Around 73% of consumers in 14 markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East want to live more sustainably. This is according to Alibaba’s 2023 Sustainability Trends Report. Some 70% of participants in the 2023 Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey indicated that they would be “to some or a great extent” willing to pay more for products made sustainably.
Adhering to sustainability principles has a positive impact on the brand’s reputation, as the move meets a growing customer need, and is advantageous for the local economy and environment. Let us examine concrete measures that you can incorporate into your business plan to promote an environmentally conscious enterprise.
Enhance Product Transparency
Make every opportunity to emphasise the sustainable aspects of the goods you manufacture, market, or sell. It’s not enough to simply add terms like “natural” and “eco-friendly” to your descriptions to make your product stand out these days. Rather, try including a description of the steps you took to achieve the “environmentally friendly” status in each case.
A discerning customer values the details, for example, the breakdown of the ingredients used to make the glaze for ceramics. This sincere and methodical approach to information dissemination strengthens the foundation of your marketing plan and keeps your brand from devolving into evocative but unrelated catchphrases.
Forge Collaborations With Sustainable Suppliers
The suppliers you choose to work with play a vital role in shaping your brand and operational values. It is essential to collaborate with vendors who share your company’s environmental beliefs. With 44% of businesses now requiring their partners to meet sustainability standards, it is important to ensure that your suppliers are aligned with your environmental goals. Consider implementing an incentive/rating system to encourage your suppliers to embrace sustainable practices that are important to your business.
If your company relies on seasonal products, prioritising locally sourced items, such as fruits or flowers, can reduce the need for long-distance transportation and minimise your carbon footprint. This approach not only benefits the environment but also allows for fresher and higher-quality products, ultimately enhancing your reputation within the community.
Implement Recyclable Packaging
Reusing materials and reducing the use of single-use packaging have always been important characteristics of sustainable brands. Consumers are not far behind, according to studies: 54% of consumers support minimal packaging to cut down on waste, and 57% of consumers want businesses to prioritise eco-friendly packaging.
You can significantly lessen the environmental impact of your brand by altering the way you package your goods. Examine the green alternatives that are available for your business. For example, flower shops can use kraft paper instead of cellophane for their arrangements, and food delivery services can switch to reusable or compostable containers.
Embrace Waste-Reducing Practices
For your brand and your partners, minimising waste doesn’t have to be tedious or expensive. Come up with creative ways to set up a situation where protecting the environment and your business’s interests can coincide.
Let us take an example of the one who makes soy candles, when a customer buys one of the recycled glass candles, they can return the empty candle “holder” and receive a credit toward their subsequent purchase.
Adapt Production To Demand
The fact that corporations almost always place a higher priority on output is one of the main reasons why they are not sustainable. The incapacity of big factories to reduce output without suffering losses is the cause. In this sense, local brands have a huge advantage because they can match their production to real consumer demand.
It is refreshing (and undoubtedly environmentally friendly) to be the brand that encourages customers to purchase according to their needs and capacity rather than overindulging in an era of excessive consumption. In light of this, it’s critical to monitor the projects your company supports because a mishandled campaign or partnership may result in a misalignment between your stated mission and your actual behaviour.
Foster A Culture Of Sustainability
It’s still important to be mindful and to live by your sustainability principles. Strengthen the culture from within by incentivising your staff to make eco-friendly decisions and to buy environmentally friendly products. Seek methods to support your staff members’ mental health and guarantee that their freedom and human rights are upheld.