Classed by the World Economic Forum as the world’s number one long term risk, water crisis is a key issue impacting on a huge number of businesses, from energy production, to agriculture, food production, apparel and heavy end use industries such as beauty and personal care, laundry detergent and laundry appliances. This report looks at how a range of companies are tackling this pressing concern, from supply chain management, to community initiatives and product innovation.
In 2015, the World Economic Forum named water crisis as the number one long-term global threat. Still underestimated by many businesses, water risk is a very serious and complex issue which threatens wildlife, human access to clean water and continuation of business through scarcity, flooding and pollution. A well-managed water strategy, conversely, can help to build a resilient and innovative business and a strong ethical brand image.
Water resilience is an important issue for a large number of businesses, from food production, to clothing, to laundry appliances. Even where water is not a key part of the manufacturing process, it is often critical to provision of raw materials, or to the end use of the product.
Businesses need to consider three main areas of impact: operational (managing water resources to maintain business continuity both in direct operations and the supply chain); reputational (managing company image among local communities and fellow watershed users, investors and end users) and regulatory (keeping on top of regulatory change that may raise additional costs or rationing on water).
Companies that manage water risk well do so throughout the company and throughout their supply chain through clear, measurable and time-specific goals. They consider the full watershed context for maximum resilience, working with other users of the river basin to optimise access for all. This not only builds resilience but also opens up opportunities for cost efficiencies, brand differentiation and end product innovation.
If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extract FREE! Home Page