Did you know 78% of consumers feel sustainability is an important factor in their purchasing decisions? That is a huge majority! In today’s marketplace, making sustainable choices is no longer a luxury, but a necessity that modern brands that desire to stand out in the marketplace have to have as part of their foundation. 

If you’re looking to move toward a more sustainable product offering and business model, but aren’t sure where to start, this blog post is designed to provide a brief overview of all the ways you can make your business more sustainable. And as always, our experts are here to help guide you through.

Consider Your Product’s FormSay you want to make a body wash—or a traditional offering in the bath, body and beauty marketplace. A great way to make your product more sustainable (and marketable!) is by reimagining its traditional form. For example, we’ve seen brands like Everist have great success with out-of-the-box innovations like their Waterless Shampoo concentrate that offers a minimal-waste solution for a product consumers use every day. 

Be Intentional About Your IngredientsA more obvious way to make your formula more clean and sustainable is through intentional ingredient choices. Instead of using harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients, customers love to see ingredients they can recognize and pronounce on your INCI list. If you’d typically use a synthetic fragrance, an easy swap would be to switch to natural fragrance oils. Or, our sourcing team can help you find more natural, sustainable (and just as effective—if not more) swaps for what you’re currently using.

Make Your Packaging Do Double DutyWhen it comes to creating packaging for your product, you have a ton of options. You’ll want to consider how your packaging functions as a keeper for your formula, but also how it continues to function once it's empty. Consider creating packaging that can be reused, whether through a refillable product program, or something that’s sturdy enough to be washed and reused in your customer’s lifestyle. At minimum, it’s essential to ensure your packaging is low-impact or recyclable in some capacity.

Get More Out Of Your Materials & DyesWe know the EU is passing legislation against single-use plastic, and other countries will be soon to follow, so it’s important to think outside the box when it comes to creating your packaging. You can opt for glass or paper packaging options to boost your sustainability, or aluminum with adds a sense of luxury, as well. Similarly, we can help you opt for waterless dyes and other packaging treatments to reduce your overall impact as you create the presentation for your product.

Finally, Consider Your Distribution PlanIf you’ve thoughtfully considered your product packaging, skimping on your shipping solutions won’t cut it. Consider minimalist shipping containers, choosing from compostable and recyclable options for boxes, envelopes, and filler, without sacrificing branding elements that are essential to your brand.

At The DPS, we consider your product’s full lifecycle, and can help you make intentional selections at every step of the design, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution processes. To get started, contact us today.