Release Date: 17 February, 2003
The Boots Company Plc has over 30 000 product lines and 5 000 suppliers, making its board acutely aware that managing the supply chain is an important function of the business, as well as a dynamic and often challenging task. As one of the first host companies to sign up to the forum, Boots managers have seen clear benefits to both their own business and to the eleven suppliers who took part.
The link between environmental awareness of suppliers and cost savings is not a new concept to people at Boots; it has been reinforced by the success of the forum and the cost savings made by their suppliers. This in turn has helped Boots management in their goal of running a truly sustainable business. 'The forum has provided evidence that the partnership approach works and strengthens the theory that an active environmentally-aware supply chain will also produce cost reductions.' - Robert Brown, PQD Technical Consultant - Environment and Ethical, The Boots Company