Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

By Rosana Beechum

When it comes to sustainability, every business should be looking for ways to improve while also keeping cost and quality stable. Achieving this is no easy feat, and many businesses are struggling to find the right balance. In an effort to drive greater awareness of product sustainability while also improving the customer experience, businesses can implement simple practices that go beyond the typical eco-friendly and socially-responsible guff. These four simple ways businesses can improve product sustainability without compromising on quality can help you achieve your sustainability goals while also providing a greener, more streamlined experience for your customers.

Assess all raw material sources

One of the first things any business can do to improve product sustainability is to assess all raw material sources. Through this process, you’ll be able to see your supply chain from beginning to end and take on a more holistic view of the materials that go into your product. A typical process for assessing raw material sources starts with reviewing the current suppliers you work with and then evaluating their specific materials.

Next, you should explore new potential suppliers who are better positioned in your supply chain. You should also look at how those suppliers interact with their upstream and downstream partners to get a clear picture of how they will fit into your supply chain. Finally, if any changes are needed to create sustainable packaging, now is the time to make them. Contact experts such as Klöckner Pentaplast to find sustainable packaging solutions that suit the size of your business. This will help you reach sustainability goals.

Check its recyclability

One of the simplest ways you can improve your product’s sustainability is by making sure that it can be recycled. Many people don’t realize how important this is, but a few simple changes to your packaging could significantly reduce waste. The best way to do this? Include instructions on how to recycle your product in the packaging. This is one of the most effective ways because you are telling consumers what they can do with your product after they are done using it.

Measure its transportability

To improve your product’s sustainability is to measure its transportability. Transportability measures how far a product can travel by land, sea, and air before it becomes too degraded or does not meet quality standards. You can measure transportability by considering fuel efficiency, emissions, and spillages. Transportability also considers what happens when a shipment gets lost along the way or if there are delays due to inclement weather. The shorter the distance a product has traveled, the more sustainable it will be. By measuring transportability, you’ll have an easier time calculating your carbon footprint and assessing your environmental impacts.

Assess the supply chain

Another step to improving product sustainability is understanding your supply chain. That means measuring the footprint of all the materials, products, and packaging used during production. You can work with your suppliers to do this by identifying all the inputs to make a product. Once you know what resources are being used, you can then work to reduce those inputs and find alternatives where possible.

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Rosana Beechum is a dedicated writer who works hard to create quality content for her readers, particularly on topics she’s passionate about, such as raising money for charity and building a supportive internal culture