The 12th EurOMA Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Forum aims to promote a debate on the need to rethink the current predominant linear global supply and demand model. We intend to foster a discussion on new and improved ways to manage relationships and resources to face contemporary challenges. The urgency of transitioning to a regenerative supply chain model to ensure the long-term viability of human well-being development of its inhabitants and overall ecosystems of the Planet is clear. By embracing this transformation, companies should not only reduce their negative impact, but also actively contribute to a prosperous, equitable and sustainable future.

We currently face a so-called “Triple Planetary Crisis”, with menaces in the triangle: Increased Pollution, Climate Change impacts and Biodiversity losses. Circular Business Models for operations and supply chains are more and more urgent to be adopted, in order to mitigate these threats to society, environmental and economy losses due to the impacts (natural disasters, loss of productions, namely in food chain, mass migrations, etc.). Indeed, to keep global warming contained below +1,5ºC from the Agenda UN 2030 and Paris 2015 Agreement, a fast decarbonization efforts must be in place, reducing 5-10% per annum pollutant emissions, abandoning fossil fuels-based economy towards renewable energy and bio-based products economy. Unfortunately, recent world data measurements showed that we are almost reaching +1.5 ºC limit, which brings additional worries for the impacts of Global Warming increase and should improve factual efforts towards mitigation and adaptation actions. Thus, companies must adopt regenerative and restorative operations that, more than reducing or minimizing impacts, pursue NetZero effective operative scenarios and positive environmental and social impacts for society, for instance, by becoming carbon negative in operations and products. The development of regenerative operation and supply chains goes beyond environmental issues. The complex interconnections inherent in today’s society require us to recognize and address the social injustices embedded in our systems. Thus, companies must go beyond reducing possible negative impacts on societies impacted by their extended supply chains, and act as agents of change and rebuild society towards a fairer and more inclusive model.