How do you choose sustainable products for your merchandising?

1 What is sustainability in merchandising?

Sustainability in merchandising means choosing products that are made with respect for the planet and the people involved in their production and distribution. It also means considering the whole life cycle of the products, from the raw materials to the disposal or reuse. Sustainable products should minimize the use of harmful chemicals, energy, water, and waste, and maximize the use of renewable, recycled, or biodegradable materials. They should also support fair trade, human rights, animal welfare, and social justice.

2 Why is sustainability important for your merchandising?

Sustainability is not only good for the environment and society, but it can also be beneficial to your business. By selecting sustainable products for your merchandising, you can meet the increasing demands of customers who are seeking more ethical and eco-friendly options. Doing so can also improve your brand image and reputation as a responsible retailer, while helping to reduce your operational costs and risks. Moreover, you can innovate and differentiate your product range and display from your competitors, as well as make a positive impact on the global goals of sustainable development.

3 How do you evaluate the sustainability of a product?

There is no single or straightforward way to measure the sustainability of a product, as it depends on many factors and dimensions. However, you can use tools and frameworks like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), eco-labels, and sustainability indexes to help assess and compare the environmental and social performance of different products. LCA looks at a product's impact from extraction to disposal, while eco-labels certify that a product meets certain environmental or social standards. Sustainability indexes, such as the Higg Index or Sustainable Apparel Coalition, rate products based on sustainability metrics.

4 How do you source sustainable products for your merchandising?

When it comes to choosing sustainable products for merchandising, one of the challenges is finding reliable and credible suppliers. To source sustainable products, research and contact potential suppliers who have a proven track record of sustainability. Request and verify information and documentation from the suppliers regarding their environmental and social policies, practices, and performance. Negotiate and agree on the terms and conditions of the supply contract. Additionally, monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of the suppliers and the products on a regular basis, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.

5 How do you display sustainable products for your merchandising?

When choosing sustainable products for your merchandising, it is important to communicate and showcase their value and benefits to the customers. To do this, you can use clear and consistent signage and labeling that highlight the sustainability features and attributes of the products. Additionally, attractive and engaging visual merchandising that reflects the sustainability theme and message of the products can be used. You can also educate and inform customers about the sustainability story and impact of the products by using interactive displays, videos, or QR codes that link to more information or resources. Lastly, you can encourage and incentivize customers to buy and use the products in a sustainable way by offering discounts, rewards, or donations for buying sustainable products or returning used products for recycling or reuse.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?