Top 10: Supply Chain Associations

As supply chain leaders face ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, it’s vital that businesses have the resources they need to stay resilient. Supply chain associations play a key role in this, providing essential help, education and best practice.

Whether working to improve fairness, or driving innovation across the sector, supply chain associations are leading the charge by empowering their members.

Through creating a space for forums or finding new programmes, these organisations ensure each member has the resources available for self-improvement. 

At Supply Chain Digital, we look at the Top 10 supply chain associations making moves to establish equality and innovation around the world.

10. Sustainable Packaging Coalition

Members: 550+ companies
Founded: 2004
Executive Director: Paul Nowak

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition is a membership-based collaborative. It works to make packaging more sustainable across industries, believing it is good for both the people and the environment.

The association runs according to four pillars: innovation, policy, packaging design and recovery, through which it attempts to translate principles into active engagement and measurable results. 

It looks at alternative methods to packaging, developing innovative ways to ensure sustainability and packaging go hand in hand.

9. Intermodal Association of North America (IANA)

Members: 1,000+ member companies
Founded: 1991
CEO and President: Anne Reinke

The IANA represents the combined interests of the intermodal freight transportation industry, considering the needs of marine, rail and motor carriers. 

Globally, 95% of all manufactured goods are moved in at least one container, but most goods rely on multiple methods of transportation to get from a to b.

IANA understands this, knowing that by taking care of the industry as a whole, it is protecting its supply chains from disruption.

8. European Logistics Association (ELA)

Members: 55,000 professionals
Founded: 1984
President: Markus Mau

The ELA covers almost every country in Europe, as well as some outside. The association consists of members working across logistics and supply chain sectors. 

It aims to promote the profession by empowering individuals and providing a forum for networking with others in the industry around the world. 

The ELA promotes innovation through the sharing of knowledge and ideas across the network. Its 75+ annual events around Europe play a key role in keeping members connected.

7. International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

Members: 176 member states
Founded: 1958
Secretary General: Arsenio Dominguez

The IMO is the United Nations’ specialised agency which oversees the safety and security of shipping, and ensures the prevention of trade-caused marine pollution. It creates a framework for the shipping industry that considers effectiveness with fairness, with the aim of universal implementation.

The association aims to ensure equality for all, meaning shop operators don’t cut corners to stay ahead, which could compromise safety. Through the creation of a level-playing field, it also hopes to encourage innovation and efficiency.

6. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)

Members: 9,000+
Founded: 1963
President and CEO: Mark Baxa

The ongoing mission for the CSCMP is to connect, educate and develop the world’s supply chain management professionals. It aims to drive collaboration and improve supply chain leadership skills. 

The CSCMP provides professional development opportunities to its members, such as the SCPro certification. It identifies and conducts research to help further the understanding of supply chain theory, bringing in knowledge of global supply chains and their importance on the economy.

It encourages leadership, value creation and sustainable methods.

5. Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

Members: 50,000+
Founded: 1915
CEO: Thomas Derry

The ISM has built a community across 100 countries since it was founded. Through education, certification, leadership development and research, it has transformed supply management. 

It remains aware of the evolving industry, making advancements in supply management with its global reach and know-how. Through empowering individuals and driving a community feel, the ISM helps drive competitive advantages. 

It has a vision of helping a sustainable world grow through the result of supply chain transformation.

4. World Economic Forum (WEF)

Members: 390 Forum Member firms
Founded: 1971 
President and CEO: Børge Brende

The WEF is the international organisation for public-private cooperation. It is a global and impartial not-for-profit platform that provides meaningful connection between stakeholders. It brings together political, business, academic and other leaders of society in order to discuss and form global and industry agendas. 

The WEF believes entrepreneurship, innovation and cooperation drives the world. It celebrates every voice, fighting for a diverse forum where leaders can share their viewpoints and foster meaningful discussions.

3. Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)

Members: 50,000+
Founded: 1957
CEO: Abe Eshkenazi

The ASCM is a leader in supply chain organisational transformation, connecting supply chain professionals and companies around the world, and introducing new thought leadership about every element of the supply chain. 

It welcomes innovation within supply chain technology, with new products and partnerships that allow members to create the most efficient supply chains and stay ahead of competitors.

It has locations and partners in more than 100 countries, forming a well-connected global supply chain.

2. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

Members: 60,000+
Founded: 1932
CEO: Ben Farrell

CIPS is the awarding body for supply chain and procurement, working to lead and train other professionals in the industry. It provides insights, information and tools to its members, helping them develop their skills and optimise performance.

CIPS has a range of membership options to best suit the needs of the individual - whether they’re just starting their development, or they’re a recognised leader in procurement and supply chain, CIPS has the resources to support everyone.

With the goal of driving positive change across the industry, CIPS amplifies best practice and empowers its members to meet their ambitions. It also helps troubleshoot and train organisations to ensure they stay resilient and competitive.

1. International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM)

Members: 250,000
Founded: 1974
Executive Director: Chris Oanda

The IFPSM unites 45 national and regional purchasing associations around the world. Through its resources, it encourages the development and distribution of knowledge throughout the industry. It helps increase the standard of living for people around the globe by improving business practices. 

It aims to increase its ability, and that of its member organisations, to better serve its members and the procurement and supply chain profession. 

The association believes that ethics drive purchasing and supply management and is committed to creating fairness worldwide. It respects the sovereignty of each of its member associations and works in non-bureaucratic means in order to be fair.