By Ivy Carruth.
The demand for all things sustainable, energy efficient, recyclable and biodegradable continues to drive strong growth towards innovation across entire industry sectors.
How can we live an eco-friendlier existence and contribute to the sustainable ethos that our consumers increasingly expect and even demand? What opportunities exist to improve ecological and environmental performance because of, and in spite of, recycling, packaging and wastage issues that arise throughout the supply chain? Let’s dive in.
Reduce, reuse, refill
One of the most vital elements in ensuring a positive financial performance in any business is an agile and dependable supply chain. When we’re let down by it, we undoubtedly let our customers down in return.
Jamie Stott, owner of Australia’s longest running eco-store, Ecolateral, says ‘owning’ your logistics from beginning to end is critical in connecting with customers, and that any business can implement circular-economy principles to lessen its impact on the environment.
“Most of our customers are choosing to be more environmentally concerned,” she said, adding that she has noted a shift in consumer awareness. At any of her stores, shoppers can bring in their own plastic or glass container to refill with cleaning products or items such as shampoo and lotion. This means no more plastics, and one less worry over stocking, storing and selling.
A recent study from multinational consulting and testing conglomerate Smithers identified “an expanding market for refillable and reusable products in the coming years, with the [recycling] industry set to grow five per cent year on year to reach a value of $53.5 billion in 2027 as new digital solutions and supply chain efficiencies begin to emerge.”
Read the article in full in the November issue of Convenience World.
