The business benefits of reducing plastic

In the last few years, environmental health has trumped the convenience of plastic. From a business perspective, sustainability and meaningful brand values resonate with consumers far more strongly nowadays and play a huge role in their shopping decisions. As a result, the number of companies that are “going green” and taking more steps towards helping the planet has been growing quickly.

In this blog, Quality Company Formations explore the many business benefits of reducing or eliminating plastic waste and suggest a few ways in which you can introduce a plastic reduction plan in the workplace.

Reduce costs

One of the main and biggest benefits of reducing single-use plastic is driving your waste costs down. Plastic can be costly, so if you’re looking for ways to cut some of your expenses, try switching to a sustainable alternative.

Attract new customers

Shopping has become a lot more than a simple transaction. Consumers are now looking for meaningful experiences and a connection with their personal values when choosing the brands that they shop with.

If you’re a small and growing business, reducing your plastic consumption could be an effective way to attract new customers and give them the reassurance that they are supporting the planet through your products and services.

Appeal to new investors

If you’re still in the crowdfunding stages, a simple sustainability programme like reducing your eliminating plastic packaging could be a great way to bring new investors on board.

Sustainable investing is a growing trend, and just like shoppers, investors want to fund projects that are meaningful to them.

Protect your business

Making the move from plastic to recyclable or compostable materials can offer the long-term benefit of protecting your business from any new laws or government policies that may be introduced in the future.

Changing business operations isn’t easy or straightforward, so getting started in advance could save you valuable time and effort as well as money.

Reduce production risk

If you’re in the food and drink sector, you might find that you’re particularly affected by climate change, especially if you rely on certain weather conditions to produce crops, for example.

By reducing your plastic consumption, you directly contribute to eliminating plastic from the environment, which helps reduce the risk of climate disasters and, therefore, reduces production risk for your company.

Support a sustainable future

One of the key aspects of environmental health is that everyone has a role to play, so by reducing plastic consumption in your company, you can “do your bit” and join other companies that work hard to reduce their carbon emissions and support our ecosystems, communities, and economies.

7 ways to reduce plastic in your workplace

Taking the steps to reduce plastic at work can be smaller than you might think, with impactful benefits.

If plastic reduction is a business strategy you’re looking to implement, here are a few simple ways to get you started:

1. Provide filtered water in the office
2. Offer reusable plates and cutlery
3. Opt for environmentally friendly tea and coffee
4. Promote eco-friendly habits, e.g. gifting reusable water bottles to your team
5. Get everyone involved in brainstorming sessions on how to cut plastic in their roles
6. Communicate with your suppliers and ask them to use less plastic, if possible
7. Share your successes, milestones, and pledges on your website or social media

Wrapping up

Reducing plastic in the workplace can initially sound like a big task, but small changes can have a significant impact. Not only can you help the environment by reducing plastic waste, but also enjoy many business benefits like attracting new customers and investors and reducing costs.