Supply chains in the focus of investment decisions
Global supply chains are no longer just an operational issue, but a key factor in investment decisions.
According to the interview, ESG analysts Janina Bartkewitz and Anne-Katrin Leonard from Union Investment are increasingly evaluating companies based on how sustainable, transparent, and resilient their supply chains are.
ESG criteria and regulatory requirements
According to the interview, ESG criteria are an essential part of company valuation. Environmental, social, and governance aspects along the entire value chain play a particularly important role.
The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act strengthens regulatory requirements and makes responsible behavior an important differentiating factor.
Companies that implement these requirements early and proactively demonstrate sound risk management and strong governance. According to the interview, active dialogue with companies also emphasizes the importance of transparency and continuous improvement in the supply chain.
Risk assessment and use of technologies
Union Investment assesses supply chain risks using a combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses.
According to the interview, consideration is given to the geographical diversification of suppliers, dependence on individual suppliers, and compliance with ESG standards. Identified risks are addressed through targeted engagement measures, and in the case of serious problems, this can also lead to a lower weighting in the portfolio or the exclusion of a company.
According to the interview, innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are becoming increasingly important. They increase transparency, improve traceability, and strengthen risk management.
At the same time, geopolitical crises and economic uncertainties are placing greater demands on companies, making resilience, flexibility, and digital early warning systems increasingly important.
Union Investment
Union Investment is a German fund management company and part of the Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken cooperative financial group.
It manages investment funds for private and institutional clients, placing increasing emphasis on sustainable investments that take environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into account.
Union Investment actively engages in dialogue with companies to promote responsible supply chain management and achieve sustainable improvements.
Read more about strategic supply chain management and how companies can overcome challenges in 2026 here: https://kloepfel-magazin.com/interviews/supply-chain-management-herausforderungen-2026-12789/
Source: www.kloepfel-magazin.com