Customers
Customers are increasingly looking beyond the price before making a choice
about what product to buy and where to place their business.
Many large businesses are conscious of enhancing their corporate image and are increasingly choosing suppliers with values and practices that match their own. Consumers too are actively selecting and paying more for products that they believe are less harmful to the environment.
Understanding and meeting the needs of your market can:
- Give your business a cleaner, more sustainable image
- Strengthen and build your brand
- Develop a strong identity and reputation.
Access more information:
Branding and labelling
If you have good environmentally preferable practices or offer a sustainable product or service, why not tell your customers about it?
Cause Related Marketing
Businesses can develop strong links to social issues or a worthy cause by partnering with a not-for-profit or charity organisation. This provides the business with many opportunities to promote themselves and their activities, clearly showing customers their values and beliefs.
Design
Designing products for sustainability can enhance your product's marketability and save your business money in a number of ways.
Education
There are many opportunities for businesses to facilitate education in the community generally, and around sustainability. Likewise, it is important to educate your staff on sustainable business practice, so that they feel valued and able to make a constructive contribution to the business.
Emerging market
A new consumer group is currently emerging in the global market place. They have a strong interest in products and services produced sustainably. Tapping into this emerging market offers a new incentive to become sustainable.
Packaging
Packaging of goods contributes hugely to New Zealand's economy. It can enhance the quality, longevity, and safety of goods and also plays an important role in marketing and brand development.
Recycling
Reusing materials that would otherwise be considered waste is a potential cost-saver for your business. Many types of materials from production or administration areas can be recycled.
Reporting
Compiling a 'sustainability report' is a great way to move your business forward. And it is not as complicated as you might think. Reporting in this way shows your business in a positive light - as an organisation tuned into today's society.
Sponsorship
Businesses can develop strong links with a not-for-profit or charity organisation, undertaking sponsorship initiatives such as providing finance, human resources or other assistance. In return the business receives many opportunities to promote themselves and their activities, clearly showing customers their values and beliefs.
Stakeholder dialogue
Stakeholder is an umbrella term used to describe any individual or group affected by your business. There are a host of business benefits associated with developing stronger relationships with your stakeholders.
