Supply chain: the top five stories of 2014

From cat faeces to cosmetics, blood diamonds to palm oil, here’s what was most read over the last 12 months

 What will 2015 bring to the supply chain? Photograph: Alamy

Tess Riley

Tuesday 30 December 2014 07.30 EST

The supply chain hub has explored a fantastic range of topics this year, as the five most read stories of 2014 demonstrate.

Scott Poynton’s feature on deforestation looks at the huge potential for a more sustainable global food system as palm oil giants such as Wilmar and Reckitt Benckiser make “no deforestation” commitments. Only time will tell what impact these have.

In another brilliant read, coffee expert Tony Wild delves into the dark world of civet coffee before going on to describe the more positive steps being taken by Rarefied, a company enabling habitat and biodiversity conservation, and smallholder education and income, through its production of guaranteed wild civet coffee.

Food and drink aside, Erin Switalski examines the weak government regulations doing little to prevent women from being exposed to serious chemicals found in cosmetics – including those linked to breast cancer, hormone disruption and reproductive problems - while David Rhode looks at the certification scheme for diamonds that’s doing more harm than good.

As for Apple, is it cleaning up its act on labour rights? Have a read of Duncan Jefferies’ piece to find out more. 

1.Wilmar’s ‘no deforestation’ goal could revolutionise food production

After years of lobbying the world’s largest palm oil company has promised to end deforestation and exploitation - will it set a new threshold for responsible food production?

2.Civet cat coffee: can world’s most expensive brew be made sustainably?

Coffee derived from the faeces of the civet cat has spawned a cruel industry. Will sustainable production leave a better taste?

3.Danger in the drugstore: what women need to know about cosmetics

US law gives regulators little power to prevent companies using harmful chemicals in everyday products

4.Is Apple cleaning up its act on labour rights?

Tough production schedules and slim margins lead to poor labour conditions in the electronics industry. Duncan Jefferies asks if progress is being made

5.The Kimberley Process is a ‘perfect cover story’ for blood diamonds

We need a new system to force the jewellery industry to promote ethical mining and gem trading techniques