The Women Leading the Future of Supply Chain Sustainability
Women at the forefront of supply chain sustainability are transforming aspirations into actionable plans across climate, circularity, and community impact.
Together, women leaders provide a realistic perspective on navigating a rapidly changing environment where scientific targets must meet operational constraints and immediate outcomes need to align with long-term resilience.
Their diverse perspectives are essential for addressing complex global supply chain challenges, from transformation to decarbonising travel and logistics.
Why women’s leadership matters in supply chains
Women leaders are advancing supply chain sustainability through systems thinking and inclusive, data-driven execution.
They work through barriers such as representation gaps, old systems, and fragmented value chains by building coalitions, enhancing transparency and integrating circularity into standard business processes.
The outcome is a rapid adoption of clean energy, responsible sourcing and product innovation, alongside improved supplier engagement and accountability.
The United Nations reports that women, responsible for 70-80% of consumer purchasing decisions in affluent societies, are pivotal in steering towards more sustainable lifestyles.
Data from the UN also highlights that women are more inclined towards practices like recycling and minimising waste, which sets a precedent for sustainable behaviours across sectors.
“At the political level, research shows clear linkages between women’s leadership and action to tackle climate change, “ says the UN.
“For example, studies have found that countries with higher proportions of women in parliament are more likely to ratify international environmental treaties and have stricter climate policies.”
In essence, when women lead, sustainability is seamlessly embedded into products, policies, partnerships and everyday decisions.
A women’s panel discussion on sustainability
During Sustainability LIVE Climate Week NYC on 22 September 2025, a Women in Sustainability panel discussion will feature leaders driving sustainability forward.
Mary de Wysocki from Cisco aims to present a blueprint for net zero across their value chain by 2040, while Ann Tracy of Colgate-Palmolive delves into circular packaging initiatives.
Ayla Bajwa of DP World highlights decarbonisation approaches in logistics and Kate Heiny from Booking Holdings discusses the role of platform-level strategies in sustainable travel.
Sheri Hinish, known as the Supply Chain Queen, emphasises leadership in circular economies, and Sophie Beckham from International Paper brings insights into fibre-based circularity.
To attend this panel or others at Sustainability LIVE Climate Week NYC 2025, get your tickets here: https://sustainabilitymag.com/events/sustainability-live/sustainability-live-climate-week-nyc-2025/in-person-tickets.
How companies are transforming supply chains
Cisco's "Plan for Possible" targets net zero by 2040 and ensures all new products and packaging adhere to Circular Design Principles.
Additionally, Cisco commits US$100m through its foundation to climate solutions, while improving its data centres and network infrastructures.
Colgate-Palmolive reports 93% of its packaging is recyclable, with a transition to paper-based toothbrush packaging planned for 2025.
Its goal is to link healthier living with a minimal environmental footprint through emission reductions and resource conservation.
DP World's "Our World, Our Future" strategy has reduced emissions by 13% since its 2022 baseline and aims for a 42% reduction by 2030, incorporating educational and community initiatives.
Booking Holdings advances with its three-pillar strategy that includes sustainable operations and travel options, aligned with its 2040 net zero ambition.
Why women’s leadership matters in supply chains
Women leaders are advancing supply chain sustainability through systems thinking and inclusive, data-driven execution.
They work through barriers such as representation gaps, old systems, and fragmented value chains by building coalitions, enhancing transparency and integrating circularity into standard business processes.
The outcome is a rapid adoption of clean energy, responsible sourcing and product innovation, alongside improved supplier engagement and accountability.
The United Nations reports that women, responsible for 70-80% of consumer purchasing decisions in affluent societies, are pivotal in steering towards more sustainable lifestyles.
Data from the UN also highlights that women are more inclined towards practices like recycling and minimising waste, which sets a precedent for sustainable behaviours across sectors.
“At the political level, research shows clear linkages between women’s leadership and action to tackle climate change, “ says the UN.
“For example, studies have found that countries with higher proportions of women in parliament are more likely to ratify international environmental treaties and have stricter climate policies.”
In essence, when women lead, sustainability is seamlessly embedded into products, policies, partnerships and everyday decisions.
A women’s panel discussion on sustainability
During Sustainability LIVE Climate Week NYC on 22 September 2025, a Women in Sustainability panel discussion will feature leaders driving sustainability forward.
Mary de Wysocki from Cisco aims to present a blueprint for net zero across their value chain by 2040, while Ann Tracy of Colgate-Palmolive delves into circular packaging initiatives.
Ayla Bajwa of DP World highlights decarbonisation approaches in logistics and Kate Heiny from Booking Holdings discusses the role of platform-level strategies in sustainable travel.
Sheri Hinish, known as the Supply Chain Queen, emphasises leadership in circular economies, and Sophie Beckham from International Paper brings insights into fibre-based circularity.
To attend this panel or others at Sustainability LIVE Climate Week NYC 2025, get your tickets here: https://sustainabilitymag.com/events/sustainability-live/sustainability-live-climate-week-nyc-2025/in-person-tickets.
How companies are transforming supply chains
Cisco's "Plan for Possible" targets net zero by 2040 and ensures all new products and packaging adhere to Circular Design Principles.
Additionally, Cisco commits US$100mn through its foundation to climate solutions, while improving its data centres and network infrastructures.
Colgate-Palmolive reports 93% of its packaging is recyclable, with a transition to paper-based toothbrush packaging planned for 2025.
Its goal is to link healthier living with a minimal environmental footprint through emission reductions and resource conservation.
DP World's "Our World, Our Future" strategy has reduced emissions by 13% since its 2022 baseline and aims for a 42% reduction by 2030, incorporating educational and community initiatives.
Booking Holdings advances with its three-pillar strategy that includes sustainable operations and travel options, aligned with its 2040 net zero ambition.
The Supply Chain Revolution facilitates practitioners to innovate and adopt circular and inclusive supply models.
Meanwhile, International Paper’s Vision 2030 promotes forest stewardship and renewable fibre solutions, solidified with its strategic collaboration with DS Smith starting in 2025.
Collectively, these leaders and companies exemplify how inclusive leadership in supply chain management converts sustainability initiatives from strategies into impactful results.
