From insight to action: driving climate progress in global supply chains

COP30 has ended in Belém, Brazil, and while the headlines focused on mixed reactions to the final declaration, one positive outcome stood out: 194 countries strongly reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, pledging to keep global temperature rise well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

 

Businesses are echoing this commitment. Over the past three years, corporate climate ambition has surged, with science-based targets becoming the benchmark for credible action. Many companies, including amfori businesses, have embraced these goals. For most retailers, brands, and importers, the challenge is clear: more than 90 per cent of their greenhouse gas emissions fall under Scope 3, and these Scope 3 emissions need to be reduced by at least 90 per cent by 2050.

 

Scope 3 emissions span the entire value chain, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to transport, product use and end-of-life disposal. Within this category, one source dominates: purchased goods and services, or supply chain emissions. This is where amfori plays a critical role, helping businesses collect accurate data and drive measurable reductions.

 

The importance and challenges of Scope 3 

 

Reducing Scope 3 emissions remains one of the toughest challenges for businesses. Global supply chains are sprawling and complex, stretching across multiple countries and thousands of suppliers. This fragmentation makes visibility and control incredibly difficult.

 

One of the biggest barriers? Data quality.

 

Emissions information often arrives in inconsistent formats, and gaps in reporting create uncertainty. Without accurate, timely insights, companies risk basing decisions on estimates rather than reality, leading to ineffective strategies and missed opportunities for meaningful reductions.

 

The solution: driving measurable Scope 3 emission reductions through smarter supply chain data.

 

Four ways to move from ambition to action

 

To move from ambition to action, businesses need integrated, smart approaches to data management. This means: 

• Centralising data collection: digital platforms streamline reporting, reduce manual errors and improve accuracy
• Combining data collection methods: on-site audits are valuable to collect verified data from suppliers with the highest emissions or limited maturity, whereas self-assessments can be used to massify data collection from other suppliers
• Standardising metrics: aligning with recognised frameworks such as the GHG Protocol ensures consistency and comparability
• Leveraging analytics: advanced tools identify emissions hotspots and track progress in real time 

By transforming raw data into actionable insights, companies can make informed decisions that deliver measurable impact.

 

Acting now pays off

 

Reducing Scope 3 emissions isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about building resilience and competitive advantage. Benefits include: 

• Cost savings: energy efficiency often leads to lower operational costs across the whole supply chain
• Risk management: greater visibility reduces exposure to regulatory and reputational risks
• Brand value: demonstrating climate leadership strengthens trust with customers, investors and partners 

How amfori BEPI can help

 

amfori BEPI, empowers businesses to manage environmental risks across complex supply chains. Our solution and expertise help you collect accurate data, engage suppliers and implement strategies that drive measurable Scope 3 reductions, turning sustainability commitments into real-world results. 

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Tackle climate challenges in your supply chain – explore the amfori BEPI and contact us today to start your journey towards measurable impact

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by Jean-Marie Coant, Environmental Senior Sustainability Expert, amfori