What Are The Benefits Of Becoming A More Sustainable Business?

Julie Starr • February 18, 2021



Once, not too long ago, the word ‘sustainability’ was something of a buzzword, a fad, something to garner attention but not much else. Today things are, thankfully, very different. Today, we know that offering a more sustainable business to your customers is something that can have a truly positive impact on the planet.   

It can also, as a bonus, have a definite positive impact on your bottom line. When you are able to conscientiously integrate sustainability into your business practices, you’ll find there are a number of excellent benefits that come your way. Read on to find out what they are. 

Improved Brand Image

There are many things you can do that will give you a good brand image. You can comply with all the latest regulations including those related to minimum salaries and ITAR compliance . You can help out in your local community. You can be a good employer. You can have excellent customer service. 

  However, along with all of these important elements, another important way that you can improve your brand image is through sustainability. Consumers are becoming more aware of how a company acts in relation to the environment – or doesn’t act, as the case may be – and this can influence their buying decisions. If you can show that you are a sustainable business that is going to great lengths to protect the planet, more people will choose to buy from you than from your competition because of the excellent brand image you portray.   

Increased Productivity And Reduced Costs 

You might think that becoming a more sustainable business is going to eat into your profits and increase your costs, but the truth is the opposite in most cases. When you develop more sustainable business practices, you will also have the chance to make your business run more efficiently; you will need to because you are going to have to change the way you work; you might have to change suppliers as well. At its most basic level, things like turning off the lights when you leave a room and installing better insulation in your business premises will save you money in the long term. 

When it comes to increased productivity, your employees are going to be able to see the changes you’re making and, for the most part, it will make them feel proud to be working for such a conscientious business. They will therefore work harder and be more productive as a result.   

Attract Investors 

Unless you start your business with a great deal of capital behind you that you can use as you wish within the company to help it grow, it’s likely that at some point you’re going to need some form of investment to help take your business to the next level. The complication with this is that many, many other small businesses are going to be looking for the same kind of investment from the same investors. You need to ensure that your business stands out from the crowd and is the one that is most exciting to the people looking to invest. 

  Sustainability is something that will set you apart. It will show that you are a serious business owner who understands the mood of the business world and is doing what it can to make things better. Investors are not going to want to have their name associated with any business that isn’t making specific inroads when it comes to sustainability – if you can show that your business has respect for the environment you will win out. 

  On a similar note, you will also be able to attract the best talent when you are looking to employ someone within the business. Much like investors, candidates are going to be wary of putting their reputations at risk by taking on a role within a company that does nothing to promote eco-friendly working or sustainability. If you want the very best team you can hire, you need to be the very best company you can be – and that means being sustainably conscious.   

Reduced Waste 

Although very simple, and perhaps rather obvious, the fact that when you change and become a more sustainable business you will have less waste is an important one to bear in mind. Even if you only focus on recycling paper, and turning your office into a paperless one (as far as this is possible, and thanks to technology this is becoming more doable in a variety of different ways), you will save a lot of waste. 

  Paper itself is made using high levels of energy, and if you can use less of it, and recycle the paper you do use where possible, you will be conserving trees, forest habitats, water, electricity, and waste. 

Impress Shareholders 

If you have shareholders, you can show your sustainability ventures to them, proving that not only are you being morally and ethically positive but also that you are saving money, as we’ve mentioned above. 

  Since sustainability can be used to lower costs and increase profit, there is no reason why your shareholders wouldn’t be pleased with this. As a business owner, keeping your shareholders happy is yet another task that you need to spend time focusing on, and if you can do it through sustainability, that’s even better for you, your business, and the planet in general. 

Increased Preparedness For The Future 

We’ve already looked into how being a sustainable business will help you to comply with current legislation and improve your brand image. What is also important is that being sustainable and putting good practices in right now means that you will be better prepared for the future and the changes in legislation that are sure to come about to make the planet a greener one. 

  Business and industry are always at the forefront of any large changes like this, and if you can make smaller changes now then there will be less disruption in the future. Of course, you may well need to make additional changes to comply completely with whatever new legislation is going to come out in years to come, but by getting ahead of the game, you can start in a better position than most other businesses, including many of your competitors. 

Healthier Work Environment 

Every employer has a duty of care to their employees and that should mean that those employees are kept safe when at work – it’s the least they should expect. Health and safety is a big part of many items of legislation and laws surrounding business, and when you comply with this and are able to keep your employees working in a safe environment, your reputation will be a positive one. 

  Not only that, but the safer and more secure your staff is, the less time they will take off work; they will be happy to come in and work their hardest for you knowing that their well-being is taken care of. 

  Being a more sustainable business automatically means that your workspaces are healthier places to be for your employees. There will be fewer chemicals used, for example, and the ones that are might be plant-based. There will be cleaner air. There will be fewer hazards within the building. This will give you healthier, happier staff. 

  Conclusion

Sustainability is no longer something that is done on a whim and without understanding exactly what it means. Today, sustainability is a very real part of our world, both at home and at work, and for business owners, it is crucial that they are able to adapt their businesses to this new model of working – it makes a big difference in every conceivable way.

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.