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

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

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainable supply chains

Amid pressure from consumers, investors and governments, companies are scrambling to measure and reduce the impact of their supply chains on the world.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

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

FedEx will offer buyouts amid squeezed margins

The logistics company expects to save up to $275 million each year beginning in 2020 as a result of voluntary buyouts offered to staff.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 19, 2018

How the world's 'most sustainable' denim producer saves $400K per year

The supplier's CEO said sustainably must be part of the fundamental strategy of a company in order to come up with solutions that are both sustainable and make business sense.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 18, 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

Carriers invest in scrubbers as IMO 2020 approaches

Drewry Maritime Consultants predict scrubber installations may interrupt vessel supply enough to affect pricing for shippers.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 17, 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

Will Amazon warehouse workers in NYC unionize?

A labor union and some Staten Island fulfillment center workers are slamming Amazon's business practices, but Amazon says the sentiment is "not a fair representation of the vast majority of the employees."

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 14, 2018

DOT awards $1.5B for 91 projects across 49 states and DC

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called the spending a "down payment on this administration’s commitment to America’s infrastructure."

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 13, 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

New Jersey police use Amazon box as bait to catch thieves

One box sat out for just three minutes before it was taken.

By Emma Cosgrove • 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

Ports, global trade on the front lines of climate change

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development put the burden of responding to climate change on all countries and actors who rely on ocean shipping for trade.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 12, 2018

Maersk will offer extended cargo protection for shippers

The add-on coverage will allow shippers to cover the risk of loss, including General Average payouts that are not covered by standard marine cargo insurances.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Dec. 11, 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

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

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

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

ONE announces fuel surcharge starting Jan. 1

The shipping line joins a host of major carriers looking to shippers to help foot the bill for IMO regulation compliance.

By Shefali Kapadia • Dec. 7, 2018