Sustainability for products and businesses
Definition
Sustainability is a broad concept and a combination of multiple aspects. For companies, it means ‘doing good’ for people,
the environment, society and animals. In other ways, protecting the earth and preserving natural resources.
Preventing pollution and waste. Sustainability in your business is as versatile as your business itself. Whether you’re replacing your lights with LED lighting, switching to an electric van or designing your product for reuse. Getting started with sustainability can be done with small and large steps.
In recent years, an impressive number of companies have stepped up to take a more active role in shaping a more sustainable future—not just in the environmental sense, but also by taking social and governance factors into consideration.
Did you know?
Prior to making a purchase, a typical consumer first recognises a need or dissatisfaction, gathers information about products that might fill this need, and then evaluates their choices. Communicating with the consumer about sustainability might encourage a consumer to realise their dissatisfaction with less sustainable alternatives, or help a consumer make a choice between products with similar purposes. Informing consumers about ways they can reduce a product’s environmental footprint can improve the overall sustainability performance of a value chain and help meet corporate objectives
Product and production process
If you want to green your product, you can look out for different aspects. Such as the use of materials, the design of your product and your production process. Looks for materials that are recyclable, biodegradable or made in New Zealand, instead of buying from overseas. Benefits are lower carbon footprint, using local recourses, (re-)use what’s in the country and creating a better image. Sustainable design is also that you can easily repair a product if one part is broken. The whole idea is that we like to become a society that doesn’t throw away items if something is wrong but be able to fix it.
Building/Office
Making your property more sustainable can be done with small and large interventions. It ranges from switching to LED lighting to getting double glazing or solar energy. If you are thinking about making your business more energy efficient, and need help doing this. Have a look at this website: https://www.eeca.govt.nz/
You will find enough information and guidelines to start with.
Transport
The simplest way to drive more sustainably is to drive less, plan your journey and combine visits when you’re out. Have material delivered bundled, so freight and delivery cost are reducing. You can also drive more energy efficiently. For example, with electric cars or vans. Support your staff by using different transport options for going to work, Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular for commuting to work. Create charging stations for your staff.
Waste
Separating waste is common sense and certain types of industrial waste are used by policy to dispose of processors. You may be able to separate more within your company. For example, collect (compostable) coffee cups, or just have normal cups and wash them. Having your own keep-cup is still better Reducing waste is also more sustainable.
Staff
In addition to the environment, sustainability also affects personnel policy. From decent working conditions to fair employment opportunities. The government takes various measures to promote diversity in the workplace. Because a diverse team of employees results in better turnover and employee satisfaction.
Off The Wall Marketing plays a proactive and leading role in the use of sustainable and renewable products in advertising and packaging. With successful marketing campaigns we are making a difference between standing still or moving forward in doing business. We know that creativity and a different mindset could improve your business becoming more sustainable.
It’s just a matter of doing it.
Andre Hendriks
021 0734711
www.offthewallmarketing.co.nz
info@offthewallmarketing.co.nz