Supply chains in focus for investment decisions
Global supply chains are no longer just an operational issue, but a central factor in investment decisions.
According to the interview, the ESG analysts are assessing Janina Bartkewitz and Anne-Katrin Leonard from Union Investment Companies are increasingly focusing on how sustainable, transparent, and resilient their supply chains are.
ESG criteria and regulatory requirements
According to the interview, ESG criteria are a key component of company valuation. In particular, environmental, social, and governance aspects along the entire value chain play a role.
The Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains strengthens regulatory requirements and makes responsible action an important differentiator.
Companies that implement these requirements early and proactively demonstrate solid risk management and strong governance. Furthermore, according to the interview, active dialogue with companies emphasises the importance of transparency and continuous improvement in the supply chain.
Risk assessment and the use of technologies
Union Investment assesses supply chain risks using a combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses.
According to the interview, both the geographical diversification of suppliers and dependence on individual suppliers, as well as compliance with ESG standards, are being taken into account. Identified risks are addressed through targeted engagement measures, and in the event of serious problems, this can also lead to a lower weighting in the portfolio or the exclusion of a company.
Innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are increasingly important, according to an interview. They increase transparency, improve traceability, and strengthen risk management.
Simultaneously, geopolitical crises and economic uncertainties are increasing the demands on businesses, making resilience, flexibility, and digital early warning systems ever more important.
Union Investment
Union Investment is a German fund company and part of the cooperative financial group Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken.
She manages investment funds for private and institutional clients, placing increasing emphasis on sustainable investments that take into account Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.
Union Investment actively engages in dialogue with companies to promote responsible supply chain management and achieve sustainable improvements.
Read more here about strategic supply chain management and how companies can master challenges by 2026: https://kloepfel-magazin.com/interviews/supply-chain-management-herausforderungen-2026-12789/
Source: www.kloepfel-magazin.com