Supply chain transparency: from factory to store shelf

Supply chain transparency is considered one of the most important trends in retail for 2025. This is a result of growing consumer interest in the origins of the products they buy— a response to increasing environmental awareness as well as a requirement for ensuring product quality.

Supply chain transparency: what does it mean?

Supply chain transparency refers to ensuring visibility and accessibility of information regarding the origin of raw materials, production processes, transportation, and product distribution at every stage of the supply chain. This means that companies can track and share details about production conditions, compliance with ethical and environmental standards, and the quality of supplied components.

A Nielsen study shows that 26% of shoppers struggle to find sustainable products on store shelves. Supply chain transparency helps build trust among consumers, who increasingly expect products to come from ethical sources.

Key aspects of supply chain transparency

What makes a supply chain transparent?

• Tracking the origin of raw materials – identifying the source of materials and monitoring their journey from supplier to finished product.
• Documentation and certifications – ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and ethical standards, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council for Wood), Fair Trade, and ISO standards for quality control and environmental regulations.
• Supplier monitoring – assessing and auditing suppliers to ensure adherence to labor standards, environmental protection, and fair business practices.
• Digitization and tracking technologies – utilizing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems for supply chain management, RFID sensors for real-time tracking, and blockchain technology to record all products and suppliers in the supply chain.
• Transparent communication – providing customers, partners, and stakeholders with clear and reliable information about the supply chain.

Supply chain transparency: opportunities and risks

What are the benefits of a transparent supply chain?

• Improved risk management – full supply chain visibility allows retailers to better manage supply-related risks, helping to avoid delays and losses.
• Optimized deliveries – transparency helps shorten delivery times and improve logistics efficiency, leading to better customer satisfaction.

However, supply chain transparency also presents some challenges:

• Increased costs – Implementing systems to ensure transparency may require significant investment in new technologies, such as blockchain or RFID sensors.
• Pressure on suppliers – Transparency requirements can place a burden on smaller suppliers, who may struggle to meet new standards.
• Privacy risks – Sharing data to ensure transparency may pose risks related to data privacy and security.

Supply chain transparency in the retail furniture industry

In the retail furniture industry, supply chain transparency means complete visibility and control over every stage of the process — from sourcing raw materials to production, delivery, and installation at the client’s location. This includes providing information on the origin of wood and other materials used in production, as well as ensuring compliance with ecological and ethical standards.

As a company specializing in the design and production of retail furniture, we recognize the importance of using responsibly sourced materials. The wood-based materials used by Ergo Store are FSC-certified, confirming that they come from sustainably managed forests rather than from areas subject to deforestation.

Supply chain transparency in the retail furniture industry also involves sustainable practices, such as collaborating with suppliers who adhere to environmental and social standards and maintaining clear communication with customers. This includes providing details about the materials used, the production process, and the carbon footprint of finished products.

Photo: Jacques Dillies, Arno Senoner / Unsplash