CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility, is an essential element in any business these days. But for many smaller businesses, it can be hard to get started on a CSR program. It can seem very expensive.
But there are easy ways to get involved.
In this episode, Masami Sato, founder of B1G1 (Buy 1 Give 1), an organisation that connects businesses to worthy causes worldwide, takes us to a better understanding of what it is and why people join.
Why Supply Chain CSR Matters More Than You Think
I’ve been working in supply chain for over three decades now, and honestly, the conversation around CSR has shifted dramatically. It used to be something companies bolted on as an afterthought, maybe a charity golf day or sponsoring the local football team. Nice gestures, but not really integrated into how the business actually operated.
The thing is, supply chains touch everything. Raw materials, manufacturing, transport, warehousing, last-mile delivery. Each of those touchpoints carries social and environmental implications. Your suppliers’ labour practices. The emissions from your freight movements. The packaging waste your customers deal with. It all adds up.
And here’s what I’ve noticed working with clients across various industries: customers and business partners are paying attention now. They’re asking questions they didn’t ask five years ago. Where does this come from? How was it made? What happens to the packaging?
The Commercial Reality of Supply Chain CSR
There’s a pragmatic side to this that often gets lost in the conversation. I’ve seen businesses win contracts specifically because they could demonstrate responsible sourcing practices. A guy running distribution for a mid-sized food importer told me last year that two of his largest retail customers now require documented sustainability commitments as part of the supplier approval process. Not optional. Required.
That’s the direction things are heading. And if you’re waiting until it becomes mandatory for your sector, you’re already behind.
The Small Business Dilemma
I understand why smaller operations hesitate. When you’re running a lean team and watching every dollar, committing to elaborate sustainability programs feels like a luxury you can’t afford. You look at what the big corporates are doing with their dedicated CSR departments and million-dollar initiatives, and it seems completely out of reach.
But that’s the wrong comparison to make.
Smaller businesses actually have advantages here. You can make decisions faster. You don’t need to push changes through layers of bureaucracy. And frankly, even modest contributions add up when they’re consistent.
Practical Entry Points for Supply Chain CSR
If you’re wondering where to start, consider these areas where supply chain operations naturally intersect with social responsibility:
Supplier selection and relationships. You’re already evaluating suppliers on price, quality, and reliability. Adding basic ethical criteria doesn’t require a massive overhaul. Ask questions about their labour practices. Visit their facilities when possible. Sometimes just asking the questions signals that these things matter to you.
Transport and logistics efficiency. Reducing empty running, optimising routes, consolidating shipments. These aren’t just cost-saving measures, they’re environmental ones too. You’re probably already doing some of this. The CSR angle is often about recognising and communicating what you’re already doing.
Waste reduction in warehousing and packaging. Again, there’s usually money to be saved here alongside the environmental benefits. Reusable packaging, recycling programs, reducing damaged goods through better handling. Practical stuff.
Community engagement. This is where programs like B1G1 come in. They’ve made it genuinely accessible for businesses of any size to contribute to causes that align with their values. A small commitment per transaction or per shipment can accumulate into meaningful impact over time.
Measuring What Matters
One thing I’d add here is about measurement. You don’t need sophisticated software or a dedicated analyst to track your supply chain CSR efforts. Start simple. Track your freight emissions using basic calculators available online. Document your supplier assessments. Keep a record of waste diverted from landfill.
The discipline of measuring creates accountability. And when you can show tangible progress, even small progress, it becomes easier to maintain momentum internally and communicate value externally.
Getting Buy-In Internally
One challenge I see with smaller businesses is that the owner or director might be keen on CSR, but struggles to get the team engaged. Or sometimes it’s the other way around, younger team members pushing for it while leadership remains sceptical about the return on investment.
The most successful implementations I’ve witnessed treat CSR as part of the company culture rather than a separate initiative. It gets discussed in regular meetings. Progress gets shared. People feel ownership over it.
And look, not everyone will be equally enthusiastic. That’s fine. But most people, given the chance to be part of something positive, will participate. Especially when it doesn’t feel like extra work piled on top of their existing responsibilities.
Where to From Here
If you’ve been putting off supply chain CSR because it seemed too complicated or expensive, perhaps reconsider. Pick one area. Make one change. See how it goes.
The businesses that figure this out now will have an advantage over those scrambling to catch up later. And honestly, it’s just the right thing to do.
