Critical analysis of the issue
The waste hierarchy is the basis for a circular economy that has changed consumption and business models. It emphasizes prevention, reduction, and reuse or recycling as important waste management methods for achieving sustainability goals, including SDG 12. Reducing waste generation and unnecessary resource use is critical to protecting the planet. According to Muff et al. (2020), businesses are challenged to contribute to the climate change challenge, highlighting the need for responsible leadership. Greenhouse gas emission is an urgent environmental challenge that requires ethical business leaders. Substantial reduction of companies’ carbon footprint will contribute to global sustainability goals. Unsustainable farming methods in Ivory Coast to meet the high demand for chocolate in industrialized economies suggest a lack of resource-efficient consumption (Perkis et al., 2021). Unless efficiency is prioritized, the planet will become resource-constrained, driving up costs.
Prevention of waste generation is necessary to curb pollution, which is usually the result of resource exploitation. Raw materials pose environmental risks, which can be prevented through specific measures. For example, Freise and Seuring (2015) indicate that stakeholder pressure and legal requirements will compel compliance with environmental standards by companies in the clothing industry. These requirements entail treating industrial wastewater before release to prevent pollution. Waste can also be prevented by conducting a supply chain audit to determine areas that need improvement. Aschendbrand et al. (2018) note that an ethical supply chain is beneficial to the planet and profitability. The challenge is auditing the supplier’s operations to prevent waste and instill efficiency.
For businesses, substantially reducing waste creates a positive reputation that can lead to competitive gains. A waste audit followed by recycling or reuse of materials would improve the image of the company among socially and environmentally conscious consumers (Aschendbrand et al., 2018). Such actions would be amplified through social media posts to influence purchase decisions. It would also stimulate the market for recycled materials, reducing the demand for non-renewable raw materials. In addition, efficient use of materials reduces costs associated with shipment and production. Therefore, prevention, reduction, and reuse of waste have reputational and financial benefits for companies.
Corporate sustainability would only be possible through waste prevention, reduction, and reuse. Sector-specific codes of conduct have been developed to compel climate action from multinational enterprises (Benn & Dunphy, 2007). The goal is to spur collective action against societal challenges, including poor waste management and inefficiencies in overseas operations. Mandating and enforcing specific laws locally and internationally, including waste levies, would avert environmental risks, such as drought and floods (Freise & Seuring, 2015). Therefore, long-term solutions are needed to adapt enterprises to waste prevention and reuse.
Current Status
Saudi Airlines’ Fly Sustainably program is designed to curb waste generation. The aim is to identify strategies for reducing carbon emissions per flight and providing organic vegetables produced with efficient technology, contributing to a sustainable future. Specific actions undertaken presently by the airline include using fuel-efficient engines, recyclable food packaging materials, and reusable service equipment, as well as flight optimization. In addition, Saudi Airlines packages its products in non-plastic, fully compostable material to prevent pollution from plastic waste.
Recommendations
1. Saudi Airlines should reduce material waste across its supply chains. Although the airline has implemented actions to reduce waste, similar measures have not been adopted by its suppliers and partners. A waste audit at each level of the supply chain will reveal areas that need improvement (Aschendbrand et al., 2018). Pressure from the airline can force suppliers to comply with minimum environmental standards.
2. The airline should engage other stakeholders on environmental issues, including carbon tax (Freise & Seuring, 2015). Through engagements with governments and customers, Saudi Airlines will commit to reducing its carbon footprint by increasing sustainable flights.
3. Saudi Airlines should reward suppliers who use sustainable production methods. It should award them sustainability points for using technology to reduce waste of raw materials and optimize operations (Perkiss et al., 2021). In addition, the airline should compel them to adhere to minimum standards on waste reduction, reuse, and prevention.
References
Aschendbrand, J., Proctor, J., & Trebilcock, B. (2018). The ethical supply chain. Web.
Benn, S., & Dunphy, D. (2007). Corporate governance and sustainability: Challenges for theory and practice. Routledge.
Freise, M., & Seuring, S. (2015). Social and environmental risk management in supply chains: A survey in the clothing industry. Logistics Research, 8(2), 1-12. Web.
Muff, K., Lietchi, A., & Dyllick, T. (2020). How to apply responsible leadership theory in practice: A competency tool to collaborate on sustainable development goals. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 27(5), 2254-2274. Web.
Perkiss, S., Bernardi, C., Dumay, J., & Haslam, J. (2021). A sticky chocolate problem: Impression management and counter accounts in the shaping of corporate image. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 81, 1-11. Web.