The Sustainability Thread: Connecting Data, Compliance & Action

Send me a messageThe Sustainability Thread: Digitalising Supply Chain SustainabilityIn this episode of The Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sit down with Klaus Brettschneider, Director of Sustainability Products at Linx-AS, to explore how digitalisation is transforming sustainability management. Klaus introduces the concept of the sustainability thread—an evolution of the digital thread—that connects sustainability data across an organisation, enabling businesses to move beyond compliance and embed sustainability into product lifecycle management (PLM).We discuss the challenges companies face, from fragmented data to complex supply chains, and how automation can streamline processes like carbon accounting and lifecycle assessments. Klaus shares insights on regulatory pressures such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), highlighting how businesses must align their IT strategies with sustainability goals to stay ahead.We also cover:✅ Why sustainability reporting is overwhelming teams—and how to fix it✅ The role of AI, IoT, and blockchain in supply chain transparency✅ Why industries like steel and cement are progressing, while agriculture struggles✅ The importance of supplier collaboration in tracking sustainability dataKlaus argues that digitalisation is the missing link in supply chain sustainability. If companies want to make meaningful progress, they must digitise sustainability data, integrate it into their processes, and ensure seamless data flow across their value chains.📌 Listen now and learn how to future-proof your sustainability strategy!Here is the the Sustainability Thread white paper Klaus referenced on the podcastSupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber  - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.🎤 Looking for a keynote speaker on supply chain resilience, AI, and sustainability?I help leaders understand the forces reshaping global supply chains, from geopolitical disruption and climate risk to AI and real-time decision-making. Download my Speaker Pack: https://tinyurl.com/spkrpckFinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.