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Talking up the Environment | Dealer Support

Talking up the Environment | Dealer Support

Talking up the environment | Dealer Support

Many OS businesses are becoming more sustainably in their work practices and the products they offer, but this needs be communicated effectively to all stakeholders to maximize the benefits.

The importance of reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere was highlighted at the recent COP26 conference held in Glasgow. This is to reduce the impact of climate change. Consumers now consider more than just the environmental credentials of products before purchasing them. They also consider the company that makes or sells them. Businesses need to demonstrate how they are working towards that end.

Dr Liz Wilks of APP believes that a company’s sustainability is dependent on its ability to look within for ways to improve and to learn from international best practices. She says it is important to have transparent and responsible procurement policies. This should start at the ground level, with raw material sourcing. These benchmarks and measurements are able to take into consideration the use of natural resources and biodiversity, high-carbon assets, energy sources and animal welfare. They also account for fair wages, education, gender equality, and many other factors.

She adds, however, that any sustainability programme’s success is dependent on open, two way communications with stakeholders like customers, governments, industry associations, environmental groups, and governments. APP hosts regular stakeholder advisory meetings, leverages newsletters, social media, as well as establishing working groups to help guide and build a sustainable supply network to align its actions and customers and stakeholders.

Companies can use sustainability to offer customers a strong value proposition. Companies and products that have a positive impact on the environment are more likely to be able to retain customers, create differentiation and ultimately drive sales and customer loyalty. 

Customers will appreciate your easy-to-use approach

Elisabete Wells is the market manager at ACCO. She agrees that customers have made the environment a higher priority. Resellers should make it as easy as possible for customers to find environmentally-friendly products via ecommerce and printed materials, she says. Clearly demonstrating that a product can be recycled, made from recycled materials, CO2 neutral – or comes in plastic-free packaging – can make a huge difference for the customer by making it easier to shop for products that align with their values or personal green goals.

It can even make the difference between two products for a customer. This may seem like an insignificant action, but it plays a vital role in promoting sustainable products as well as reducing the amount of wasteful activities that cause environmental damage.

ExaClair, which is part of Exacompta Clairefontaine, has been working to improve its environmental credentials in recent times. According to Lawrence Savage, marketing manager, ExaClair uses pulp from sustainably managed forests. Its sites are powered by clean, converted energy and encourage recycling and waste limitation.

Effective communication

Lawrence explains that ExaClair’s communication channels have been growing over the years. This includes incorporating more information on product labels and packaging. Also, ExaClair has developed a wider range and support for dealers through online training and reference materials. He explains that there are a number new brand videos and links to non-financial performance documentation (formerly known as CSR) available.

Talking about a companys environmentally-friendly products and business practices is only going to become more important in the future, says Lawrence. Lawrence says sustainability will continue being a significant influencer in purchasing decisions, even when you take into account government initiatives like the plastic tax.

Recent surveys show that 62% of Zoomers prefer to purchase products made from sustainably sourced materials. Many product lines are being designed to carry the Blue Angel PEFC and FSC accreditations. As we enter 2022, we will be launching more environmentally-conscious ranges across our brands.

More than lip service

However, if a company wants to promote its eco credentials, it must also take action within the company. Toby Robins, an industry expert says that greenwashing does not mean promoting office supplies. It also refers to how you run your company so that your customer may have more expertise than you. Respect that. Be honest. Take advantage of their expertise to form a partnership.

Toby has been involved with eco policies in the sector since the early days of his career. He can provide advice to businesses right from the beginning. Toby suggests that you start with a policy statement to demonstrate your commitment. Next, establish a baseline by measuring your current situation so that you can identify areas to improve and celebrate progress.

A staff survey can be a great way to find out how important this issue is for your teams and if they feel that you are leading the charge or trailing behind. Check out the websites of your top 10 customers to find out how important they are. To find out if you’re at risk of losing business, pick your top five competitors.

It is clear that sustainability will be an increasingly important aspect of how you operate and go on market. The government has legally binding obligations to reduce UK’s carbon emissions. All businesses are part of this. It is essential to plan for resilience in light of the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events caused by climate change. Just think about how many wholesalers have been asked for your forgiveness after flooding events in the country. Socially, equality, diversity and inclusivity have gained enormous momentum. If you don’t think this matters, then remember that 15 years ago, the TUC required staff to report on their gender and ethnicity. This was in order to determine seniority in the company. This was not a check box exercise, as we were grilled about it during our successful bid.

Don’t be influenced by the past; embrace what the market requires of you.   

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