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Corporate sustainability is becoming an important value for every type of business, and many brands have invested over the years in eco-friendly packaging.
From the fashion sector to small city shops: every business is committing to the environment, starting for example by replacing single-use bags and packaging with green alternatives such as fabric bags. This is a versatile, durable, and practical solution that can be reused, does not pollute like disposable shoppers, and represents an effective low-cost advertising tool.
However, how can you communicate your sustainability commitment to customers and actively engage them? In this article, we offer you some useful advice.
Corporate sustainability: an encouraging challenge
Among the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for people, the planet, and prosperity, signed by the governments of the 193 UN member countries, are several guidelines to make the world more sustainable.
In particular, the 12th goal addresses the packaging world, calling for the “creation of sustainable patterns of production and consumption.” This point specifically states that packaging—used in any sector—must become increasingly ecological, biodegradable or recyclable. Many brands have accepted this challenge and are developing it personally to differentiate themselves from others.
On the other hand, consumers have shown their green awareness for some time. According to the Consumer Goods Packaging Observatory 2023 conducted by Nomisma on a sample of over 1000 Italian consumers, “92% of respondents state that their purchases are influenced by packaging.” Indeed, “65% added a product to their cart because it had a sustainable packaging, while 19% stopped buying those with non-sustainable packaging.”
These important data should represent an encouraging challenge for those responsible for packaging choices, to evaluate the best eco-friendly options that respect costs and packaging consistent with corporate values.
How to present the choice of eco-sustainable packaging to your customers
Making your values and your environmental commitment known to customers is essential, whether you run a small, medium, or large business. For this reason, once you have chosen the best eco-friendly packaging for your brand, you must communicate it.
Let’s look at some useful examples to do so.
1. Create a social media post
One of the simplest ways to spread awareness of the new packaging and your values is through social networks (such as Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook). For example, if you run a restaurant and have decided to invest in an eco-friendly cotton bread bag—washable and reusable—rather than a typical disposable paper bag, you can post a beautiful still life photograph explaining your choice in the accompanying text.
2. Publish news on your website
Another effective way to present the new packaging is to publish news on your website’s blog.
For instance, if you lead the marketing department of a food company that has chosen to use a fabric bag for panettone—which can be reused at home as an all-purpose bag—you can create a post explaining the choice, outlining the company values and the brand’s commitment to the planet. You can also include a series of articles with practical tips on how to make useful (or creative) use of your packaging.
3. Print flyers
If you have a small fruit and vegetable shop in your city and decide to give your customers an eco-friendly cotton mesh bag to reuse every time they shop, you can print flyers on recycled paper to display in the shop window or near the cash register to announce this great news, always remembering to explain the reasons behind your choice. This is an effective idea, especially if you own a small or medium commercial business visited daily.
The importance of transparency
Whatever method you choose to communicate about the new packaging, always remember to provide clear and transparent information about:
- the materials chosen (whether cotton fabrics, linen, jute, or hemp);
- the production method;
- the packaging recycling options.
Engage customers in the challenge of corporate sustainability: some practical examples
Choosing new sustainable packaging and communicating your green commitment to customers are important steps for your business. Once addressed, you will need to educate customers on environmental challenges and make them part of the solution. Ideally, involve them as much as possible in your communication by creating a physical and virtual community that reflects your values, supports your choices, and will be increasingly motivated to select your products or use your services. But how can you achieve this goal?
For example, you can:
- create in-depth blog articles on your website dedicated to topics that matter most to your customers;
- spread environmental topics related to your business on social networks by creating posts, videos, and stories with possible solutions to challenges;
- launch a series of challenges—inviting people to engage actively and propose ideas for a greener world and a more sustainable, circular society.
Of course, you will need to choose the best solution for your brand, capable of conveying information and values with positivity. But first, carefully evaluate your eco-friendly packaging: discover in the our catalog all the natural materials and the different possible solutions!
