Supply Chain Sustainability: What’s Holding Us Back? A Conversation with Anita Kelava, Co-Founder of Voiz Academy

The Managing Director of Boston Strategies International, David Steven Jacoby recently participated in an in-depth discussion with Anita Kelava, Co-founder of the Voiz Academy, a leading platform for continuing education and certification programs focused on the application of emerging technologies to emissions reduction and climate adaptation. The discussion explored the supply chain technologies—and the supporting processes and behaviors—that can deliver the greatest impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Technologies Driving the Next Wave of Decarbonization

During the discussion, we examined several technologies that are already reshaping the sustainability landscape:

• AI for forecasting, inventory optimization, and energy management
• Battery management systems and next-generation storage advancements
• In-building carbon capture, such as Carbon Reform’s plug-and-play Capsule
• Blockchain for authenticating “green electrons” and “green hydrogen”

These tools are no longer futuristic concepts—they are practical enablers available today for organizations committed to reducing emissions.

Hard + Soft Tech: Building Circularity Across Industries

A major theme of the conversation centered on how companies can combine:

• Hard technologies (e.g., chemical recycling)
• Soft technologies (e.g., AI-driven optimization)

to create circular economies in plastics, rubber, textiles, and consumer goods. Much of the opportunity lies not in new inventions but in leadership, process redesign, and ecosystems thinking.

Operational Quick Wins That Require No New Technology

Several process-based levers can deliver substantial carbon and cost reductions immediately:

• Contracting for green power through green PPAs
• Optimizing logistics networks to reduce both emissions and cost
• Hybrid EV adoption supported by tax incentives
• Embedding carbon education and reduction commitments into Tier-level supplier contracts
• Designing low-carbon products and services using the Revchain™ methodology

These steps highlight that progress is less constrained by technology and more by alignment, incentives, and execution.

Where Young Professionals Can Drive Transformation

Emerging leaders entering the workforce today have unprecedented opportunities to make an impact. High-leverage areas include:

• Net-zero product design
• AI for supply chain visibility and decarbonization
• Carbon accounting platforms
• Supplier engagement and sourcing strategy
• Corporate sustainability messaging and internal alignment
• Policy, diplomacy, and sustainability-focused negotiation

Their enthusiasm and fluency with digital tools position them to accelerate adoption and cultural change.

We extend our appreciation to Anita Kelava for hosting a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation that clarified both the challenges and the near-term breakthroughs within reach for global supply chains.

To dive deeper into the frameworks discussed—including the Revchain™ Decarbonization System—you can explore David Steven Jacoby’s book Getting to Net Zero: https://a.co/d/4maXJnS