How product longevity is a powerful first step to improving commercial sustainability – new report

While the effects of global warming have long been hitting the headlines, the number of devastating, large-scale environmental incidents are only accelerating. From record-breaking fires sweeping our most protectable climate change buffer, the Amazon rainforest, to the unprecedented flooding of Death Valley (1), these climate crises must propel businesses across the globe to drive change.

Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability, the latest Love Sustainability insights report from Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), reveals corporate stakeholders (95%) (2) and consumers (52%) (3) are calling for more action from businesses in relation to climate change. But this shared drive for change sits against a backdrop of commercial considerations and in the face of inflation, which was cited by 80% (4) of businesses as their most significant challenge in the coming years.

Supporting businesses in turning sustainability ideas into action, the new report helps to identify and overcome future challenges to implementation and provides datadriven recommendations to combat ‘green confusion’, reassess purchasing decisions and ultimately improve operational and systemic sustainability.

While findings from the report show that the number one issue (5) cited as a barrier by businesses is a lack of sustainable products, Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability dispels the myth that recycled materials are the only route to ‘greener practices’. It argues that low frequency sustainability – making significant strides in the reduction of consumption – is far more effective than an increase in so-called ‘green purchasing’ for both the planet and business’ budgets.

For 60 percent of businesses the perceived investment and increase in ongoing costs for more sustainable practices is considered a barrier to implementation. The report reveals that by extending the life cycle of passive products, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental impact by up to 72 percent and their costs by up to a third (6). This subsequent reallocation of resource and investment will allow organisations to invest in innovation, improving their overall sustainability.

“We know that a staggering 95 percent of decision-makers (7) want to do more on sustainability but face various challenges to implementation.

RCP is dedicated to being part of a concerted sustainability effort across the business world not just through its products, but through vital education and sustainability tools. The brand has already made progress when it comes to changing attitudes surrounding efficacy and cost of sustainable products but there is still work to be done,’’ explained Emilio Capelli, VP Sales & Marketing International for Commercial at Newell Brands.

RCP announced its Love Sustainability Journey last year to start open, transparent conversations surrounding its own sustainability practices. The brand set clear targets and created a set of initiatives that cover areas of the business where it can make initial gains. With 85 percent of businesses ranking product longevity (8) as the most important of those initiatives, it’s clear why a laser-sharp focus on durability is central to all RCP products across waste and recycling, cleaning and hygiene categories. Supported by industry-leading warranties and clear accreditation, the brand creates products that lift the sustainability of every partner it works with.

Capelli continued: ‘’At Newell Brands and RCP, we believe that when businesses raise the tide of sustainability, we are all elevated by it. Let’s do this together.’’

The Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability report is available for download here.

Sources:

1. RCP Better Sustainability Through Better Choices Report – 2023

2. RCP Research – Question 8

3. Kantar Global Download on Sustainability (August 2022)

4. RCP Research – Question 6

5. RCP Research – Question 15

6. The Benefits of Extending Passive Product Lifespans

7. RCP Research – Question 8

8. RCP Research – Question 17