Leading Sustainable Supply Chains: Ebru Sebat's Vision for Innovation and Resilience at Norwex
As the Global Operations and Supply Chain Director at Norwex, Ebru Sebat is at the forefront of driving sustainability in supply chain management. With a career dedicated to eco-conscious practices, Ebru has played a pivotal role in enhancing Norwex’s operations, ensuring that sustainability is not just a goal but a core value woven into every step of the supply chain. In this exclusive interview, Ebru shares her journey, the challenges she faces in building resilient and sustainable supply chains, and her vision for the future of eco-friendly products.
Click below to access the digital version
Career Journey: Can you share your career journey and what led you to your role as Global Operations and Supply Chain Director at Norwex? What experiences have been most influential in shaping your approach to supply chain management?
From an early age, I was determined to pursue a career in supply chain management, drawn by the opportunity to shape global operations and make a meaningful impact on businesses and customers. This passion led me to study business and embark on a career that has taken me across multiple countries, cultures, and industries. After graduation, I had the privilege of kick-starting my career by leading the supply chain aspect of large-scale, multi-million-euro worldwide projects for a tech company in France, where I consistently achieved 98% customer satisfaction. This role honed my analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to deliver under pressure—all essential qualities for success in supply chain management.
In 2017, I joined Norwex Germany to establish supply chain activities for the European markets and implement the forecasting tool Blue Yonder, which significantly enhanced demand planning accuracy and operational efficiency. This role required not only technical expertise but also a hands-on approach to process development, strong interpersonal skills to align stakeholders, and resilience to navigate the challenges of rapid organisational growth. A year later, I transitioned to the headquarters in Malta, where I expanded my responsibilities to include the APAC region. This experience further deepened my ability to navigate cultural complexities, foster collaboration across diverse teams, and approach problem-solving with a global mindset.
Since January 2021, as Global Operations and Supply Chain Director at Norwex Malta, I have led the entire supply chain and operations function, ensuring high-quality products are delivered worldwide in a cost-efficient and timely manner. I take pride in aligning operational excellence with Norwex’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
My approach to supply chain management is driven by a strategic vision, adaptability, and a dedication to empowering my team. I believe in creating an environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and inspired to contribute to shared goals. I also thrive on solving complex challenges, leveraging both data-driven decision-making and creative thinking to deliver measurable results. Working with Norwex is particularly fulfilling, as it allows me to combine my professional expertise with the company’s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.
Sustainability in Supply Chain Operations: Norwex is known for its commitment to sustainability. How does your team ensure sustainable practices across Norwex’s global supply chain, from sourcing to production and distribution?
At Norwex, sustainability is deeply embedded in every aspect of our global supply chain. We are committed to sustainable sourcing, production, and distribution processes that minimise environmental impact.
We begin with sourcing by implementing our “No-No List,” which bans over 2,700 harmful substances and is continually updated. This goes beyond avoiding common chemicals like sulfates and parabens, relying on scientific research to ensure our product standards are uncompromising. Additionally, Norwex follows a rigorous 360° Product Safety Review, evaluating ingredients and formulas for safety, sustainability, and quality against global standards, such as the EU Cosmetics Directive and the US EPA. This process guarantees that our products are safe and sustainable, earning the “Norwex Clean” label.
In our pursuit of sustainability, we also offer USDA Certified Biobased Products, which are made from renewable biological resources, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. Norwex is also EWG Verified, ensuring transparency and confirming that our products are free from harmful ingredients.
Recycled materials are another key focus. We use microfiber yarn made from over 12 million plastic bottles, and repurpose plastic waste collected from coastal areas, preventing it from entering oceans. This reclaimed plastic is used in our packaging and product components, contributing to cleaner oceans and reducing waste.
Ethical production is equally important. Our textiles are certified free from harmful substances through the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification. We also partner with SEDEX to evaluate sustainability practices within our supply chain and ensure our suppliers adhere to ethical labor standards, prohibiting child and forced labor.
We also focus on responsible distribution. Our microfiber recycling program converts used products into renewable energy, and we use sustainable, recyclable packaging. By offering long-lasting, reusable alternatives to disposable items, such as paper towels and plastic straws, we help customers reduce waste and prevent single-use items from ending up in landfills and oceans.
These efforts integrate across our supply chain to deliver on our promise to protect the planet, all while meeting the growing demand for sustainable products. Through these practices, we ensure that sustainability is not just a goal but a reality in our operations.
Challenges in Eco-Friendly Product Supply Chains: What are some unique challenges you face in maintaining a supply chain for eco-friendly products, and how does Norwex address these challenges to remain aligned with its environmental goals?
Maintaining a supply chain for eco-friendly products presents unique challenges, including limited supplier availability, cost pressures, and the need for extensive quality and performance testing.
At Norwex, creating eco-friendly products begins with sourcing sustainable materials that meet our rigorous environmental and safety standards. As mentioned earlier, our “no-no list” bans over 2,700 harmful substances, ensuring that the materials we use are safe for both consumers and the environment.
However, sourcing these sustainable materials can be difficult due to the limited availability of suppliers and the higher costs compared to conventional materials.
To address these challenges, Norwex builds strong, long-term relationships with trusted suppliers to ensure a reliable supply of sustainable materials. We also conduct rigorous testing on recycled materials to ensure they meet the same high-performance standards as virgin materials, guaranteeing that our eco-friendly products deliver the quality our customers expect. For example, our microfiber products are certified under OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals and safe for the environment.
Norwex also focuses on innovation by designing eco-friendly products that minimise waste. Key initiatives such as refillable products, reusable solutions, and recyclable packaging help reduce the environmental impact of our products while empowering customers to make sustainable choices.
With a global presence, another challenge is the complexity of aligning with diverse regulatory requirements across the countries in which we operate. Norwex ensures compliance with local regulations while promoting environmentally responsible practices worldwide.
At Norwex, these strategies are more than just solutions—they are opportunities to innovate, inspire, and stay true to our mission of creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world.
Supplier Relationships and Ethical Sourcing: How does Norwex build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, and what measures are in place to ensure that ethical sourcing standards are upheld throughout the supply chain?
Norwex builds and maintains strong supplier relationships through collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to sustainability.
Building trust is fundamental to these relationships, and many of Norwex’s suppliers have been long-term partners for over 20 years.
To uphold ethical sourcing standards, Norwex conducts regular audits and follows a strict protocol for selecting new suppliers, ensuring they align with our sustainability goals. Additionally, we use tools like SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) to assess and select suppliers based on their sustainability and ethical practices.
Norwex is also committed to partnering with suppliers who share our values, particularly in relation to ethical labor practices. We require strict adherence to labor standards that prohibit child and forced labor, ensuring that our supply chain reflects our core principles.
Quality Assurance for Eco-Conscious Products: In producing eco-conscious products, how does Norwex ensure the highest quality standards? What role does the supply chain play in achieving consistent product excellence?
Ensuring the highest quality standards for eco-conscious products requires meticulous oversight throughout every stage of production, from raw materials to finished goods. Our 360 review process involves rigorous testing of raw materials, guided by our “no-no” list, and collaboration with our ISO 9001-certified factory or trusted suppliers to uphold the highest quality standards.
Finished products undergo thorough testing by our quality assurance team before they are approved for distribution to global warehouses. Additionally, our commitment to surpassing international eco-certifications, such as OEKO-TEX® for textile products, reinforces our dedication to maintaining exceptional quality.
The supply chain plays a crucial role in preserving product excellence. By adhering to strict quality guidelines during sourcing, production, distribution, and storage—particularly for temperature-sensitive personal care products—our supply chain ensures that products meet our high standards from manufacturing to delivery.
Inventory and Demand Management: How does Norwex manage inventory and demand forecasting, especially given the growing consumer interest in sustainable products and fluctuations in global supply?
Norwex manages inventory and demand forecasting with the help of an advanced tool called Blue Yonder, known for its robust capabilities in inventory management and demand planning.
This tool is used at both local and global levels, enabling local sales teams to track inventory and forecast demand while providing a comprehensive overview globally. Blue Yonder analyses past sales data for each country and factors in elements like seasonality to predict future trends. By aggregating global demand, it provides valuable insights into the necessary purchase and manufacturing volumes worldwide.
This software ensures that Norwex maintains optimal inventory levels, aligning production and purchasing with forecasted demand. It helps the company meet the growing consumer interest in sustainable products, even amidst fluctuations in global supply.
Risk Management in Global Operations: What strategies does Norwex use to manage risks across its global supply chain, and how do you ensure continuity and resilience in the face of potential disruptions?
Norwex manages risks across its global supply chains through a combination of strategic and operational approaches aimed at anticipating, addressing, and recovering from disruptions while maintaining both efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Key strategies include comprehensive assessments to identify potential risks, such as geopolitical instability, natural disasters, port strikes, and raw material shortages. From a planning standpoint, Norwex develops robust contingency plans, incorporating alternate sourcing and transportation strategies to ensure continuity during disruptions.
As mentioned earlier, building strong relationships with key suppliers is another essential element of our approach. These partnerships encourage transparency, mutual support, and shared risk mitigation efforts. Additionally, maintaining buffer stock of critical raw materials and products helps mitigate the impact of temporary supply disruptions, ensuring operational resilience.
Future Trends in Sustainable Supply Chains: What trends do you see shaping the future of sustainable supply chains, and how is Norwex preparing to lead in this evolving landscape?
The future of sustainable supply chains will be shaped by a fundamental shift from the traditional linear supply chain model to a circular one. While a linear supply chain follows the “take-make-dispose” approach, a circular supply chain functions as a closed-loop system, where products, materials, and resources are constantly reused, recycled, and regenerated.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Norwex is investing in product designs that prioritise durability and recyclability. For example, we’ve implemented closed-loop systems, such as the ability to return long-lasting microfiber cloths, which can be converted into sustainable energy.
There is also growing awareness among companies and consumers about the environmental impact of plastic waste, driving a shift towards biodegradable and recyclable packaging. In line with this trend, Norwex is transitioning to fully sustainable packaging solutions, supporting our eco-friendly mission and further reducing our environmental footprint.
Advice for Supply Chain Professionals: As a leader in supply chain management, what advice would you offer to those looking to make an impact in supply chain and operations, especially within the sustainable products sector?
As a leader in supply chain management, my advice for professionals looking to make an impact in supply chain and operations—especially within the sustainable products sector—is to first focus on creating an agile supply chain. In today’s fast-paced world, businesses must remain adaptable to unexpected internal or external changes while maintaining financial stability. Given the frequent disruptions, delays, and regulatory changes, the ability to pivot effectively is essential. Agile supply chain management allows businesses to stay ahead of the curve, meet customer expectations efficiently, and mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions.
Second, I recommend building strong relationships with key partners who share similar sustainability values. By fostering open communication, aligning on sustainability objectives, and collaborating on innovative solutions, supply chain professionals can drive operational excellence and create long-term value for all stakeholders.
Lastly, embracing new technologies is crucial to advancing supply chain management. Tools like blockchain enable full traceability of raw materials, ensuring ethical sourcing and transparency. AI plays a pivotal role in optimisation, reducing waste, and improving operational efficiency. Additionally, IoT (Internet of Things) devices provide real-time data to monitor energy usage, emissions, and resource consumption, leading to more informed decision-making and a reduced carbon footprint.
By integrating these strategies, supply chain professionals can drive measurable impact, align operations with sustainability goals, and deliver eco-friendly products to the market more effectively.
