During the last couple of years, requirement of sustainable practices has been increasing and they are more demanded by the population. In particular, upcoming generations are willing to pay more money for more ecosstable product that are respectful towards the environment. They prefer this type of products than a cheaper one that was not produced under sustainable methods. This trend is spread over all business areas, especially to those who have e-commerce and are shipping products all over the world. According to Nielsen[1] Global Corporate Sustainability Report (2015): “when it comes to sales intent, for 45% of consumers surveyed commitment with the environment is consider as a purchasing factor”
Due to this, shifting to product manufacturer’s or sellers focused towards sustainability is an increasingly common goal in 2022, reinforcing the importance of reshaping those areas that do not incorporate sustainability in their processes. Brands and retailers are becoming more aware of the impact that the supply chain and ecommerce have on the environment.
In this article, we share 5 key point regarding where and how an ecommerce can apply these sustainable practices while reducing its costs.
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Sustainable shipments:
This is one of the most relevant factors mentioned by Nielsen when consumers acquire products through websites. They look for cheap and ecological shipments. Therefore, if your company sells products online, it is important that you inform to your Clients all shipping methods available. In addition, you can use ecological labels or organic products’ logos in your packaging. On the other hand, manufacturing without wasting resources such as energy and water consumption is critical. In logistics sector, there is evidence that many companies are interested in improving their processes, adapting their services to more sustainable practices such as reducing carbon footprint. Also a best practice is to group shipments and / or outsource them through a logistics business partner. This maximizes transportation capability, reduces traffic as well as up to 60 % gas emissions into the atmosphere.
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Greater investment in clean technologies:
To reduce gas emissions into the atmosphere, clean technologies usage is key. A tool widely used in the market that ensures sustainability standards is PIM software (Product Information Management), which traces and updates your products’ information. This allows you to increase the efficiency of processes, reducing time and resources. Also, many logistics carriers are making strong investments in technology that helps them to improve their shipping processes and logistics orders reducing negative impacts into the environment.
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Zero Waste Policies:
Electronic commerce must use circular economy instead of large-scale production, whenever it is possible. Large-scale production is one of the biggest causes that has been damaging the environment. Therefore, potential clients must be encourage and motivated to, for example, reuse containers received to avoid wasting raw materials. Also second-hand sale for products that are no longer used and can be useful for others is another possibility. Marketplaces that resell used products at lower prices encourages reuse rather than recycling and building a community around products. We have to add incentives to recycle. Therefore, to maintain your commitment to sustainable electronic commerce, you can adopt methods that foster the circular economy instead of mass consumption and destruction.
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Reduce returns:
This is undoubtedly a key point to reduce negative impact of emissions generated by trucks delivery. If sending a product from warehouses to final customers already causes damage to the environment, imagine adding another trip to return it. Therefore, our recommendation is to upload into the webpage very detailed, accurate information of products. The more specified the product, the less returns there will be because the product does not match reality.
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Use ecological packaging.
Start by using packaging that is recycled, for example, that it was previously used. A global trend that is starting, is the usage of packaging made with biodegradable materials. Both manufacturers and consumers should be prone for containers and packaging with biodegradable materials that are less toxic and do not cause any damage to the environment. In addition, it is important to reduce the compounds used for each type of package to facilitate their recycling. Nowadays, only one type of plastic is used in many products.
Future forecasts on sustainable practices
Finally, we can conclude that due to the increasing digital marketing, the expansion of e-commerce, together with environmental sustainability awareness, companies must shift to new and more ecofriendly processes. Online stores are expected to grow this year and the following one. Because of this, sustainable practices should be carried out so that consumption is more conscious about taking care the environment.
On the other hand, Marketing good campaigns is becoming as important as offering sustainable products to attract and retain consumers.
K-PARCEL can help ecommerce businesses achieve a more sustainable supply chain and reduce waste in the returns process, please contact our team at Project.Kparcel.Marketing@k-parcel.com
