Bord Bia has released its Pathways to Sustainable Sourcing guidance document, developed in collaboration with Efeca Ireland. This new resource is designed to support Origin Green member companies in navigating the increasingly complex landscape of sustainable procurement and supply chain responsibility.

Sustainable sourcing has rapidly evolved from a niche concern to a central business imperative.

Driven by growing consumer awareness, tightening regulatory frameworks, and the urgent need to address environmental and social impacts, companies are now expected to demonstrate accountability across their entire supply chains.

From raw materials to end-of-life, businesses must ensure their sourcing practices do not contribute to deforestation, human rights violations, or other adverse outcomes.

The Pathways to Sustainable Sourcing document provides Origin Green members with step-by-step guidance, actionable insights, and best-practice examples to help them start or further advance their journey toward sustainable supply chains.

It encourages companies to align their corporate strategies with ambitious sustainability goals, not only to meet regulatory obligations but to proactively drive positive change.

Maedbh Sheehan, Bord Bia Sustainability Executive, notes: “Sustainable sourcing is about leveraging purchasing power to address environmental, social, and economic factors across the entire supply chain.

“It aims to minimise negative impacts while balancing cost, investment, and resources.

“Achieving this requires close collaboration across products, suppliers, and regions, presenting both challenges and opportunities for companies committed to responsible procurement”.

The timing of this guidance is particularly relevant.

Several major EU regulations are coming into force that will directly impact supply chain practices.

These include the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Companies must prepare to comply with these frameworks or risk falling behind as market expectations shift.

Those companies who take clear, verified steps toward sustainable sourcing will enhance their reputation, build consumer trust, and strengthen their resilience in an increasingly volatile global market.

Conversely, companies that fail to act face growing risks, from supply chain disruptions to reputational damage and regulatory penalties.

The Pathways to Sustainable Sourcing guidance is a timely and practical tool to help businesses avoid these pitfalls and embrace sustainability as a strategic advantage. With the Pathways to Sustainable Sourcing document, Bord Bia is equipping Irish food and drink companies with guidance on how they can address sustainable sourcing challenges to meet these head-on.

By embedding sustainability into procurement strategies, businesses can future-proof their operations, meet stakeholder expectations, and enhance their sustainability performance.

Photo: Maedbh Sheehan, Bord Bia Sustainability Executive