Global Sourcing & Procurement

Black Powder Is a Single Source Issue for the US Military

The sole domestic source for black powder, a key ingredient in the production of many military explosives such as bullets, mortar shells, and artillery rounds, was shut down nearly two years ago after an explosion destroyed much of the plant in Minden, Louisiana.

The mill is set to reopen in Summer 2023 under new ownership.

This scenario highlights a problem that has become far too common. Supply chains related to national security can be brought to a halt by […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-06-02T04:44:29+00:00June 4, 2023|Tags: inventory management, location planning, maintenance, supply chain|

Amazon’s Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange

Amazon launched a program called Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange (ACX) to keep counterfeiters off its e-commerce platforms and fake goods from entering its warehouses.

Retailers and others who are interested in stopping counterfeiting can share and receive information about counterfeiters on a database maintained by an independent third party. ACX’s collaborative data sharing helps to fight counterfeit crime in the online marketplace.

Video Spotlight:

What is Amazon Transparency and How to Use it as a Seller (Jan 8, 2021, AMZ […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-05-14T06:07:01+00:00May 14, 2023|Tags: counterfeit products, data mining, supply chain security, supply chain transparency|

Is Shein’s Fast Fashion Sustainable?

Chinese company Shein has rapidly taken over as the world’s largest fast fashion company, raking in about $100 billion in sales last year.

Its merchandise is made by thousands of small suppliers in China, and consumers in the United States and Europe make up most of its market. While many are enamored by Shein’s cute and cheap offerings, others are sounding the alarm about the ethics of its practices.

Video Spotlight:

The dark side of Shein’s success […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-03-22T04:32:30+00:00March 24, 2023|Tags: ethics, inventory management, product design, strategy, supply chain, sustainability|

Danone Pledges To Reduce Dairy Methane

Danone, in response to the Global Methane Pledge, has committed to cut methane emissions from its fresh-milk supply chain by 30% over the next seven years.

Danone will work with 58,000 dairy farmers from 20 countries to manage dairy herds, manure and feed additives aiming to cut down on the methane emitted.

Video Spotlight:

Danone aims to cut dairy methane emissions by 30% (Jan 17, 2023, Reuters)
How To Shrink Cows’ Huge […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-01-25T19:56:40+00:00January 26, 2023|Tags: carbon footprint, climate change, food supply chain, greenhouse gas emissions, social and environmental responsibility, sustainability, sustainable sourcing, sustainable supply chain|