Sustainable Supply Chain: A Case Study of Valmet’s Supply Chain
Jayarathna Muhandiramge, Madushani (2025)
Jayarathna Muhandiramge, Madushani
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025053018353
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025053018353
Tiivistelmä
This study focuses on how Valmet, one of the world leaders in delivering process technologies for the pulp, paper and energy sectors, implements sustainable supply chain management practices, particularly with regard to sustainable packaging solutions. The research addresses the problem of attaining environmental and economic prosperity at the same time particularly on eliminating barriers to the implementation of sustainable packaging solutions. The research analyses Valmet’s supply chain by utilizing a qualitative case study approach, with consideration given to secondary data in the form of annual reports spanning the years of 2020 to 2024, as well as extensive review of relevant academic literature. The core research question addresses the manner in which partnerships with suppliers work to overcome barriers to the integration of sustainable supply chains, and to encourage economically viable sustainable packaging, while sub-questions explore specific challenges and ways to advance sustainable packaging implementation.
The research shows six major barriers: High costs of sustainable materials, low adoption and wariness by suppliers, cumbersome regulatory needs, complex supply network limitations, limitations in materials and technology, and large CO₂ emissions. A total of seven cooperative strategies including engagement and training, joint sustainability endeavors, audits, and compliance measures, partnership coordination, common goals, innovation, and self-assessment are used in overcoming these barriers as well as advancing. Such strategies amplify the supplier responsiveness, promotes the emission reduction, facilitates regulatory standards, and streamlines operating efficiencies.
The Valmet successfully brings eco-packaging into effective execution using creative means including cost-sharing in sustainability projects, educational exchange, streamlined supply chain operations, and permanent supplier partnerships without jeopardizing the financial capability. The research contributes to Sustainable Supply Chain Management literature connecting theoretical underpinnings such as the circular economy concept and international sustainability benchmark to actual industrial practice. It gives a practical set of prescriptions for Valmet to strengthen its sustainability, consistent with global environmental goals, benchmarked against other industry practice. This work adds to the literature by advising academics, policymakers and industry experts as to how they can progress sustainable supply chain practices, highlighting the need for collaborative and economically efficient techniques for ecological and financial sustainability. Further examination could use these approaches on other sectors to increase their wider use.
The research shows six major barriers: High costs of sustainable materials, low adoption and wariness by suppliers, cumbersome regulatory needs, complex supply network limitations, limitations in materials and technology, and large CO₂ emissions. A total of seven cooperative strategies including engagement and training, joint sustainability endeavors, audits, and compliance measures, partnership coordination, common goals, innovation, and self-assessment are used in overcoming these barriers as well as advancing. Such strategies amplify the supplier responsiveness, promotes the emission reduction, facilitates regulatory standards, and streamlines operating efficiencies.
The Valmet successfully brings eco-packaging into effective execution using creative means including cost-sharing in sustainability projects, educational exchange, streamlined supply chain operations, and permanent supplier partnerships without jeopardizing the financial capability. The research contributes to Sustainable Supply Chain Management literature connecting theoretical underpinnings such as the circular economy concept and international sustainability benchmark to actual industrial practice. It gives a practical set of prescriptions for Valmet to strengthen its sustainability, consistent with global environmental goals, benchmarked against other industry practice. This work adds to the literature by advising academics, policymakers and industry experts as to how they can progress sustainable supply chain practices, highlighting the need for collaborative and economically efficient techniques for ecological and financial sustainability. Further examination could use these approaches on other sectors to increase their wider use.