Supply Chain Case Study

    Past blog posts have discussed topics such as packaging and personal, protective equipment (PPE) throughout the pandemic. On the other hand, it is important to understand how company supply chains have affected sustainability during the pandemic.


    A supply chain is a system a company uses to receive and deliver its products. This can include ships, trucks, planes, or any other method of transporting goods. Several big-name companies have an adverse impact on the environment, and this issue has even worsened during the pandemic. Namely, one article highlights how Amazon is not sustainable, ethical, or even the most affordable. In 2020, Amazon emitted 60.64 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is a 15% increase from the year before the pandemic began (CNBC). Amazon’s supply chain system is notoriously unsustainable, as transporting items to your house in under 24 hours requires plenty of energy and labor to achieve. 


    Since the pandemic, Amazon has also faced several lawsuits, as the company has neglected to pay many of its vulnerable employees in low-income countries (ReMake). In an effort to improve sustainability, the company launched an initiative called Climate Pledge Friendly, which certifies which items are sustainable and organic. This initiative, however, does not address how they can decrease their carbon footprint and make their supply chain more sustainable. 


    While this case study is not a new startup, this article should make you brainstorm how you think you can create a new company or innovative idea that could address this problem. What type of technology or equipment do you think is necessary to improve sustainability within businesses/corporations? What do you think Amazon could do better to improve sustainability efforts? Feel free to comment below and engage with your peers!



Good luck, and reach out with any questions! bvcbmunlxx@bmun.org or cwherritt@bmun.org. 

Best regards,

Celine Wherritt

BVC Head Chair, BMUN LXX



P.S. Here are some other articles you may find interesting/helpful as you create your innovative idea.



I also thought these key terms will be relevant to you during your research and preparation for the conference.

  • Greenwashing: The process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s product is more environmentally friendly than in reality. 

    • When drafting your solutions, one option is to improve an existing business model (i.e. Amazon’s supply chain system). Be cautious of companies that greenwash. You want to make sure your solution genuinely helps the environment!

  • Corporate social responsibility: A concept where companies integrate social and environmental concerns into their business operations and interactions. This is different from creating your own business idea because it is built into an already existing company. 



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