Sustainability has become one of the biggest discussions points politically, in business, and around the dinner table in recent time, and with good cause.
Regardless of the climate change naysayers, the facts of the effects of climate change on our environment globally can no longer be ignored.
So, let's look at some facts. In a recent global survey, it was found that 62% of executives consider a sustainability strategy necessary to be competitive today, and another 22% think it will be in the future.
Consumers are increasingly becoming vocal in their desire to interact with brands that take sustainability seriously. In fact, it is the consumer who is leading the way in the sustainability movement. Worldwide there are individuals and organisation who have rallied huge support in their environmental campaigns. Look no further than the likes of the teenager, Greta Thunberg, or organisations such as; 350.org, and Plastic Free July, to mention a few. One of the most important aspects to consider is the vast majority of leading vocal voices on climate change and environmental protection today are under the age of 30. With many of these being under 20 years old. They understand the power of social media and are harnessing this to mobilise people from across the globe.
The truth is their messages are sound and many consumers are taking them seriously and changing their buying habits. Big business is starting to take notice. Global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Coca-Cola, BMW, Nestle and Toyota, to mention a few, are making strong commitments to sustainability and, in the most part, are being transparent and addressing material issues. They have embarked on this sustainable journey, so isn’t it time you do?
Climate change, pollution and unsustainable business practices can no longer be ignored. Sustainability is a moral must for business. Identifying sustainability initiatives within your organisation and then Incorporating sustainability within your business model will give you a competitive advantage.
At ExpandaBrand we have had the environment at the forefront of every business decision we have made over the last 20 years. Although we have still not achieved the level of sustainability and environmental impact we would like, we constantly implement new initiatives and practises that take us closer to our goal of being a truly sustainable and environmentally conscious company.
- We only use inks in our printing that are water-based and non-toxic that are internationally Greenguard certified.
- We manufacture all our own polyester fabric which is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. The manufacturing process makes use of recycled water and environmentally friendly chemicals.
- All our packaging is made of cardboard.
- Excess, or unrecycled waste fabric, is repurposed and transformed into functional and stylish bags and other accessories.
- Since we have started this initiative, we have repurposed over 86,000m of fabric into a variety of fashionable products.
- On average we recycle 10 tons of paper each month.
A selection of shopper bags made from recycled and repurposed waste fabric.
As individuals, we often wonder if what we do, does, or can make a difference. As a brand, we believe this to be true. Don’t look at our environmental issues in its’ entirety but rather as one task at a time and soon your actions will inspire others to do so.
In the words of Trish Downing, the first female paraplegic to complete an Ironman; “Greatness doesn’t come overnight. It comes one step at a time.”
Adapted from an article featured at https://www.imd.org/research-knowledge/articles/why-all-businesses-should-embrace-sustainability/