How To Ensure A Safer Product

Julie Starr • March 17, 2022



If you are responsible for the sale or manufacturing of a product, safety needs to be of paramount concern. If you cut corners, you run the risk of criminal prosecution, product recalls negative media attention, and a bad reputation. This is bad for you but it’s also important to consider your customers who may have suffered worse consequences because of your product. 

What Is A Safe Product?

Generally speaking, a safe product is one that poses no risk to the consumer. Of course, they could misuse the product and unintentionally or intentionally cause harm to themselves. But providing you have used due diligence in the buying or manufacturing of the products you sell, you are unlikely to be held accountable.

When talking about safety, we aren’t only talking about consumer risk. We are also talking about the environment as you should take steps to be eco-friendly within every aspect of your business to create a safer world for everyone.

How Can You Ensure A Safer Product

To ensure a safer product, you should:

Adhere to industry regulations

If you are the manufacturer of a product, you should adhere to some form of ‘conformity assessment procedure.’ This is connected to the legislation that covers your particular industry and the guidelines that have been set out to ensure customer and environmental safety. 

You should follow all known safety guidelines within the manufacture of the product. As part of this, you may need to carry out some form of testing, such as chemical analysis which can test for potentially harmful contaminants. As such, you may need to use the services of third-party companies to carry out any testing that you aren’t able to do yourself. When you do use the services of another, however, you need to make sure they have been properly accredited to carry out testing processes.

If you buy products to sell for business, you should make sure they have been properly certified as being safe. This is your guarantee that testing has been carried out. However, it is still advisable to check the products you sell, as you shouldn’t go through with a sale if any defects are found. 

Place labeling on the product

Most products carry some form of risk if improperly used. As such, you need to label the product with potential safety risks to make the consumer aware of any dangers. You should also provide instructions on how to use the product safely. By doing so, you are legally covering your back.

Some products won’t be age-appropriate, such as those that could prove to be a strangling or choking hazard for young children. Therefore, your label should indicate which age groups should not have contact with your product.

Remedy any issues

Be you a manufacturer or product seller, you should remedy any potential safety issues immediately. This might mean re-starting the production phase or, if you’re a product seller, sending the faulty products back to their source for further investigation.

If you inadvertently sell a product that is faulty, listen to customer feedback . Take their concerns into consideration and make sure the appropriate changes are made to your product before another sale is made. 

Finally

It is your responsibility to know the legislations and certifications that apply to your product. Find out what these are and then take every action to adhere to them, for the safety of your business and the safety of anybody who comes into contact with them in the outside world.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.