The environmental situation has become a global cause that becomes a priority for institutions and governments as well as for the population. The more than obvious climate change is in the spotlight and establish criteria under an ESG framework It is essential for companies, especially in the field of electronic commerce. And it is that brands and consumers are opting, more and more, for betting on sustainable products or services. In fact, according to data from the study “Sustainability in current e-commerce. The impact of our purchase decision” Prepared by EAE Business School, 88% of those surveyed consider it essential that eCommerce offers more sustainable options for products and services, as well as their delivery or return.
“Today’s consumer has become a change agent. You are no longer looking for just one product or service, but you are looking for these to be coherent. Caring for the planet is becoming more and more evident and that is why all the players in the sector we must incorporate eco criteria both to satisfy consumer demand and to contribute positively to that real problem.” says Paula Rodríguez, Business Development Director of Webloyalty, a leading company in generating additional income for eCommerce, which offers loyalty solutions to encourage repeat purchases through retail media.
However, much remains to be done. In fact, according to data from the study, only one in five respondents from the general public considered that the current e-commerce is sustainable. And this perception can have consequences in the income statement of companies, since 55.8% of Spaniards penalize or are willing to penalize unsustainable eCommerce.
Challenges of eCommerce in terms of ESG parameters
Online shopping has become part of the consumption habits of Spaniards, with a penetration of around 9%, exceeding the data and levels of other European Union countries such as Portugal (7.6%) or Italy (7.9%). %), according to data from the report “eCommerce Report Spain”, Prepared by CBRE.
According to Webloyalty forecasts, eCommerce in 2023 will continue in the wake of growth, estimating a 10% increase in online orders, and between 5 and 10% in online spending.
Taking into account that eCommerce is here to stay, Webloyalty experts give 6 keys for the sector to turn towards sustainability and can take advantage of the implementation of these parameters.
- Incorporate a distinctive eco in the corporate image of the brands that are governed by sustainability parameters will make it possible to give a positive image that, in turn, has a positive impact on the income statement. In fact, 3 out of 4 users would value being able to detect and see this badge in sustainable online stores, according to the EAE Business School study.
- Bet on Re-commerce and Up-cyling of products, either through second-hand or recycled items, promotes eco and sustainable positioning in the mind of the consumer. In fact, according to a study by Red del cambio, 1 in 3 consumers already buy this type of product.
- Covering the three R’s is core: reduce the volume of material used in shipments, reuse packaging to promote ecological eCommerce in solidarity with the natural environment and recycle and make use of recyclable materials to curb environmental impact.
- Conscious consumption awareness campaigns to prevent the customer from ordering things that he ultimately does not want or need for the simple fact that the shipping and return costs are free. For this, it is important to show the carbon footprint left by the orders that are finally returned to the stores, both due to the wasted materials of containers and boxes, as well as the movements of the means of transport, etc.
- It is advisable to bet on companies whose delivery fleets are electric or hybrid vehicles. And, according to data from Volta Trucks, traditionally powered trucks represent 23% of road carbon emissions. The switch to electric goods transport vehicles can reduce the atmosphere by 2025 1.2 million tons of CO2 from the tailpipe.
- Avoid excessive use of paper and plastic in packaging, or in the daily operations of eCommerce through the digitization of processes is a fundamental point. According to data from Statista, in 2019 Spain generated 9.8 million kilos of plastics and 3.3 million tons of corrugated cardboard for the sector.
