Success And Sustainability

Sustainability has become a common concern across the FMCG industry for consumers, producers, business owners and operators alike. The drive for sustainability has surpassed the notion of being a novelty and has become an integral and necessary part of success and growth within the industry.

To have a competitive edge within the market, being a leader and innovator in sustainability is imperative. Whether it be through creative packaging solutions, community outreach programmes to reduce and address food insecurity and food waste, supporting local producers and communities, or actively measuring carbon footprints to specifically address areas in which individuals and businesses could improve sustainability practices.

Increasingly, consumers are basing their purchasing decisions on their products’ ethical practices and sustainability features, with organic certifications, plantbased alternatives, and alternative packaging solutions being key areas that consumers pay attention to.

However, as the consumer has grown more knowledgeable about hot topics such as greenwashing and the importance of fact-based claims backed up by trusted certifications by internationally recognised ethics organisations, transparency, accountability, and tangible action have propelled manufacturers and businesses to get on the front foot to cater and keep up with these consumer demands.

To achieve this, rebranding and reaching out to organisations specifically designed to help others improve their sustainability practices and reduce carbon emissions are just some solutions that brands and businesses have turned towards.

New stores opening in the industry have made specific design choices for sustainability, ranging from preheating hot water by waste refrigeration heat to creating soft plastics collection sites which are then recycled, sending overripe produce to bakeries, monitoring electricity and more.

Another key aspect consumers are looking towards regarding sustainability is the transparency of ingredients within the products they consume, as well as from where ingredients and products are sourced. Brands and businesses sourcing ingredients and products from locals are appealing to the consumer. Not only does it show a business’s commitment to supporting locals, but it reflects and authenticates the brand’s sustainability claims and gives a competitive edge compared to producers and brands importing ingredients or products.

Research collected from the surveying of 80,000 consumers across 19 countries has revealed that 87.5 percent of consumers care about buying products with eco-conscious packaging, and 37 percent felt that manufacturers were the most important stakeholder in limiting environmental damage. n