IIMB’s Supply Chain Sustainability Lab develops first-ever industry tools to reduce carbon footprint
3 April, 2024, Bengaluru: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has collaborated with wellness company and community Herbalife India for the TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab, making a significant contribution to sustainable supply chain education and innovation. Launched in 2023, the TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab aims to advance sustainable supply chain practices, dissemination, and advocacy through research and development initiatives. The last year has seen the lab leading the charge for sustainable supply chains, tackling plastic packaging usage, and pursuing net-zero impact..
The TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab takes a comprehensive five-pronged approach to sustainability – knowledge creation (tools, research), expert consulting for businesses, and encouraging a collaborative ecosystem through supplier assessment, education and industry partnerships.
A core focus of the Lab's mission is empowering businesses through the development and implementation of practical tools. These first-of-their-kind tools include the Transportation Emission Measurement Tool (TEMT), which measures emissions across various transportation modes. Companies can leverage this data to make informed decisions that minimize their carbon footprint. Complementing TEMT is the Carbon Accounting Tool, specifically designed for the Indian market which calculates Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. This provides businesses, particularly MSMEs, with a comprehensive environmental assessment.
In the last year, the lab benefitted more than 100 organizations with its tools, launched five case studies on sustainable supply chain management, and published research articles, white papers and thought leadership pieces.
This initiative has played a significant role in advancing knowledge and capacity building in sustainable supply chain management. Through insightful case studies and thought leadership articles, it has highlighted innovative approaches. Additionally, strategic collaborations with like-minded organizations have facilitated knowledge sharing and collaborative research projects, contributing to a deeper understanding of sustainable supply chain practices.
Dr. Aditya Gupta, COO, TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab, says that the lab is making significant contribution to sustainable supply chain education and innovation. “Through insightful research, industry collaboration and practical tools, we are bridging the gap between theory and practice, empowering businesses of all sizes to build a more sustainable future. Our collaboration with Herbalife is poised to make a substantial contribution to the country's journey towards achieving net-zero emissions."
Uday Prakash, Vice President – Operations and Finance, Herbalife India, says, “Our partnership with IIMB is a cornerstone of Herbalife India's commitment to sustainability. This collaboration is consistent with our commitment to sustainability and to playing our role in driving positive change. We are developing innovative solutions, like closed-loop packaging systems, to create a more sustainable future. By leveraging successful case studies, implementing impactful tools, and collaborating with industry leaders, we are adapting best practices to suit the Indian context. Together, we are on a path to a greener future, inspiring others by encouraging a more sustainable supply chain ecosystem.”
About Herbalife
Herbalife is a premier health and wellness company and community that has been changing people's lives with superior nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors, since 1980. The company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community inspiring their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle in order to live their best life.
About TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab
The TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab at IIMB is envisioned as a unique and one-of-a-kind lab that focuses on sustainable supply chain practices, dissemination and advocacy. The lab's activities are primarily centred around the 5 Cs: content creation (tools, research papers, white papers and case studies), consulting services for organizations on their sustainability journeys (carbon mapping, measurement, mitigation and management), certification and assessment of suppliers on sustainability initiatives, coaching students and executives on sustainability, and collaborating with organizations to create a supportive ecosystem. Dedicated to creating sustainable solutions in decarbonization, circular economy, mitigation and climate resilience, the lab aims to promote the widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices in organizations and supply chains. It aims to establish collaborations with industry leaders, governmental agencies and academic institutions to achieve its objectives.