In today’s changing world, consumers demand sustainability and corporate social responsibility from every company. In many cases, consumer purchases are made from companies that strike the right balance of profit and corporate social responsibility and sustainable practices. Victor Restis, president of Enterprises Shipping and Trade, points out that the global shipping and trade industry – which is the main lifeline of our global supply chain – takes the subject of sustainability seriously, especially given the transportation nature of its business.

Raising the sustainability level in global shipping and supply chains is a demand placed upon global companies by industry leaders and the agencies that regulate them.  Each industry is responsible for contributing to our planet’s well-being, health, and safety for future generations. However, profits and processes are essential, so every step we make toward a more sustainable process must be met with the balance of profit responsibility.

The international shipping and trade industry are massive consumers of fossil fuels – there simply is no way around this. To ensure products and materials needed to sustain our populations, the need to run large cargo vessels, smaller vessels, forklifts, cars, trains, trucks, and other transport vehicles are required.

This article demonstrates the understanding that leaders like Mr. Restis possess within the shipping and trade industry. Many leaders are taking the required and necessary steps, and organizational approach, to put forth processes to ensure the reduction of carbon emissions with goal points set for the years 2030 and 2050. These global targets set forth by enterprise executives and the maritime industry make changes across the entire sector to achieve a more responsible, sustainable approach. These changes include new technologies aimed at effective exhaust gas cleaning systems and cleaner ballast water to start. Also, alternative fuels, leveraging natural resources for power generation, reducing marine litter, improving ship recycling processes, and slow steaming can be implemented to achieve sustainability and reach 2030 and 2050.

The insights offered by Mr. Restis in this article are setting a gold standard through experience, innovation, and technology. Implementing new ways to reduce carbon is an essential function of any corporate social responsibility program and, overall, is just the responsible thing to do.

Until the rest of the world catches up, it looks like Mr. Restis and other industry executives can lead the rest of the world by creating new, sustainable practices toward introducing environmentally friendly practices in the global shipping and trade industry.

Gareth Willmot

Gareth Willmot is a serial weird festival collector, coffee snob and a neurotic last-minute traveller who is passionate about marketing, ultramarathons and yoga.