The modern definition of sustainability has broadened the scope recognizing the interconnectedness between environmental health, social prosperity and economic well-being. This describes a sustainability framework that encompasses a company’s impact on the planet, people and profit. Reusable packaging is a good example of a transformative systems change that can lead to both immediate financial returns and long-term economic value creation. However, transitioning to a reusable system is often not prioritized in management due to an incomplete picture of the greater sustainability potential. Systems thinking can help to identify broken or underperforming areas and to establish the foundation for process change and continuous improvement. A complete system of reuse can be an instrument to bridge and advance the connections and performance in the entire supply chain.
-Lisa James
