Recent years have shown us the importance of environmental consciousness for both brands and consumers. It's also an area that we are exploring at our agency and last year, we sat down with several of our GPMD customers to discuss how they were becoming more sustainable. As a retailer you may be wondering where to get started, which is why we wanted to provide some inspiration. We’ve picked seven leading ecommerce brands to show you what sets them apart in their commitment to sustainability.
1. MUJI
MUJI, originating from Japan, is renowned for its "no-brand quality goods" philosophy. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their efforts to reduce carbon footprint, recycle resources, and minimise waste. MUJI's parent company, Ryohin Keikaku, aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030, with initiatives like installing solar panels and transitioning to LED lighting in stores. They also promote care, repair, and recycling with initiatives like upcycling workshops and bottle recycling. MUJI's focus on minimal packaging and responsible material sourcing further contributes to their eco-friendly ethos.
2. Tangle Teezer
Tangle Teezer revolutionised the haircare market with patented detangling brushes. Their commitment to sustainability includes educating consumers on product care to extend lifespan and offering discounts for returning products. They've also launched the Plant Brush, made with 85% sustainably-sourced castor bean oil, and are transitioning to fully recyclable cardboard packaging. Additionally, their manufacturing processes focus on waste reduction and energy efficiency, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality.
3. Balance Me
Balance Me is an award-winning natural skincare brand that emphasises sustainability and transparency. They educate consumers on the benefits of natural ingredients and have achieved B Corp certification with a focus on people, planet, and profit. Balance Me's packaging is 96% recyclable, and they donate 20% of profits to charity. Their commitment to continuous improvement demonstrates that sustainability is an ongoing journey for businesses.
4. Rodial
Rodial is a luxury skincare brand committed to carbon neutrality and eco-friendly practices. They invest in carbon offset projects and prioritise sustainability in their office locations, opting for eco-friendly facilities. Rodial's focus on finding location partners with shared values and reducing environmental impact throughout their operations showcases their dedication to sustainability.
5. Aesop
Aesop, known for high-quality skincare products, prioritises responsible ingredient sourcing and packaging. Their formulations are vegan, and they use recycled PET for most plastic packaging. Aesop's philanthropic endeavours, including community volunteering and charitable donations, demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact beyond their products.
6. River Island
River Island, a staple of the British high street, has made significant commitments to sustainability, including using responsibly sourced materials and eliminating hazardous chemicals from production. They've removed single-use plastic from packaging and launched a take-back scheme to promote clothing reuse. River Island's dedication to sustainability aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing their commitment to positive change.
7. Tony Chocolonely
Tony Chocolonely is not just about making delicious chocolate but also fighting for equality in the chocolate industry. Their mission to make all chocolate 100% slave-free has earned them recognition as a sustainable brand several years in a row. Through transparency, traceability, and paying higher prices to cocoa farmers, Tony Chocolonely leads by example in making cocoa farming more sustainable and ethical.
What you can do to get started
In conclusion, these seven sustainable e-commerce brands demonstrate that environmental responsibility can coexist with business success. As a retailer, you can take inspiration from these leading sustainable brands by prioritising carbon neutrality, responsible sourcing, and community engagement. Start by auditing your operations to see where you can become more sustainable and educate your customers on sustainability and offer incentives for eco-friendly behaviour. By taking these steps, you can join the movement towards a greener future.
