5.5 Key Terms

  • Ethical Supply Chain: A network of suppliers committed to fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and responsible sourcing.
  • Supplier Certifications: Third-party verifications (like Fair Trade, ISO 14001, and Rainforest Alliance) that demonstrate a supplier’s adherence to specific social or environmental standards.
  • Waste Reduction: A core practice in sustainable supply chains that focuses on cutting down on waste at every stage, from production to delivery.
  • Logistics Optimization: The process of improving a company’s shipping and transport methods to reduce fuel consumption and a business’s environmental footprint.
  • Circular Economy: An economic system that aims to eliminate waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible. It is the opposite of the traditional linear model of “take-make-dispose.”
  • Product Longevity: Designing products to be durable and long-lasting, which reduces the need for frequent replacements and minimizes waste.
  • Take-back Program: A system where a business takes back old or used products from customers for recycling, repair, or reuse.
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The Sustainable Entrepreneur's Guide Copyright © 2026 by Ang Hong Loong is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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