NOVEMBER 2023
sustainability - our carbon impact, social and governance policies, (these) things are getting more focused,” Geffros remarked in his introduction. “So in an era where sustainability is no longer a buzzword, but truly a necessity, businesses of all kinds are adopting practices to align with carbon reduction, known as ESG strategies. ESG is simply a yardstick to measure the performance and sustainability angle of your business.”
Businesses are being urged to actively participate in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) discussions, emphasizing how their products can aid in achieving sustainability goals, according to Matt Beck of Delphi Group, the first keynote speaker. Industry experts believe that companies are eagerly searching for compelling narratives that align with their ESG strategies.
“If you can give them a story to tell, even if it's just a small sliver of the big picture of the full lifecycle of their products, they're going to latch on to that to be your friend and your customer for a long time,” Beck said. Such collaborations can lead to long-term customer loyalty.
He emphasized the importance of being in charge of your own story and not relying on others to tell it for you. It is essential to have consistent messaging that customers are happy to embrace and share.
In the following panel session, Mike Hachtman of 48forty Solutions, one of the panelists, commented that ESG reporting was intensifying for his company. While major retailers were previously happy with an annual report, now they expect one quarterly.
“I guarantee you,” he said, “each and every one of you in this room, within the next three years, will have a customer come to you as a tier two or tier three supplier to say how much carbon is in the product you're supplying? How much carbon does your business produce? Because their customers are making them roll that up into the box of cereal or whatever they're selling. And if you don't have the
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Russ Taylor of Russ Taylor Global, the second keynote speaker, offered critical insights into the evolving global lumber market. With 30 years in the industry, including a 15-year stint in China, Taylor's perspective holds considerable weight.
Taylor emphasized the dominant role of Europe, USA, China, Russia, and Canada in global log and lumber dynamics, collectively contributing to over 87% of the market. He remarked on the rising costs due to the scarcity of cheap logs and the growth driven by demand in nations like China, India, Brazil, and Indonesia.
“If you can give them a story to tell, even if it's just a small sliver of the big picture of the full lifecycle of their products, they're going to latch on to that to your friend and your customer for a long time."
Matt Beck