E N V I R O N M E N TA L C R E D E N T I A L S
LEADERSHIP
Talking up the environment
Many OS businesses are becoming more sustainable in their working practices and the products they sell, but this needs to be communicated effectively to other stakeholders to leverage the full benefits
T
he recent COP26
measurements take into account the use of
MAKE IT EASY FOR CUSTOMERS
conference in Glasgow
natural resources, biodiversity, high carbon
Elisabete Wells, regional marketing director,
highlighted again of the
assets, energy sources, animal welfare, fair
UK & Ireland at ACCO, agrees that the
importance of reducing
wages, education, healthcare, gender equality
environment has become more of a priority
the number of harmful
and much more.”
for customers. “Resellers should make it
emissions into the atmosphere to slow the
However, she adds that the success of
as easy as possible for customers to find
effects of climate change. Many consumers
any sustainability programme relies on open,
environmentally-friendly products via
now look to not just the environmental
two-way, communications with stakeholders
ecommerce and printed materials,” she
credentials of a product before buying, but
such as industry associations, customers,
says. “Clearly showcasing that a product is
also to those of the companies that make or
environmental groups and governments. “As
recyclable, made from recycled material, CO2
sell it, which means businesses need to show
an example, APP routinely hosts stakeholder
neutral - or comes in plastic-free packaging -
what they are doing to that end.
advisory forums, leverages newsletters and
can make a huge difference for the customer
For Dr Liz Wilks, from APP, fundamental
social media, and establishes working groups
by making it easier to shop for products that
to the sustainability of any organisation
to help guide and create a sustainable supply
align with their values or personal green goals.
is the ability to look within to review and
chain to align its actions with customers and
enhance processes and policies, as well as
stakeholders,” she says.
outside the organisation to learn from global
“Sustainability can be leveraged by
“It can even be the deciding factor for a customer who may be debating between various products. So, while this may seem like
standards and best practice. “For a start,
companies as a strong value proposition
a small action, it helps play a crucial role in
it’s important to establish responsible and
for customers. Products and companies
promoting the use of sustainable products and
transparent procurement policies that take a
that demonstrate a positive impact on the
cutting down on wasteful activities that harm
holistic product view, starting at the ground
environment will help nurture customer
the environment over time.”
level with raw material sourcing,” she says.
loyalty, build product differentiation and,
“When done properly, these benchmarks and
ultimately, drive consumer traffic and sales.”
ExaClair, as part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, has also been enhancing
www.dealersupport.co.uk FEBRUARY 2022 [31]
