What does sustainable supply chain management primarily focus on?

Sustainable supply chain management primarily emphasizes considering environmental and social impacts. This approach integrates sustainability into the supply chain process by evaluating how operations affect the environment and society, and it seeks to minimize negative outcomes. This means not only looking at the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of operations but also ensuring that sourcing, production, distribution, and disposal of products do not harm the environment or local communities and promote social well-being.

By focusing on environmental sustainability, companies may adopt practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and utilizing sustainable materials. Socially, it involves engaging with stakeholders, ensuring fair labor practices, and contributing positively to communities. This holistic perspective helps businesses operate responsibly while maintaining profitability, aligning with modern consumer expectations and regulatory standards.

The other options, while important in their own right, do not encapsulate the essence of sustainable supply chain management. Maximizing production efficiency and minimizing transportation costs prioritize efficiency and cost savings, potentially at the expense of environmental and social responsibilities. Focusing solely on economic benefits disregards the critical balance between profit, planet, and people, which is central to sustainability principles.