According to a recent Knight Frank survey, 53% of UK businesses have placed a stronger emphasis on sustainability. Additionally, a Deloitte study revealed that 67% of companies have already begun incorporating sustainable materials and products into their offices.
These findings highlight a growing trend driven by consumer demand, as 83% of customers surveyed by Wunderman Thompson stated their preference for brands with better sustainability records.
Considering these statistics, it is crucial for retailers to offer a comprehensive range of eco-friendly office products and educate their customers about available options for fostering sustainability within their businesses. Let’s explore some of the products that can facilitate this transition.
Replace plastics with recycled alternatives
Plastics pose significant environmental risks, both in offices and elsewhere. However, many consumables we use are made of plastic. So, what can be done to address this issue? Leitz’s Recycle range provides a practical solution by offering products made from 45% up to 98% recycled plastic, thereby reducing dependence on virgin plastics.
Sellotape, a popular brand, now offers a plastic-free alternative composed of plant-based natural cellulose. This alternative is delivered in 100% recycled packaging. The tape’s film is derived from wood pulp, while the adhesive is sourced from natural rubber extracted from rubber trees.
Explore alternatives to virgin paper
Almost every paper supplier today offers recycled alternatives to virgin paper products. Whether it’s paper reams, envelopes, or sticky notes, there are abundant options to embrace within this expanding product range.
3M, known for its Scotch and Post-It brands, offers fully-recycled sticky notes certified by PEFC. They also produce sticky tape utilizing bio-based materials. The packaging used for product shipments is made from 100% recycled cardboard, and even the tape securing the boxes is paper, not plastic.
Antalis provides a diverse range of eco-friendly paper types and weights. Customers can opt for papers that are 100% recycled and FSC certified. Their offset papers take sustainability a step further by incorporating carbon offsetting to neutralize emissions associated with paper use and printing.
Opt for sustainable writing instruments
The plastic pen is a ubiquitous office tool, but even this modest item is undergoing an eco-friendly transformation. Several pen brands now offer biodegradable plastic pens made from natural materials that can be broken down by micro-organisms, preventing them from persisting in landfills for decades. Additionally, plant-based inks, which utilize soy or vegetable oil instead of traditional petroleum-based inks, are becoming increasingly prevalent.
These examples represent just a fraction of the eco-friendly office products available, and the list continues to expand. The growing pressure on businesses to showcase their sustainability efforts means that more customers are willing to pay a premium for these alternatives. Familiarizing yourself with the available options will enable you to meet your customers’ demands and make environmentally responsible choices.
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