As we started to emerge from the global coronavirus crisis that exposed the cracks in our global economic interdependence and the fragility of our industry, especially our supply chains, we then leapt straight into the war in the Ukraine blowing up commodity markets, while the impacts of climate change continually tighten the screws on the way in which we conduct business. The relative speed at which unprecedented events such as these are becoming ‘the norm’ are challenging and inspiring companies to consider bold moves in rebuilding their supply chains for the future. For decades the aspirational business models that people have been striving towards in the name of progress and growth have, in a short time, been shown to be unpredictable, unreliable, and increasingly many would say, unfit or purpose.
This interview with Andrew Martin discusses what these signposts are telling us and what questions are they asking: Are we on the road to deglobalization? Are we doing enough to adapt and adjust how traditional supply chains work? How can, and should we adapt to risks in the global economy?
Andrew Martin as VP, Membership and Stakeholder Engagement, is responsible for implementing the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s global member, stakeholder engagement and public affairs strategies, to drive the organisation’s vision of: “A global consumer goods industry that gives more than it takes — to the planet and its people.” During his career, including more than 20 years in global textile manufacturing, he has worked for a multi-national corporation, his own consultancy, and more recently in the education and non-profit sectors, building extensive strategic & operational experience, driving system-wide change in: Sustainability / CSR / Responsible Business / Ethical Sourcing & Procurement. A personal highlight of his work, experience and interest is the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, and its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, an alternative progressive values-based model for measuring and guiding economic, societal, and personal well-being.
Interviews: Jessica Ceotto
Video editing: Andrea Monticelli.
INFO: EOS
