Mottainai: A holistic value stream approach to create sustainability

This paper takes a holistic look at sustainability through the lens of the Japanese concept of ‘mottainai’, which embraces respect for people and resources that our planet offers. The paper goes on to explain the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework for mapping and analysis of end-to-end value stream activities. This tool helps to identify, measure and develop a comprehensive action plan at the point of occurrence effectively targeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This can be done only in collaboration with network partners with clear scorecard-based evaluation and monitoring. Using examples from the automotive industry and a case study from a healthcare pharmaceutical drug producer, it weaves the concepts of LCA, value stream mapping and scorecard seamlessly into something which the reader may find it easy and simple to implement. The paper also touches upon the challenges one needs to be cognisant of in implementing changes in the network to achieve sustainable supply chain operations, with a firm belief that the journey towards nature-positive is not only the need of the hour but is also possible practically. We owe it to not just future generations but also to ourselves within our lifetime.