ESG Data Collaboration in Supply ChainsKey to Net Positive & GHG Emission Visualization
Article | 2025-12-15
5 minute read
Discover how Net Positive leaders tackle supply chain ESG data collaboration challenges. Learn about technologies enabling secure data sharing & GHG visualization for sustainable growth.
What is Net Positive?
Net Positive is a business approach where companies not only aim to reduce their footprint, but improve their positive impact in society, business and the environment.
Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index is a global survey of 1,800 CxOs and decision-makers independently developed and researched by Economist Impact. This data provides a benchmark of where five industries (financial services, manufacturing, mobility, retail, and energy & utilities) are on their journey to become Net Positive.
This article is based on this research, which leveraged industry metrics to explore the factors hindering the achievement of Net Positive.
The Crucial Role of ESG Data Collection and Utilization in Driving Net Positive
Collecting and utilizing data on the impact of business activities on society and the environment contributes to achieving Net Positive. According to this study, the region/industry with the highest Net Positive achievement was the retail sector in Europe. Many companies in this region have reported that data collection "significantly helped" in reducing negative social and environmental impacts. Looking at the responses from all surveyed companies, data collection was found to be significantly (28.1%) or moderately (50.2%) helpful in promoting Net Positive.
In Fujitsu's Net Positive initiatives, the first step was also to measure data related to social and environmental impact and visualize both positive and negative effects. By collecting data and pursuing the maximization of positive impacts and minimization of negative impacts, we are enhancing our Net Positive maturity.
Supply Chain Data Collaboration: The Major Barrier to Achieving Net Positive Goals
Once internal data collection and utilization mature, the next step involves external data collaboration. In the article “Overcoming the company size dilemma: A roadmap for sustainable business transformation”, we noted that the first step towards achieving Net Positive (especially for SMEs with limited management resources) is active information gathering and external collaboration. By sharing and integrating Net Positive-related data with stakeholders across one's business, it is possible to maximize the positive and minimize the negative social and environmental impacts across the entire supply chain.
However, external data collaboration is not easy. In this study, the most frequently cited barrier to promoting Net Positive was "supply chain issues (e.g., lack of transparency or supplier cooperation)" at 53.9%. Only 14.5% of companies reported highly integrating data across their entire supply chain.
