With the climate change discourse increasing, more consumers are demanding sustainable products. According to The Economist Intelligence Unit, there has been a 71% rise in online searches for sustainable goods.
The environment is a big priority for customers, which businesses need to take into account to stay ahead of the curve.
To improve their green credentials, brands must identify ways in which each stage of the supply chain can be made more sustainable to ensure that the final product has as little impact on the environment as possible.
How can the supply chain be made more sustainable?
The process begins with brands identifying opportunities within the supply chain where the creation of the product can be made more environmentally friendly. This information can then be used in the product design stage and at each stage of product creation.
Manufacturers of products should analyze their existing systems and processes to identify areas for improvement that will allow them to reduce their carbon emissions and waste.
Products that produce less waste or create fewer emissions can lower costs, meaning the end product is more affordable for the consumer. For example, companies should look into the power sources they use to run their operations and see if more environmentally friendly options are available.
Another part of the supply chain that should be examined is the transportation process. For example, are more eco-friendly transportation options available? Can packaging be reduced so that more products can fit on a single pallet so that more products can be transported at the same time?
Regarding the packaging itself, one study found that 77% of respondents said plastic is the most environmentally irresponsible packaging option. Indeed, 91.3% of plastic generated in the US in 2018 was not recycled. Therefore, brands must look at introducing alternative, more eco-friendly packaging options for their products.
There are various sustainable packaging options on the market, such as plant-based, biodegradable, and plastic-free packaging options.
If you are interested in making your brand more environmentally friendly, now is the time to do so. With consumer demand for sustainable products only increasing, opting for eco-friendly practices is vital to stay ahead of competitors.
We have a range of sustainable packaging options. Please get in touch to find out more about how we can work together and bring sustainability to the forefront of your brand!
How brands, suppliers, designers and manufacturers can drive forward sustainability
