Every year it seems we see ecological disasters that set records for disruption and chaos. This is driving a desire to change. As of 2019, 59% of businesses claimed to have internal sustainability initiatives in place.* But does the reality match the intentions? Market pressures to be 'greener' can lead organisations to inadvertently box-tick or 'greenwash'.
As businesses we must do more to stop the needle on climate change's devastating impact inching ever forward. Our latest global research initiative highlights where businesses are struggling to couple ideas with action on sustainability, what they see as challenges to implementation and what they need in order to start improving systemic and operational sustainability.
It's clear that durable products are a critical element to how we build a better future sustainably, responsibly and commercially. In fact, 89% of survey respondents agree longer life products are better for the environment*: durability has very much come into focus.
Product longevity is far more important for environmental and financial gains than an increase in 'green' purchasing which can often be anything but. In fact, extending the life cycle of passive products reduces environmental impact by up to 72%*.
The perceived investment and increase in ongoing costs for more sustainable practices is cited by 60% of businesses as a barrier.
COST
When asked whether more sustainable products cost more, 74% of respondents disagreed*.
EFFICACY
When asked if sustainable products were less effective, 68% of decision makers disagreed*.
DURABLE IS NOW DESIRABLE
89% of respondents identified that longer life products are better for the environment*.
A lack of sustainable products: the number one issue for participants in our global research initiative. It is vital that businesses fully assess the impact of their purchasing decisions by coupling ideas with action. Read the report and learn how to reduce your consumption.
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Focusing on durability drives both sustainability and commercial gains. We examine why opting for recycled products is not the only answer.
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A closer look at the challenges businesses are facing when it comes to commercial sustainability and how they can tackle them.
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57% of consumers say "reducing waste and increasing recycling" is vital*. Here's how to improve your waste management without it costing the earth.
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This is our commitment to becoming as sustainable as possible whilst supporting your business in taking steps to act sustainably too. Our aim? To make incremental sustainability gains against a backdrop of commercial considerations and challenges. Join us on our Journey, and follow our progress against targets:
We prioritize only using packaging that is needed. Just like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, our mission is to source responsibly and optimise and recover packaging resources where possible. We’re targeting 2025 for 100% of paper-based packaging to come from certified, verified or recycled sources.
We constantly look at new ways to meet customer needs and reduce environmental impacts. Our six key strategies for sustainable product design include ‘system efficiency’. Our six key strategies for sustainable product design include ‘system efficiency’. This encourages minimised waste of resource throughout each phase of a product’s lifecycle.
We consider sustainability across the board. It's not just the products we make that are subject to sustainability scrutiny. We are focussed on opportunities to improve energy efficiency across our facilities and are proud to have invested in renewable energy solutions.
Our strategies for sustainable product design will be a key focus in the RCP innovation planning process.We’ll also be evaluating the most highly regarded certifications, to support sustainable development of our range and ensure we measure our efforts against stringent third-party standards.
Mike McDermott, CEO, Commercial Group, Newell Brands
The RCP sustainability Journey is our commitment to becoming as sustainable as possible, supporting your business in taking steps to act sustainably too. We don't have all the answers today but our Journey charts a plan for progress. Let's do this together!
