You’re heading to the office and grab a cup of coffee on your way. Have you ever wondered what the process behind making that cup of coffee is? Do you know what happens with the plastic container once you throw it to garbage? It probably ends up in the landfill, together with all the other cups you bought before, and with the cups of other hundreds of people who throw them on their way to work. Would you like to change the story?
Would you like to come with a better end? You can do it, especially if you run a company. You can join a movement some organisations started to replace old practices with green ones that respect the environment. Increasingly, people around the world are responding to the planet’s needs to cut their carbon footprint, and they ask companies to adhere to their methods.
A few years ago, going green was optional for organisations, but nowadays, these two words are buzzing, and the major players in all industries have all set sustainability goals. So, if you run a business, you should inspire from brands like McDonald’s that wants to use only recycled fibre-plastic packaging at all its locations.
Do Buyers Influence Corporate Decisions?
As always, companies adapt their operations to fit the market’s request, and lately, both individuals and companies have grown increasingly more sensitive to environmental problems. So, now organisations strive to add a touch of green to their operations. Research also shows that eco-friendly brands grow faster than their less sustainable counterparts. The buyer’s behaviour (being they individuals or businesses) climbs towards sustainable packaging and eco-friendly products.
Because the public is looking for sustainable companies, products and services, companies adopt green initiatives, and policies and share their commitment to sustainability with their audiences.
Do Brands Get Any Benefits If They Switch To Green Operations?
Brands sensitive to environmental issues attract and retain more customers. So, this is the apparent benefit they have when they become more sustainable in their operations. But they have many other benefits.
Lower Costs
When you run a company, your main goal is to gain revenue. And how can you do it? You save money during the manufacturing process and sell products at the highest price possible. But switching to greener operations can also help you keep more cash in your bank accounts.
Let’s take a simple example. You change all lighting bulbs with energy-efficient ones. The immediate result is lower energy bills. You can also save money if you cut down waste disposal and reduce water usage. Indiana University conducted a study and found out that one company saved $7 billion by committing to sustainable manufacturing, and another $80 by lowering its energy usage.
Another way to reduce costs is to collaborate with companies committed to lowering their carbon footprint. A supply chain of reliable and reputable vendors is more affordable than a range of vendors you contact sporadically. Working with local providers also keeps costs at a minimum.
Green Reputation
Sustainable brands are more appealing to investors, clients and employees, and we expect the appeal to growing steadily in the future.
You can recruit talented workforce only by switching to greener operations because Millennials and Gen-Z workers prefer eco-friendly companies. You can also increase sales and attract new buyers if you establish the reputation of green business.
With employees and purchasers alike recognising and placing value on sustainability, it makes sense for companies to explore this alternative. The public wants to do business with a brand that is not only good at what it does but also good for the community. By establishing your reputation as a company that is a champion at environmental responsibility, you can change the public’s perception and improve the overall success of the business.
How Can You Switch To Sustainable Business Operations?
All industries are crowded, no matter if we’re speaking about manufacturing or tech development, and you need to do your best to gain a competitive advantage. Embracing eco-friendly practices is one way of gaining public recognition.
How Can You Do It?
Understand What Your Current Environmental Impact Is
Before performing an environmental makeover, analyse your operations to understand the current state of the business.
• Check the energy usage and determine how you use resources in your production processes and if they impact the planet.
• Consider the water intake. Contact the local water company and ask them to provide you with reports to identify ways to cut water waste.
• Look at the supplies and materials you use. Is any of them hazardous? Are they recyclable? Could you use balers to store and recycle them? By answering these questions, you shed light on the situation of the business, and the options you have to improve sustainability. Categorise the materials you use in biz ops, and find a baler provider that is specialised in recycling the waste your company produces.
Reduce Waste
For a company that relies on equipment, efficiency is crucial. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, recycle plastic, metal and paper, and train your employees to reduce waste. You can visit one of the different Mil-tek locations to check their balers and ask for recommendations on how you can integrate their machines in your operations. Small everyday changes can significantly contribute to the cause.
If you need only part of raw materials to manufacture your products, collaborate with other companies to find ways to leverage the part you don’t use. When other companies in your area don’t need the excess materials, you can recycle them, rather than throwing them in a dumpster.
Take Advantage Of Renewable Energy
Using renewable energy transforms your facility into a sustainable base of operations. You can choose from a wide range of renewable energy options (geothermal, tides, rain, sunlight and wind). Significant brands like Walmart already switched to renewable energy systems because it’s more affordable to run a business on green energy sources than using traditional ones. In addition to lowering costs, they also benefit from tax incentives. Is your business ready to follow the green path?
