Sustainability: A Critical Consideration For Consumers

Today, sustainability is an absolutely critical consideration for companies in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. Consumers are becoming increasingly more aware of the environmental impact their purchasing decisions have and as a result, many now look to support companies who make an effort to implement more sustainable practices into their business.

The implications of this are clear, to remain competitive in the market, companies must begin to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, implement more sustainable practices into their business and voice their commitment to continuing to do so in the future. Greater transparency about sourcing and production practices along with highlighting any sustainability initiatives the company is involved in will help build trust and loyalty among their consumers and establish them as a socially responsible company. It is vital to remain vigilant to the impact any changes to existing products, packaging or processes may have on the consumer experience. Companies undergoing these changes can gain a competitive edge by guiding the redevelopment process with consumer feedback, ensuring that when they have completed their eco-transition, not only will the new brand values appeal to customers across the market, but the consumer experience of the eco-friendly product and packaging will delight their customers.

Reducing a company’s carbon footprint is essential for achieving sustainability and there are several ways this can be done. One way to accomplish this is through innovative packaging solutions. This could include reducing the amount of material used in packaging or switching to reusable or recyclable materials.  Companies can also consider responsible sourcing of raw materials and ingredients; this is a critical activity as it directly affects the products consumers interact with. However, when companies voice their efforts to manufacture products with responsibly sourced raw materials and ingredients it can enhance consumer perceptions of a brand and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Another important aspect of sustainability is the implementation of sustainable and renewable energy sources throughout the supply chain and manufacturing processes. Not only does this reduce the company’s carbon footprint but it also presents an opportunity to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Communicating these efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption is also a key step in gaining appeal and building a positive reputation among these consumers.

Overall, it is clear that companies must begin to take immediate and strategic actions to implement sustainable practices into their business, in order to meet consumer expectations and avoid the negative impacts of climate change, failure to do so can lead to reputational risks and market disadvantages. If your company is looking to become more sustainable, reach out to us at Eolas. We can assist you in measuring the impact any changes to your product’s formulations, packaging or business processes have on your consumer’s quality experience, ensuring that your new sustainable practices only improve your consumers’ quality experience and that your products continue to delight them throughout your sustainable future.