Globally, business is moving into a period of higher market disruption - with economic upheaval, political uncertainty, and industry innovation all challenging the ability to sustain market positions through traditional business models.

As the latest Barloworld Logistics supplychainforesight survey revealed, the majority of local business leaders recognise that their organisations will need to adapt to change. However, they felt that changes implemented in their business model or supply chain only succeeded 25% of the time.

When looking ahead at the various business challenges facing South African companies, particularly with regards to sustainability, it is useful to look back and briefly chart the most significant changes and trends. In the late eighties and early nineties, we witnessed the emergence of the ‘one world’ economy – which coincided with the arrival of the Internet and rapid digital transformation. The resulting changes triggered quantum leaps in global trade and duly affected national and regional economics, politics and business practices. Moreover, the new era empowered the world’s customers and consumers. On the back of these seismic shifts in the global business ecosystem, the role of supply chain management and logistics came to the fore as a powerful means to creating competitive advantage and sustainable business models to satisfy the needs of the extended markets.

By Marilize Worst, Managing Director, SmartMatta

Global population growth is skyrocketing. In 2025, there will be approximately 1.8 billion more middle class consumers. These consumers will be adding to the existing mounds of waste – a problem that will be compounded by an increasing reliance on packaged products.

In 2013, reports indicated that only 25% of 11 billion tons of waste was recycled. Encouragingly, this figure is set to double by 2025 (vs. 2005). This increase is being driven by growth in diversion, recycling, the recovery of valuable secondary raw materials, waste-to-energy activities, and e-waste and sustainable packaging strategies.

In today’s business environment, one of the major obstacles to long-term success is the belief that a business can generalise – and be all things to all people. Given the disruptive nature and complexity of this marketplace, the generalist approach can be fatal. The business ecosystem is large and constantly evolving. As a result, it is those companies that instead choose to specialise and provide a niche product or services that are best positioned to succeed.

By Marilize Worst, Managing Director, SmartMatta

Within many companies around the world, there is a growing understanding and awareness of the value of waste. Instead of a mere hassle, waste is being viewed as an important resource – particularly among the larger and more established corporates. Indeed, the shift from considering waste management as a cost saving exercise to a value-add to the bottom line is slowly infiltrating strategic business thinking worldwide.