You can further support innovation by providing grants and funding or co-developing solutions through pilot projects or R&D alliances.⁴ You may also consider creating an incubator or accelerator program targeting specific sustainability challenges. Such programs can support early-stage companies that have the advantage of greater agility and disruptive potential than more established organisations.
EXAMPLE: Disney solicits sustainability solutions through open grant application
Disney Supply Chain Investment Program (SCIP) aims to address poor working conditions in its key sourcing markets. Through an open grant application, the company solicits scalable solutions from non-profits, social enterprises, and other NGOs.⁵
EXAMPLE: Apple created Impact Accelerator to support supplier diversity and sustainability
Apple’s Impact Accelerator supports black- and brown-owned businesses that provide sustainability solutions, such as renewable energy, carbon removal, recycling innovation, and smarter chemistry. The accelerator offers chosen suppliers customised training, mentorship, and strategic partnership opportunities.⁶
EXAMPLE: BHP invests in start-ups to help reduce upstream emissions
Most of the mining company’s emissions result from the processing of ores by upstream value chain partners. To address its Scope 3 emissions, BHP invested in Boston Metal, a start-up using technology to produce emission-free steel.⁷
EXAMPLE: Mars creates sustainable investment fund to harness supplier innovation
Mars Sustainability Investment Fund (MSIF) is $250 million fund designed to provide capital to companies across Mars' value chain that are developing sustainability solutions.8 The company is focused on investments in technologies that reduce the emissions associated with agricultural inputs and ingredient where most of the companies greenhouse gas emission stem from. It also seeks solutions to single-use plastics that can create pollution and emissions.9
