The hemp supply chain has a rare chance to get traceability right

Because of hemp's close relation to cannabis, which remains illegal at the federal level, hemp will likely be closely regulated by each state individually, which presents an opportunity for the industry. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 21, 2018

Counterfeits: The nightmare before Christmas

A recent congressional briefing warned consumers of the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods and retailers of the brand risks.

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 21, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management as an effective strategy against tariffs.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Supply Chain Dive's 10 best stories of 2018

Stories of transformation and disruption prevailed in the supply chain landscape.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 21, 2018

Ethical sourcing standards took the spotlight in 2018

From palm oil to fair trade, the debate over who gets to define ethical sourcing standards was in full force this year.

By Edwin Lopez • Dec. 21, 2018

Volkswagen supplier to pay $35M fine in diesel emissions scandal

The close relationship between supplier IAV and the automaker leaves both actors entangled in the infamous "Dieselgate" scandal.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 20, 2018

Fraud is rampant in fish supply chains, New York AG finds

The attorney general put the onus on retailers to work with suppliers to ensure authenticity, thorough labeling and no "phony fish." 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 19, 2018

Palm oil supply chain faces glut

Long-term environmental and sustainability issues at the producer level keep the ubiquitous commodity on the supply chain risk radar.

By Rich Weissman • Dec. 18, 2018

Econ 101: In turbulent times, supply chains must take notes

Supply chain managers are at the forefront of seismic economic change, often gaining insights and whiffs of market changes before they happen. 

By Rich Weissman • Dec. 17, 2018

Why lip service matters in sustainable procurement

McDonald’s moving to rid its beef supply chain of unnecessary antibiotics may seem like an edict thrown at the procurement staff within the massive company, but it’s more a boon than a burden.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 14, 2018

Cargill takes 'concrete actions' to reach 100% cocoa bean traceability

The company's commitment includes mapping 100% of all farms in its direct supply chain and continually monitoring deforestation risks. 

By Barry Hochfelder • Dec. 14, 2018

Think tank: Employers retain power despite a tight labor market

Consolidation in industries and policy changes have eroded workers' power, said panelists at an event hosted by the Economic Policy Institute and Open Markets Institute. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 13, 2018

How to navigate the 90-day tariff 'cease-fire'

International politics can be tough to predict, but the fundamentals of risk planning will help supply chains weather the storm. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 12, 2018

McDonald's to shift meat supply chain away from antibiotics

The burger chain plans to reduce usage of antibiotics across 85% of its supply chain as similar commitments catch fire throughout the fast food segment. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 12, 2018

Target, H&M and 41 more launch charter to reduce supply chain emissions

Signatories to the charter will outline implementation steps to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

By Rich Weissman • Dec. 11, 2018

The supply chain behind turning unusual materials into textiles

Businesses are mining waste products for fiber production, giving rise to dozens of new alternative fibers on the market made from everything from mushroom roots to spoiled milk. 

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Dec. 11, 2018

Farm to label: Turning corn into textiles

About 400 million tons of corn goes to waste each year, making it a good candidate to transform into new materials.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Dec. 11, 2018

Case study: Circular Systems turns scraps into textiles

In the era of fast fashion, producers are looking at alternative materials to support growing consumer demand. 

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Dec. 11, 2018

From mushroom to handbag: Creating a closed loop textile supply chain

This Supply Chain Dive series explores the innovative ways manufacturers are taking natural materials and waste products and giving them new life in the form of textiles.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 11, 2018

Imports reach record 2M TEUs as retailers rush to beat tariffs

The National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates expect a slowdown in January 2019, as tariffs take a toll on consumer and industry confidence. 

By Barry Hochfelder • Dec. 10, 2018

HD Supply: Supplier negotiations, price hikes make tariffs 'manageable'

Executives indicated 2019 is when mitigation and management of all manner of incrementally rising costs will be put to the test. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 10, 2018

Trade wars, prohibition and unintended consequences

Policy, while seeking to alter the behavior of either consumers or corporations, never really impacts demand. It just impacts the ability for supply to meet it, and the cost of businesses and consumers to obtain it.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 7, 2018

Foot Locker, Skechers among lowest-scoring brands on forced labor

Apparel supply chains are known for being opaque and complex, requiring brands to have insight and visibility into their suppliers' operations. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 7, 2018

Survey: 48% of procurement leaders invest in tech due to 'FOMO'

The procurement profession can benefit from considering what new technologies will do to all members of the supply chain. 

By Rich Weissman • Dec. 6, 2018

Tariffs will test low-margin business, Dollar Tree CEO says

Since the discount store's customers will not abide a price increase, CEO Gary Philbin said that when it comes to tariffs: "We've got to be just better buyers."

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 5, 2018

Nestle, Hershey's, P&G among brands slammed for forced labor in palm oil supply chain

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil uncovered forced labor and human trafficking violations at a Malaysian palm oil giant that supplies to several large food manufacturers. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Updated Dec. 4, 2018