Over the last 20 years a significant change has taken place in the way in which raw materials suppliers and end users deliver and receive products. Where stocked shelves in warehouses were once a measure of suppliers, manufacturers and retailers to meet customer requirements, now goods and materials are delivered just in time to meet manufacturing or retail demand. Distances between suppliers are rarely now just across town or a few provinces, but on the other side of the globe.

In a tough economic climate, when demand is down, there is an imperative for companies to review their supply chain to reduce cost, remove activity that reduces profitability and conserve cash. Many mid size companies have found themselves particularly vulnerable in the downturn with long term customer and supplier relationships on which they are particularly dependent and where expected volumes are just not there.

On Monday, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) released its annual S&P 500 Report, and the results indicate that companies are increasingly willing to disclose their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their plans for emissions reduction.What’s more, the data also shows me that companies are increasingly beginning to recognize the business risks associated with climate change.

Article 13, strategic advisors on risk associated with business responsibility, has released three new case studies that showcase companies committed to implementing innovative CSR initiatives aligned with their business objectives. In its latest round of case studies, Article 13 profiles3M, The Medical Fair & Ethical Trade Group (MFETG) and Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (OBMH).