Let’s face it - sustainability is in! As people strive to become more sustainable in their everyday lives, companies are doing the same. This post provides a spotlight on sustainability initiatives that different brands have implemented. Follow along to become inspired on how and why your brand can do the same.
AMAZON – ‘Sustainability Data Initiative’
Through leveraging their technology and infrastructure, Amazon was able to develop a platform dedicated to promoting sustainability. The platform provides easy-access to datasets focussed on the topic of sustainability. The Initiative removes the burden of data acquisition, equipping researchers and innovators with the resources and tools to solve sustainability challenges. In doing so, it also educates brands on how they might be impacted by these challenges in the future, solidifying the importance of sustainability in the present.
L’Oréal – ‘Sharing Beauty With All: The L’Oréal Sustainability Commitment’
L’Oréal has succeeded in doing what all brands must strive to do: constantly producing projects and reports that expose what they are doing to reduce their carbon footprint at all levels of their supply chain. As the largest cosmetic company in the world, L’Oréal has set a new standard of transparency in doing so. L’Oréal’s platform, Sharing Beauty With All, encourages consumers to browse the sustainable efforts that they have developed. Going forward, YOUR COMPANY must view sustainability as an opportunity and strength, leveraging it to build your brand.
Patagonia – Responsibility to do good.
Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability is evident in all aspects of their business. Beyond marketing and messaging, the materials that Patagonia uses to create its products are clean, green and ethically sourced. Patagonia proves that you can be sustainable in everything that you do, educating consumers on how they can do same.
When I say that Patagonia is sustainable is everything that they do, I mean literally everything. Patagonia has utilized its voice and reach to support political platforms that prioritize sustainability. They have even deliberately told customers not to buy too many of their products. Patagonia demonstrates that sustainability is a responsibility. This means that your brand must not only strive to not cause harm to the environment, but welcome and accept a responsibility to proactively do good.
Recycle
Reduce, reuse, recycle – a lesson that we are all taught at a young age; a motto that many brands have begun to follow. What does Intel, Estee Lauder, and Nespresso have in common? A commitment to recycling. Each of these brands strive to produce zero waste. Intel is recognized as one of the most environmentally conscious brands in the world, continuously seeking and developing new ways to conserve energy and reduce waste production. Estee Lauder ensures that all waste produced at their manufacturing, production and distribution facilities is recycled. And, if it can’t safely be recycled, they convert it to energy. Nespresso has established a structured recycling program that gives their coffee capsules a second life after consumer use. Clearly, recycling is top of mind for many different brands, and it should be for yours too.
GOING FORWARD…
The initiatives outlined above demonstrate the benefits of sustainability. To reap the same benefits, going forward your brand must: