Zero Waste in Business: Trend or Obligation?
Being eco-friendly is a trend that is beginning to dominate in many countries. Zero waste is slowly becoming a way of life and a way of doing business – an idea that cannot be ignored. Employees and customers are changing their approach to purchases and services. More and more often they are demanding pro-environmental solutions that reduce the amount of waste. According to a Unilever study, one third of consumers choose brands based on their social and environmental impact.
Climate change, which we are witnessing, is primarily linked to human industrial activity. The Earth's surface temperature has risen by 25 percent in just three years – according to data provided by the University of Arizona. Moreover, in the Global Warming of 1.5 ºC report, we read that global warming has caused an increase in average temperatures of about 1.0°C (1.8°F) compared to pre-industrial levels.
Our planet has become quite out of breath. Unfortunately, we are to blame. We have brought it about that before our very eyes the ice cap is shrinking, sea and ocean levels are rising, more animal species are disappearing forever… and this is only the beginning. Faced with environmental challenges, the packaging industry should initiate changes for sustainable development. Companies must start cooperating with one another to create innovative solutions, and not just "pretend" to be eco. The time for action, not words, has come. – Maciej Olipra, CEO of Global Shopper Marketing
Consumers Are Forcing Change
51 percent of consumers consider packaging waste an important environmental problem, and the same proportion agrees that sustainable paper packaging is more important to them than it was five years ago – according to a DS Smith report. Moreover, according to "CSR in Practice – the French-Polish Chamber of Commerce Barometer," more than half of respondents attach importance to the way the products they buy affect society and the environment.
Companies Are Betting on Ecology
International companies are beginning to combine being eco with more effective business operations, which additionally have a positive effect on our planet. An example is Corona. It proposed a solution that 100% eliminates additional plastic packaging while at the same time allowing it to carry out its sales strategy. We also observe such behavior in our market. Instead of plastic, cosmetics manufacturers package their products in glass, aluminum and cardboard. They also encourage society to adopt pro-environmental behaviors. This is also a marketing strategy, but combined with a worthy goal. An example could be the offers from ING and BNP Paribas banks.
Given that we are living on credit for which we have mortgaged our Earth, and the ecological debt is drastically increasing, we too should change our habits and put pressure on packaging manufacturers. Preventing climate change is the duty of us all. And as for our industry, we should start acting and make everyone aware that an eye-catching package can be designed that does not harm the environment – adds Maciej Olipra, CEO of Global Shopper Marketing
Packaging in E-commerce Needs Improvement
Excessive packaging and unnecessary fillers cast a shadow over every aspect of a company's operations, from shipping costs through the natural environment to customer satisfaction. 25% of the contents of packaging in e-commerce is... air. 122 million tons of carbon dioxide per year is generated by transporting empty space. Eliminating it can help every company that ships goods achieve significant savings and an advantage over the competition, while reducing its impact on the environment. Reducing waste increases efficiency and lowers costs. Reusing materials extends their life, helping to use fewer of the planet's precious resources.
