How supply chain transparency can help the planet | Markus Mutz

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the lack of transparency and information available to consumers when it comes to consumer products.

Lack of Information in Consumer Products

• The availability of information and transparency that exists in other aspects of our lives is almost completely absent when it comes to consumer products.

• Consumers often do not have access to important details about the products they buy, such as where it was sourced, how it was transported, or whether it is sustainable.

• Many problems we face today, like climate change and modern slavery in supply chains, are a result of human decisions to produce goods in certain ways.

• Consumers unknowingly make choices that harm the planet or fellow humans due to a lack of information.

New Section

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having access to information and making informed decisions as consumers.

The Importance of Information and Choice

• Choice means having another option that aligns with one's values and being able to afford that option. However, choice also requires having enough information to make an informed decision.

• Currently, accessing relevant information is challenging for consumers. However, technology can be used to solve this problem by providing transparency and traceability in supply chains.

• By using technology, consumers can have access to detailed information about sustainability and ethical production claims for products they purchase. This can revolutionize the way we buy and produce goods.

New Section

In this section, the speaker explains how technology can address the lack of information by verifying sustainability claims, tracing products in supply chains, and sharing information with consumers.

Using Technology for Transparency

• To solve the information problem, three steps are necessary: verify, trace, and share.

• Verification involves providing evidence for specific sustainability and ethical production claims of individual physical products. For example, using real-time GPS data from fishing ships to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

• Tracing individual products throughout the supply chain is crucial to ensure that verified claims are associated with the right product. Without traceability, the value created by producing goods in a certain way cannot be guaranteed.

New Section

In this section, the speaker concludes by highlighting the importance of giving products an identity from the start and tracing them throughout the supply chain to maintain verified claims.

Maintaining Verified Claims

• By giving each product an identity and tracing it throughout its journey in the supply chain, consumers can have confidence that verified claims about sustainability or ethical production truly apply to that specific product.

The transcript provided does not contain enough content for additional sections without repeating information already covered.

New Section

This section discusses the use of tags and technology to track and verify the origin and journey of products.

Tagging Products

• Products are given a tag, such as an RFID chip or QR code, to track their identity throughout the supply chain.

• Different technologies like QR codes, barcodes, and RFID tags are used depending on the product.

The Role of Blockchain

• Blockchain technology can help address trust issues in sharing information about products.

• Despite limitations, blockchain is used when it adds value to the process.

Sharing Information with Consumers

• Sharing verified information about a product's origin and journey varies depending on the product and where it is purchased.

• Different digital experiences are developed for different situations, such as buying from a store or dining at a restaurant.

New Section

This section explores consumer behavior in different purchasing scenarios.

Consumer Behavior

• Consumer behavior differs based on factors like stress levels, time availability, and research needs.

• Digital experiences are tailored to meet consumer needs in different purchasing situations.

New Section

This section highlights the importance of sharing verified information with consumers to align their consumption decisions with their values.

Verified Information for Informed Choices

• The fish example demonstrates how verified information is shared with consumers through tagging and tracking every fish caught by Austral Fisheries.

• The goal is to empower consumers to make consumption decisions aligned with their values by providing them with relevant information.

New Section

This section discusses the potential role of algorithms in making product recommendations based on consumer values.

The Role of Algorithms

• In the future, algorithms may increasingly make product recommendations based on consumer values.

• Virtual assistants and algorithms can help consumers choose products that align with their values.

New Section

This section emphasizes the importance of considering consumer values when making product recommendations.

Personalized Recommendations

• Consumer values, such as sustainability preferences, should be considered when making personalized product recommendations.

• Algorithms can take into account granular data to suggest the right products for consumers.

New Section The Importance of Reliable Information and Consumer Support

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the significance of reliable information and consumer support in promoting sustainable and ethical practices in business.

The Power of Reliable Information

• With access to reliable information, consumers can make informed decisions about supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethics.

• By utilizing algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data, consumers can rely on these systems to help them make choices aligned with their values.

Consumer Support for Sustainable Practices

• When consumers have access to trustworthy information and the right systems, they are more likely to support businesses that produce goods sustainably and ethically.

• This support serves as a reward for responsible producers, processors, and retailers who prioritize sustainability.

• Conversely, businesses engaging in unethical practices will face pressure to adjust or risk losing customers.

The language used in the transcript is English.