In Part 1, we uncovered a €23 billion inventory challenge holding Nordic companies back. In Part 2, we explored how smarter inventory strategies can help turn that waste into wins. But short-term gains aren’t enough. The real question is: How do you make those wins last? That’s where sustainability and resilience come into play — not as buzzwords, but as must-haves for any supply chain that wants to survive and thrive in a fast-changing world.
Why are sustainability and resilience the future of supply chains?
Sustainability is no longer optional. Regulations are getting stricter, consumers are demanding more transparency, and investors are looking for climate accountability.
Meanwhile, businesses are facing geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, and raw material volatility — all of which threaten supply chain stability.
The companies that will lead in the coming decade are the ones who treat inventory as a strategic lever — not just for efficiency, but for climate action, risk mitigation, and long-term growth.
How does optimized inventory drive sustainability and resilience?
A streamlined, data-driven inventory strategy doesn’t just make your operations more efficient — it sets the stage for meaningful change across your entire supply chain.
It allows you to cut emissions by reducing overproduction, unnecessary storage, and transportation waste. At the same time, it frees up capital that can be reinvested in renewable materials, green technologies, and more sustainable logistics.
You also gain greater flexibility to respond to disruptions without relying on oversized safety stock. And by planning ahead and aligning your goals with key partners, you’ll be in a stronger position to build supplier relationships rooted in shared sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities.
The potential scale of impact? It’s enormous:
- €23 billion could be unlocked across Nordic companies — ready to reinvest in innovation, sustainability, and growth.
- Up to 390,000 new jobs could be created across the region.
- Carbon emissions could be significantly lowered by optimizing production, distribution, and storage practices.
Efficient inventory management isn’t just an operational win — it’s a climate win, an economic win – and a strategic must.
Inventory management insights from supply chain experts
As Nathalie Johansson, Senior Supply Chain Specialist at Optilon, puts it:
“Efficient inventory management isn’t just an operational tweak – it’s a strategic necessity. Companies that optimize their supply chains gain a competitive edge, enhance profitability, and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Franz Rothschild, Senior Supply Chain & Sustainability Specialist at Optilon, adds:
“Companies that integrate sustainability into inventory management gain a competitive edge. A leaner supply chain is not just cost-effective — it’s a business imperative for long-term resilience.”
Together, their message is clear: sustainability and resilience aren’t competing priorities — they’re two sides of the same coin.
Future-proofing your supply chain starts now
Inventory optimization isn’t just a financial decision – it’s a sustainability strategy too.
Every unsold product represents wasted resources: materials, energy, transportation, storage space, and eventually, disposal costs. Not to mention the environmental impact.
As customer expectations rise and regulations tighten, your supply chain needs to do more than deliver — it needs to deliver responsibly.
Here’s how you can align efficiency with sustainability:
- Cut emissions by reducing overproduction.
- Optimize transportation and storage to reduce environmental impact.
- Invest in green transport, circular processes, and smarter production cycles.
In short, efficiency and sustainability no longer compete — they complement each other. And when you build a supply chain that supports both, you don’t just meet expectations — you lead the market.
Ready to unlock your supply chain’s hidden power?
The €23 billion problem we exposed in Part 1 is also a €23 billion opportunity — if you act on it. By combining smarter forecasting, leaner stock strategies, and sustainability integration, you can build a supply chain that’s leaner today, greener tomorrow – and ready for the future.
Ready to turn your supply chain into a strategic advantage? Let’s get started. Contact Optilon today to start optimizing your inventory and building a sustainable future.
Haven’t read Part 1 or Part 2 yet? Check them out here.
Want to dive into the full Unnecessary Report – packed with case studies, country and industry-specific data, and more? Download it here.
