Sustainability Matters - November Newsletter

This month's newsletter you will find:

• Exclusive offers - Wrap up the year with savings on our great packaging range
• Eco Spotlight -How can you make Black Friday greener?
• Packaging Heroes - The award winning cleaning products that are better for the planet
• Proud to be B - B Corp of the Month - Meet the food delivery company committed to environmental responsibility
• Brighten your day - How one man single-handedly saved a rare butterfly species
• Join the conversation - Green Rush Reality: A wake-up call for business leaders - Wednesday 6th December

 

Eco Spotlight

Beyond Discounts: Eco-Friendly Black Friday Practices

The Black Friday landscape is changing where the excitement of shopping meets the responsibility of sustainability. In recent times, consumer behaviuor has undergone a remarkable shift, with sustainability taking centre stage in purchasing decisions. Traditionally a period of frenzied shopping, the trends of sustainable packaging and eco-conscious choices are reshaping the retail landscape.

Sustainable packaging is no longer a niche concept but a mainstream expectation. Consumers are actively seeking eco-friendly options, pushing businesses to adopt packaging solutions that align with environmental values. Studies reveal that 43% of consumers prefer brands with environmentally sustainable practices, with a significant focus on packaging choices. Nearly 70% are willing to pay more for products in sustainable packaging, and 35% would buy more sustainably packaged products if available.

In the era of conscious consumerism, shoppers are becoming more discerning, seeking brands that reflect their values. The demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products has driven businesses to embrace eco-friendly practices, from sourcing raw materials to implementing sustainable packaging solutions. Black Friday, historically synonymous with excess and consumerism, is undergoing a transformation as consumers seek meaningful purchases aligned with their values.

However, Black Friday poses environmental challenges due to the sheer volume of purchases and traditional packaging practices that contribute to excess waste and carbon emissions. Navigating the shopping season sustainably is not only possible but increasingly necessary.

Here are some actions businesses can take to be more environmentally friendly this Black Friday:

1. Right Size Packaging: Prioritize packaging that precisely fits product dimensions to reduce waste and transportation emissions. This approach enhances efficiency throughout the supply chain.
2. Eliminating Plastic: Take a stand against plastic by exploring easily recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable packaging materials, such as paper and cardboard.
3. Low Carbon Shipping: Embrace low carbon alternatives like locker boxes and click-and-collect models to minimize individual home deliveries and contribute to a more sustainable last-mile delivery process.
4. Communicate Recycling: Educate consumers on recycling symbols and guidelines to facilitate responsible waste disposal. Clear communication enhances recycling literacy and reduces contamination in recycling streams.
5. Choose Low Harm Products: Opt for planet-friendly packaging materials, such as paper mailing bags and paper tape. Explore alternatives like Puma's shoe box that doubles as a bag, reducing plastic waste.
6. Innovative Packaging Solutions: Highlight brands like Lush, which designs products that avoid the need for packaging or use recycled materials that can be recycled or composted.

So, let's redefine the narrative. We all love a bargain, but it's not just about finding the best deals anymore; it's about making mindful choices that resonate with our commitment to a sustainable future. By embracing right-sized packaging, eliminating plastic, opting for low carbon models, communicating recycling practices, and choosing eco-friendly products, we have the power to transform Black Friday into Green Friday.

Oceans of Plastic

In case you missed it, last Wednesday was Oceans of Plastic, a global campaigned aiming to shine a light on the pressing issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. The figures are pretty grim. According to recent data, it is predicted that if current trends continue on the same trajectory, the amount of plastic in the oceans would look to nearly triple by 2040. This not only poses a threat to marine life, but also raises concerns for human health. Unfortunately, our oceans are becoming a bin for waste including the largest plastic debris to the smallest microplastics.

So, what can businesses do to help? Currently, plastic packaging in the UK accounts for nearly 70% of our plastic waste. Choosing sustainable, plastic-free packaging isn't just a trend; it's a vital step to protect marine life and our ecosystems. 

1. Consider using paper tape over plastic tape - Each year, we consume 915 billion meters of plastic tape. Enough to travel to Mars and back, twice. When using cardboard or paper packaging, make your despatches 100% plastic-free and easily recyclable.
2. Ditch the poly mailers for recyclable paper mailing bags - Whilst poly mailers are often labelled as recyclable, actually recycling LDPE is not as straightforward as it seems. Over 95% of soft plastics generated by e-commerce businesses for consumers end up in landfills or the open environment. Consider switching to paper mailing bags for a greener solution to LDPE packaging.
3. Use phenol-free thermal printer labels - Did you know one of the most popular shipping labels, thermal labels, often contains a BPA coating, which breaks down into microplastics that end up in our waterways and oceans - try opting for a BPA-free alternative instead.

Packaging Heroes

Introducing our Packaging Heroes feature, where we shine a spotlight on brands making a difference, and this month, it's all about Smol. They're on a mission to revolutionize the way we buy cleaning products, offering award-winning formulations that work brilliantly in your home while being better for the planet.

What sets Smol apart is their commitment to sustainable packaging. They've achieved an impressive 77% reduction in plastic with their recyclable and compostable materials. From fully home-compostable tablet sachets to PET plastic bottles made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, Smol ensures that their packaging choices prioritize the planet.

Their dedication extends to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved boxes, sourced from responsibly managed forests, underlining their commitment to biodiversity, zero deforestation, and fair practices. Smol's plastic-free laundry and dishwasher packs, a world-first, have already saved a significant amount of plastic, leading the charge in plastic-free solutions within household cleaning.

Taking a bold step towards reducing single-use plastic waste, Smol introduces refillable surface spray bottles for life, putting an end to the cycle of disposable cleaning bottles. Crafted from 100% recycled PET, these bottles not only help in waste reduction but also contribute to a circular economy.

Smol are a brand that proves sustainable swaps can be effortless, accessible, and affordable, making a significant impact on our environmental footprint.

B Corp of the month – Proud to be B

Abel & Cole, a standout in the food delivery industry, is dedicated to providing organic, seasonal, and sustainable food options. Their commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in their practices, with a remarkable 77% reduction in plastic usage within their boxes. Customers can customise their Fruit & Veg Boxes to meet their preferences, offering a personalised and flexible approach to organic eating. Not only does Abel & Cole prioritize the quality of their products, but they also ensure reliable carbon-neutral deliveries, minimising their impact on the environment.

Setting themselves apart from conventional food suppliers, Abel & Cole takes significant strides to reduce their carbon footprint. They proudly boast zero air freight, opting for sustainable delivery methods to cover fewer food miles. Additionally, the company goes the extra mile by actively collecting hard-to-recycle plastics directly from customers' doors, showcasing a commitment to closing the loop on plastic waste. Abel & Cole's holistic approach to sustainability, from product sourcing to eco-friendly packaging and delivery methods, reflects a genuine dedication to providing a conscious and earth-friendly food experience.

 

Brighten your day

Tim Wong, a senior biologist at the California Academy of Sciences, played a crucial role in reviving the California Pipevine swallowtail butterfly species in San Francisco. Recognising the species' decline in his city, Wong embarked on creating a pollinator habitat in his backyard, discovering that native butterflies needed assistance. Although the butterfly was still common in specific areas, it had vanished from San Francisco due to a scarcity of its host plant, the California Pipevine.

Wong, determined to help, obtained clippings of the plant from the San Francisco Botanical Garden and constructed a screen enclosure for outdoor mating conditions. He carefully sourced 20 caterpillars, allowing them to feed as a group on the Pipevine plant. After pupating and forming chrysalises, Wong continued caring for the butterflies as they hatched, laid eggs, and raised new caterpillars in the habitat. Wong emphasizes that conservation efforts can begin anywhere, highlighting the potential for individuals to improve native fauna habitats in their own backyards.

Join the conversation

Green Rush Reality: A wake-up call for business leaders – Wednesday 6^th December

Get ready for a thought-provoking journey in the upcoming webinar, "Green Rush Reality: A Wake-Up Call for Business Leaders." In this session, we will take a look at the results of a survey involving 500 sales, marketing, and sustainability leaders. An eye-opening 63% of respondents acknowledge their contribution to greenwashing, raising questions about the authenticity of sustainability claims. Additionally, 62% express concerns about the credibility of their own sustainability messages. Join us as we discuss challenges businesses encounter in communicating their sustainability initiatives, providing valuable insights and strategies to navigate the complex landscape of sustainable business practices.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain actionable insights and foster genuine, impactful sustainability practices within your organization. Join us in redefining the conversation around sustainability in business.

 

Exclusive offers

‘Tis the season of giving, and we've got something special for you this December. Wrap up the year with a 10% discount on our fantastic range of bottle boxes. These aren't just boxes; they're a statement – a statement of your commitment to a greener planet. Our sustainable packaging not only protects your precious bottles but also takes a step towards a more eco-friendly world. Simply use the code BOTTLE10 at checkout to redeem your discount.