Written by Harriet Wollerton, ADS Services Director
I was delighted to be invited to moderate a panel discussion at the ADS Toulouse Annual Event earlier this month titled “Onboarding the Supply Chain for Decarbonisation and Long-Term Sustainability“.
The ADS Toulouse event brings together a remarkable line-up of companies from agile SMEs to global players like Airbus, so it was a pleasure to have an inspiring mix of voices from across the aerospace and manufacturing ecosystem on my panel.
Joining me were:
- Magali Collet, SVP Procurement and Governance Strategy – Airbus
- Kevin McNamee, Group CEO – Denroy
- Thibault Belin, Project Manager – Carbone 4
- Clementine Gallet, CEO – Coriolis Group
- Jordan Croskery, ESG Executive – ADS
The discussion underscored just how pivotal supply chain engagement is to the net-zero ambitions of our sectors. Hearing how the different organisations are tackling the decarbonisation challenge, supply chain transformation and long-term stability was incredibly energising.
Here are some of my key takeaways:
Supplier engagement is essential
Airbus’ approach to engaging thousands of suppliers—focusing on transparency and measurable action—sets a strong example.
SMEs need tailored support
Many small and medium-sized enterprises face resource and knowledge barriers. Larger organisations and industry bodies can make a real difference by sharing tools, guidance, and best practices.
Consumer expectations are shaping aerospace
Principles like transparency and circular design, long established in consumer markets, are now shaping sustainable strategies in aerospace.
Data and collaboration drive progress
Robust carbon data and cross-sector partnerships are critical for effective decarbonisation and innovation.
Procurement must balance priorities
For procurement, the challenge lies in building trust through open data sharing, all while striking the right balance between cost, quality and sustainability.
ESG integration prepares us for the future
Embedding ESG principles helps SMEs get ahead of evolving regulations and market demands.
What became clear throughout the discussion is how the above key elements are necessary to contribute to meaningful progress. Primes and OEMs have a vital role to play in supporting SMEs through genuine partnerships and investment in capability building.
By working together and sharing insights and best practices, we can ensure that the supply chain is equipped to contribute to a net-zero aerospace industry.
Support through the Supply Chain Framework
The Supply Chain Solutions Framework has been created to offer resources and a supportive community to help SMEs improve capability and become more competitive; and is recognised by leading customers in the aerospace and defence sectors.
If you’re looking to take practical steps, I encourage you to complete our free self-assessment tool to help you benchmark your current practices and identify actionable next steps. It’s designed to make your first move toward sustainability as accessible as possible.
Find out more about our ESG services here.
