply chains to be more resilient, efficient, and sustainable.

Kayla walks us through some of the biggest challenges in supply chains today, from waste generated by defective products and discarded materials to fragile global networks vulnerable to disruption. She explains how technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and digital twins are being deployed to address these challenges, creating smarter, more connected supply chains.

We dive into real-world examples from industry leaders like Walmart, Unilever, Tesla, and Procter & Gamble, examining how data-powered strategies are reducing food waste, optimising transport routes, and improving resource efficiency. Kayla also shares insights into the often-overlooked environmental cost of managing data itself and offers practical tips for companies to reduce their digital carbon footprint.

One standout theme in our conversation is the concept of treating data as a product. Kayla discusses how this approach enables companies to foster better collaboration and drive innovation by making data more accessible and actionable across their supply chain ecosystems.

We also touch on emerging technologies like private 5G networks, IoT devices, and AI-driven automation, which are enhancing visibility and efficiency across the supply chain. K

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

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In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by Aaron Lober, Vice President of Marketing at CADDi, to explore how data-driven manufacturing is reshaping the industry. Manufacturing, as we know, is the backbone of our global economy, but it’s grappling with challenges like rising costs, a retiring workforce, and the urgent need for sustainability. Aaron shares compelling insights into how leveraging historical data can help address these issues while improving efficiency and profitability.

We dive into CADDi’s innovative approach to manufacturing intelligence, which equips organisations with the tools to make smarter, faster decisions. By centralising decades of historical parts and production data, manufacturers can reduce procurement costs, optimise supply chains, and tackle the perennial question: Have we built this before?

Aaron also touches on the value of institutional knowledge as manufacturers face a wave of retirements in the coming years. We discuss practical strategies for preserving that knowledge through data systems, ensuring a seamless transfer to the next generation of workers.

Sustainability is, of course, a focal point. We talk about how manufacturers can integrate sustainable practices without sacrificing efficiency or profitability, from reshoring suppliers to using AI for carbon footprint analysis.

And looking ahead, Aaron predicts the transformative role of emerging technologies like AI in improving labour productivity, streamlining

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

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In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Jon Goriup, Co-Founder and CEO of VCG AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way industries think about waste and sustainability. Jon and his team are pioneering an innovative approach to transforming industrial byproducts into valuable resources, helping companies cut emissions and uncover new revenue streams in the process.

We delve into the mechanics of circular value chains, where waste becomes an asset rather than a liability. Jon explains how VCG AI uses cutting-edge data analytics and AI to map material flows, evaluate waste streams, and recommend optimal upcycling processes—saving companies time and resources while delivering tangible economic and environmental benefits.

Some of the key highlights include:

• The shift in mindset as companies realise the economic potential of waste and embrace circular supply chains.
• Real-world examples, such as transforming spent grains and yeast from breweries into high-value food ingredients.
• How AI accelerates decision-making and implementation, allowing firms to move from analysis to action quickly and effectively.
• The challenges companies face, from navigating complex regulations to addressing non-core business activities, and how these can be mitigated.
• The role of collaboration across supply chains and how VCG AI is enabling large-scale circular transformations, even at the regional level.

Jon also shares how industries and governments can work together to accelerate this transition, the KPIs that matter most, and the broader implications for sustainability globally.

If you’re curious about how technology is reshaping sustainability or looking to gain practical insights i

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

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Send me a message

In this episode, I sit down with Kenny McGee, CEO and founder of Component Sense, to explore how his company is driving sustainability in the electronics industry. Kenny shares the story behind Component Sense’s origins—born out of a pressing need to manage surplus electronic components—and how it has grown into a leader in redistributing excess inventory.

We dig into some hard truths about waste in the electronics supply chain. Did you know that millions of brand-new components are scrapped every year simply because they’re surplus to requirements? Kenny explains how Component Sense prevents this waste by redistributing unused, traceable parts to businesses that need them, ensuring valuable resources don’t end up in landfills.

From navigating financial crises and COVID-19 to tackling Brexit’s logistical headaches, Kenny’s journey highlights the challenges of running a purpose-driven business. He also discusses how his team has developed innovative tools, such as their InPlant system, to integrate seamlessly into clients' supply chains, making redistribution both easy and profitable.

We also touch on broader industry challenges, including the rise of counterfeit components, the regulatory gaps around circularity, and the urgent need for global, not just local, sustainability efforts. Kenny makes a compelling case for prioritising reuse over waste, urging businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact.

Towards the end, we explore the fascinating role legacy components

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

Thanks for listening.

Send me a message

In this episode of The Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Thom Campbell, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Capacity LLC, a leading third-party logistics and fulfilment company. Thom shares fascinating insights from his 25 years in the industry, where sustainability has evolved from an afterthought to a core priority.

We discuss how Capacity has woven sustainability into its operations, from banning styrofoam peanuts over two decades ago to installing solar panels across their warehouses. Thom dives into consolidated shipping—a practice that not only cuts emissions but also optimises costs for retailers and brands alike.

The conversation also explores the practicalities of energy-efficient facilities, including achieving LEED and ENERGY STAR certifications, and the role of AI and robotics in logistics. Thom outlines how AI has transformed their processes, from improving order batching to speeding up robotic learning curves, with significant implications for sustainability.

We also address the regulatory landscape, including California’s WARE programme, and how businesses can adapt without breaking the bank. Thom candidly shares the challenges of aligning with client sustainability goals, particularly for influencer-driven brands where packaging and presentation are under constant scrutiny.

Finally, Thom offers his take on the ongoing debate between e-commerce and traditional retail, as well as the clutter businesses must eliminate to achieve “sustainabilit

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

Thanks for listening.

Send me a message

In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sit down with Ganesh Gandhieswaran, Co-Founder and CEO of ConverSight, to dive into how data and AI are transforming sustainable supply chains. Ganesh’s extensive background in data analytics for manufacturing and supply chains sets the stage as we discuss how AI and data integration can offer deep insights for companies aiming to meet sustainability targets.

Ganesh explains how today’s data-rich environment provides new opportunities for companies to make informed decisions about carbon emissions, resource usage, and overall environmental impact. Yet, he’s quick to highlight the challenges – from integrating data across global suppliers to ensuring data quality and consistency. With AI and predictive analytics, Ganesh demonstrates how companies can not only monitor but actively manage sustainability efforts, predicting issues before they arise and adjusting strategies on the go.

We also touch on the importance of data visualisation tools in making sense of complex sustainability metrics, enabling leaders to see patterns and act quickly. From predictive maintenance to the transition toward a circular economy, Ganesh’s insights show that technology can genuinely underpin a greener supply chain – but only if organisations take a structured, measurable approach. It’s an episode filled with actionable takeaways for any company looking to leverage data for a sustainable future.

Have a listen, and let me know your thoughts on LinkedIn or Twitter (@tomraftery).

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

Thanks for listening.

Send me a message

In this episode, which is generously sponsored by Component Sense, I sit down with Joanne Flinn, Chair of the ESG Institute, to unpack what it really means to push sustainability forward in business, far beyond the usual carbon targets. Joanne shares her personal journey to becoming an advocate for sustainable transformation, influenced by her father’s work in agricultural economics and her early exposure to global sustainability issues.

We dig into the critical work the ESG Institute is doing to guide companies on their ESG journeys, especially around complex challenges like value chain sustainability and the need for clarity in multi-stakeholder decision-making. Joanne explains the Institute's “Sustainability Readiness Profiles,” a practical tool to help companies identify their ESG maturity and shape their approach accordingly – whether they’re observers, pledgers, compliers, or transformers.

We also discuss the mindset shifts needed to make sustainability integral to business strategies: moving from short-term gains to long-term resilience and embracing multi-dimensional goals beyond simple profit metrics. Joanne even makes an unexpected (but spot-on) connection between ESG in business and the evolving safety standards in rugby.

Tune in to learn why approaching sustainability as a “game of lifting standards” can drive real change, and what steps leaders can take now to create a thriving, resilient future.

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

Thanks for listening.

Send me a message

In this episode of the *Sustainable Supply Chain* podcast, I sit down with Karl McDermott, Chief SaaS Officer at DeltaTrak, to dive deep into the complex world of cold chain logistics and explore how data is transforming this critical industry. With 35 years under their belt, DeltaTrak has moved from paper-based temperature monitoring to real-time data, unlocking insights that are reshaping how fresh and frozen goods travel across the globe. 

Karl unpacks the evolution of temperature tracking tech – from USB loggers to advanced real-time monitoring. These innovations enable better control over temperature-sensitive products, reduce waste, and improve food quality. We also discuss the impact of climate change on the cold chain and how rising global temperatures place added pressure on logistics.

An intriguing point Karl brings up is the industry’s shift from traditional temperature standards (like -18°C) to more energy-efficient options, as well as the integration of real-time data to predict shelf life, calculate carbon emissions, and enable new insurance and financing models. Plus, with regulations like FISMA 204 in the US and sustainability demands in the EU, there’s no doubt compliance is driving change, but DeltaTrak is turning that compliance into competitive advantage.

If you're interested in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and supply chain management, this episode is packed with insights. Join us as we unpack the future of cold chain with a seasoned industry leader

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

Thanks for listening.

Send me a message

In this episode of The Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by Spencer Malcolm, Principal at Forsyth Advisors, to delve into a pragmatic approach to supply chain sustainability. Spencer brings over 20 years of experience in leadership across multiple industries, from manufacturing, to distribution and strategic sourcing.

Throughout our conversation, Spencer outlines how supply chains are evolving, with a particular focus on balancing the capital-S Sustainability (environmental impact) with lowercase-s sustainability (ensuring initiatives are both long-term and viable). We discuss the pitfalls companies often face when trying to "check the sustainability box" without real commitment, and why focusing on real, measurable returns can ensure a sustainable future.

Spencer also shares his views on reshoring as a growing trend in response to global disruptions and explains how finding the right partners, and maintaining diversity in supply sourcing, is crucial for both environmental and operational sustainability. We explore how technology, while promising, should be used wisely—particularly AI, which Spencer cautions against over-relying on as a silver bullet.

Finally, we touch on a key theme: accountability—whether that’s holding vendors to higher standards or measuring KPIs that ensure both sustainability and profitability. As Spencer notes, supply chain leaders must be armed with the right data and prepared for the long haul if they want to make a real

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

Thanks for listening.

Send me a message

In this episode, I sit down with Julian Harris, the founder and CEO of Robobai, a supply chain analytics platform. Julian’s got extensive experience building tech companies across Europe and now in Asia, and in our chat, he shares how AI-driven data analytics can transform supply chain management for large organisations. Robobai’s focus is simple but effective: Know More, Buy Better.

We discuss the key challenges many companies face—lack of visibility into their spend, complexity from multiple ERP systems, and growing regulatory pressure around sustainability. Julian explains how Robobai aggregates and analyses data from diverse sources to give organisations a clear picture of their suppliers, uncovering opportunities for savings, identifying risks, and helping clients make more sustainable choices.

Some of the episode’s highlights include:

• How Robobai helps big brands like Coca-Cola and MasterCard manage billions in spend across thousands of suppliers.
• The role of AI in classifying data, identifying modern slavery risks, and reducing emissions.
• A proactive approach to supplier diversity and sustainability, from supporting Indigenous suppliers to tracking carbon footprints.
• Why top-down legislation is becoming the primary driver of sustainability in supply chains, and what’s coming next in terms of compliance.

If you're keen to understand how AI can streamline supply chain operations while improving sustainability, this episode is packed with acti

Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.

Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.

Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.

Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.

Act today. Influence the future.

Support the show

Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• Olivier Brusle
• Alicia Farag
• Kieran Ognev

And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.

Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:
If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!

Finally
If you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.

If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it.

Thanks for listening.