​​​Low Carbon Malt: Opportunities for Supply Chain Collaboration

MBAA TQ http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/TQ-50-1-0323-01 | VIEW ARTICLE
 
Nigel Davies. Muntons plc, Cedars Maltings, Suffolk, UK
 
Abstract
It is untenable to simply say your business is sustainable these days; instead, it must be proven that in very practical ways you are serious about making changes right along the supply chain. Food security is on the agenda for many governments as they continue to wrestle to impress the impact of climate change in an ever-shortening timeframe for action. A detailed analysis of carbon footprint has led the malting company Muntons to challenge the supply chain to adopt major changes in practice from farming to consumer by collaboration and discussion of carbon hotspots. Combining education, systems support, and challenging normal practice has proved effective in engaging those who have to date sat on the periphery not knowing how to contribute. The benefits of being “green” and environmentally aware are frequently found to be financially viable and to develop a competitive advantage. Opportunities to develop new products and different ways of using raw materials can be cost effective and address environmental concerns. In practice, the translation of concept to real change is unlocked by being practically sustainable and working with the entire supply chain to encourage and lead environmental excellence.
Keywords: carbon footprint, farming, GHG emissions, malting, supply chain, sustainability
 
Synthesis
You cannot simply say that your business is not sustainable, since it would be necessary to verify in a practical way that you seriously think about implementing changes in the supply chain. Food safety is the subject of many governments who think that the impact of climate change will be compressed in an increasingly shorter time frame, making it difficult to take curative actions in time. A detailed analysis of the “carbon footprint” has led Munton Malt to challenge its supply chain to adopt major changes from farming practice to consumer, through collaboration and discussion of hot topics. The combination of education, Supporting systems and not accepting hitherto "normal" practices has had an effect on those who do not know how to contribute to trying to solve the problem of climate change. Being "green" and aware of environmental issues is often financially viable and can even develop into a competitive advantage. Opportunities to develop new products and different ways of harnessing raw materials can lead to economic benefits, as well as addressing environmental concerns. In practice, the translation of some concepts into real changes is sustainable by working with the entire chain of suppliers to urge and take the lead in improving the environment. Being "green" and aware of environmental issues is often financially viable and can even develop into a competitive advantage. Opportunities to develop new products and different ways of harnessing raw materials can lead to economic benefits, as well as addressing environmental concerns. In practice, the translation of some concepts into real changes is sustainable by working with the entire chain of suppliers to urge and take the lead in improving the environment. Being "green" and aware of environmental issues is often financially viable and can even develop into a competitive advantage. Opportunities to develop new products and different ways of harnessing raw materials can lead to economic benefits, as well as addressing environmental concerns. In practice, the translation of some concepts into real changes is sustainable by working with the entire chain of suppliers to urge and take the lead in improving the environment.
Keywords: agriculture, supply chain, greenhouse gas emissions, “carbon footprint”, malting, sustainability