Sustainability in eCommerce: pros and examples

Sustainability is one of the key topics in the world of eCommerce for 2024. Companies from around the world are reconsidering their operations and increasingly adopting green sustainability practices. In this blog, we delve deeper into the impact of green policies and how companies are at the forefront of the sustainability revolution. For companies shaping their future business, sustainability is an essential component of their vision and strategy.

Online shopping has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, resulting in a significant environmental impact. Data shows that Amazon alone produced over 200 million kilograms of plastic waste in 2019. According to a 2022 forecast, eCommerce transport is projected to account for 17% of the global CO2 emissions in 2050, compared to the current figure of about 3%. Additionally, globally, organizations recycle less than 15% of all plastic waste produced. 

The excessive use of plastic packaging, high CO2 emissions from transportation, and the non-recycling of usable materials are all examples of unsustainable supply chains and processes that negatively impact our planet. But it also has negative consequences for your organization, including damage to reputation, legal risks, and the loss of investors and partners. It's time to take action and make eCommerce practices more sustainable.

Benefits of sustainability in eCommerce

Sustainable policies are beneficial not only for the environment but also offer significant opportunities for organizations in eCommerce. We outline the top five below.

• Strengthening brand reputation: Demonstrating that your organization is actively committed to a greener world enhances your brand's reputation, credibility, and trustworthiness.
• Increasing customer loyalty: (Business) consumers are increasingly choosing brands that environmentally consciously shape their eCommerce activities, leading to repeat purchases.
• Compliance with regulations: Proactively adopting sustainability reduces the risks of fines for non-compliance with environmental laws and standards.
• Cost savings: Sustainable processes, such as waste reduction and the use of sustainable materials, result in substantial cost savings over time.
• Contributing to awareness: By committing to the environment, you also encourage society to think consciously about eco-friendly alternatives and sustainability.
  
  

Sustainable policies in eCommerce

To reap these benefits, organizations must adopt more sustainable practices. We explore three ways to achieve this.

Sustainable packaging and waste reduction

One way to work more sustainably is to use eco-friendly packaging and recycled material. This includes plastics with a higher recycled content or bioplastics, as well as packaging made from recycled cotton or cardboard. This not only reduces your organization's waste but also lessens its ecological footprint. 

Patagonia Patagonia for example, focuses on using recycled material in their clothing and offers an extensive repair and recycling program to reduce waste. Organizations like Zalando are committed to becoming completely climate-neutral and offering only sustainable brands. Another example is Pieter Pot, an online supermarket that uses reusable glass jars and containers for packaging products.

Sustainable transportation options

More and more companies are using sustainable transportation options to reduce the CO2 emissions of their shipments. Logistics company DHL, for example, increasingly uses electric vehicles such as vans and bicycles for package delivery. DHL also operates under the slogan Mission 2050: Zero Emissions, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability in the long term. Another example is Bol, which collaborates extensively with Cycloon bike couriers.

Green energy use in warehouses and data centers

Another way to promote sustainability is the use of green energy in warehouses and data centers (green web hosting), such as solar and wind power. Apple takes this very seriously by powering all its facilities with renewable energy. This includes activities like installing solar panels and purchasing green energy from external suppliers. The organization also aims to make all its products climate-neutral by 2030 through other sustainability practices.

Sustainability: The new standard in eCommerce?

Making your organization more sustainable is far from an obstacle; it is an opportunity for growth, reputation enhancement, and contributing to a cleaner planet. Due to the unprecedented growth of the eCommerce sector, sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity. By adopting sustainable packaging, green transportation options, and using renewable energy, your organization reduces its ecological footprint. Together, we work towards a green transformation for a sustainable future.

In our whitepaper, you can read more about other B2B eCommerce trends in 2024 for wholesalers and brand manufacturers. Discover more about the use of AI, sustainable policies, social media as a sales platform, and much more!