Supply Chain, Distribution and ESG
For consumer and retail businesses, supply and distribution models underpin how products reach market. These may include traditional manufacturing and distribution networks, as well as digital marketplace ecosystems and third party seller platforms. Import structures, distribution networks and logistics platforms must be commercially efficient, scalable and aligned with evolving regulatory and stakeholder expectations.
In competitive markets, supply chain design influences margin, speed to market and brand resilience. It is also subject to increasing scrutiny around sourcing practices, sustainability disclosures and trade compliance.
We advise retailers, FMCG manufacturers, digital platforms, marketplaces and consumer brands across the full lifecycle of supply and distribution frameworks, combining commercial structuring capability with regulatory and governance insight.
Our experience includes:
Structuring manufacturing, sourcing and exclusive distribution arrangements
Designing and governing multi-tier supply and logistics networks
Cross-border trade, import/export and customs compliance
Governance of third-party seller networks and marketplace distribution models
Supplier contracting and risk allocation frameworks
Product stewardship and end-of-life obligations
Modern slavery, ethical sourcing and sustainability governance
Managing regulatory scrutiny relating to supply chain practices
Supplier disputes and distribution termination issues
We help organisations embed governance structures that anticipate regulatory developments and protect long-term brand trust.
Experience
Woolworths
Advising Woolworths on compliance with Australia's new mandatory sustainability reporting regime, including climate-related financial disclosure obligations, governance and risk management procedures, scope 3 supply chain emissions reporting, greenwashing risk, assurance requirements and Board-level training on ESG duties and disclosure standards.
Williams Sonoma
Advising Williams Sonoma on an illegal logging import regulatory investigation, involving assessment of supply chain compliance obligations under Australian import regulations and development of a response strategy to address regulatory scrutiny relating to sourcing and supply chain practices.
Siemens Energy and Rain Bird
Advising Siemens Energy and Rain Bird in relation to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in imported product bans, including assessing the regulatory impact on product supply chains and advising on compliance with emerging restrictions on chemicals in imported goods.
Samsonite Australia
Advising Samsonite Australia Pty Ltd on emerging changes to the iChems Register prohibiting certain activities involving PFAS chemicals, including implications for product stewardship obligations and supply chain compliance with evolving chemical restrictions.
Ridley Corporation
Advising Ridley Corporation (FY25 revenue $1.3 billion), Australia's largest animal feed manufacturer, on environmental compliance for its Victorian manufacturing hub, achieving highly favourable outcomes with environmental regulators in relation to its production and distribution operations.
The Blackwood Dairy Project (Peninsula Downs)
Advising on the environmental and planning approvals for a future-focused, sustainable dairy farming venture incorporating free-stall barns, self-sufficient fodder production and an anaerobic biodigester system to convert dairy waste into energy — involving novel product stewardship, waste-to-energy and sustainability considerations within a complex regulatory framework not designed for this innovative supply chain model.
PENDING IKEA / Multinational Furnishing Retailer
Advising IKEA / a multinational furnishing retailer on its sustainability reporting across its Australian retail operations.
DHL
Advising DHL on regulatory matters related to its supply and logistics businesses, including competition and consumer law advisory work across its supply chain and distribution operations.
Various Pharmaceutical Entities
Advising various pharmaceutical entities on complex structuring, exclusive distribution and reseller arrangements to ensure competition law compliance. This includes assessing regulatory risks associated with multi-party supply and distribution agreements.
Pharmacare
Advised Pharmacare on its modern slavery response, including reviewing its modern slavery reporting statement, training its key personnel in modern slavery risk management and response, preparing a supplier code of conduct and model contractual clauses, and key performance indicators.
