The concept of zero waste has a lot in common with the philosophy of minimalism. It borrows from the idea of using the bare minimum that is required to manufacture and package. In essence, zero waste is a misnomer. It actually doesn’t mean “no waste at all”. It just assumes that someone who adopts this strategy will continue to reduce waste progressively, and proactively.
A zero waste strategy has many benefits. Other than the obvious benefits of reducing carbon footprint and eliminating environmental waste, it comes with a number of business benefits too.
- Compostable materials help you move closer to compliance
- 28% of respondents in a CGS survey said that they would remain loyal to a company that practices sustainability
- In the same survey, an astonishing 68% of respondents said sustainability is an important factor while making a buying decision. In other words, it helps enhance brand reputation.
- Zero waste strategy is a great way to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR), and contribute to the community where the business is located. Lesser waste directly translates to a cleaner immediate environment.
In other words, a zero waste strategy is hugely beneficial not only to the environment, but also to enhance your business overall brand image and engage in CSR activities.
Youngsters proactively look for zero waste packages
Young people have historically led progressive movements, and zero waste strategy is no exception. Studies show millennials (the cohort born between early 1980s and late nineties) are particular about the way they interact with the world we live in. They are far more likelier than members of Generation X and baby boomers to adopt sustainable lifestyle practices. Millennials are also more liable to judge companies that do not align with their progressive philosophy, including sustainability.
“Cancel culture”, which demonstrably results in loss via disengagement, and boycott of a brand due to perceived flaws in character or morality, is also a millennial phenomenon. Its torch-bearers are now the Generation Z, also known as Zoomers. Studies show companies that are perceived to be environmentally harmful are “cancelled” by youngsters.
Millennials are most likely to consume organic food, grow their own vegetables, and purchase directly from farms. Some of our clients such as Crooked Row Farm and Farma Cultura have seen enormous success with our compostable packaging. These are the brands that are more likely to win youngsters’ hearts.
It thus makes sense to adopt compostable packaging as a positive branding strategy to appeal to youngsters. If your business is into e-commerce or a product and service that targets youngsters, zero waste strategy is a great way to impress your brand upon your audience.
Top e-commerce fashion brands are fully invested in zero waste strategy
With fast fashion taking the world by storm, industry watchers and environmental observers have raised alarm about increasing solid waste. Thankfully, many top fashion houses have adopted a zero waste strategy.
For instance, our customer Stella McCartney now uses our compostable packaging solutions. The fashion brand is already vegetarian, and strictly does not use fur, leather, skin or feather. It only was natural for Stella McCartney to commit to moving away from industrial cast film packaging towards environmentally friendly packaging.
New York-based Mara Hoffman is yet another fashion house that adopted our sustainable packaging for clothing. Dana Davis, the Director of Design and Production for the fashion label, explains in this interview that she initially sought out recyclable poly bags. However, TIPA’s compostable bags proved to be more sustainable and business-friendly in the long term.
Here are some tips to becoming a zero-waste e-commerce company
There are a number of things you can do as a company to become more sustainable, eco-friendly, and spearhead the principles of zero waste.
- Reduce raw materials to the bare minimum, if you manufacture goods. Automating production lines, and using analytical software can help reduce waste. Waste reduction results in a dramatic reduction of business costs.
- Package your products in a scientific and eco-friendly manner. This means, the materials you choose for packaging needs to be minimal, and careful thought is required to package products in such a way that compostable materials are used at their minimum. These kinds of packaging are likely to appeal to the environmentally conscious, driving up your brand image.
- Incentivize employee engagement by encouraging composting at your workplace. Positive appraisals upon achieving zero waste targets is another way to help employees participate. Seek the help of compostable packaging companies to find out how you can move towards a zero-waste future in your organization. Even if you don’t make or sell packaged goods, compostable packaging provides training and CSR opportunities.
- Collaborate and partner with third-party organizations that strictly implement zero waste strategies. Choose delivery and packaging solutions that have a current zero waste policy.
- Incentivize customers who compost your packaging material. Composting can help reduce waste and help create organic manure for kitchen gardens. The use of social media tools such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can help in rewarding and engaging with green-conscious customers, drive sales, and increase profits.
The future is zero waste. Is your company ready?
A zero-waste strategy will help improve your business’ brand image while also helping you comply with environmental regulations. As younger consumers are increasingly choosy about purchasing from companies that practice sustainability, a zero-waste strategy gives you the opportunity to position yourself as an environmentally friendly organization. This directly helps you reduce marketing expenditure, as loyal customers spend more than newer customers. Most importantly, you can be the change that this planet urgently needs.
To find out how your business can implement a zero-waste strategy via compostable packaging materials, contact us today.
Have a look at our compostable packaging in stock offering for low quantities.
