Global Demand for Sustainable Products Drives Purchasing Decisions
There is a large, global demand for sustainable products and it’s growing every day.
Retailers across the world are starting to consider a product’s environmental or social performance as part of their decision to stock a particular brand.1 Most large retailers have at least one sustainability supply chain program; Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco all have programs in place to bring sustainable consumer goods to their shelves.
It’s important to note that sustainability plays an important role in a variety of retail sectors and product categories. Retailers’ sustainable sourcing programs are diverse and address products and brands across the board. Small to mid-sized retailers may have one or two specific programs aimed at sourcing greener products, while large retailers may often have more.1 These retailers are not confined to any one sector; grocery, office supply, drugstores, discount, and specialty stores are all making their mark.
Sustainable packaging is of particular interest to retailers, as it relates to virtually every product the retailer sells.1 Almost a third of the world’s largest retailers have programs that target sustainable packaging. Through retail packaging programs, suppliers are asked to reduce product packaging or replace conventional packaging materials with alternatives such as biodegradable or recyclable plastics.
Are there even more ways that food companies can make packaging more sustainable? Please share your thoughts.
[1] http://www.greenbiz.com/sites/default/files/GreenBizReports-Retail3.pdf
