Consumer brands are increasingly leveraging sustainable technologies for their products and services. Unilever aims to reduce per consumer use of product impact on greenhouse gases, water, waste by 50% by 2030, while Patagonia aims to make their business carbon-neutral.
This gradual yet quick transition is a result of changing consumer behaviour, government rules and regulations, climate change and solutions impact on products and services. The cold chain process, from farm to fork, demands immense energy consumption, leading to greenhouse emissions and air pollution. Also, many times a temperature fluctuation can lead to food wastage. Therefore, consumer brands are implementing sustainable technologies to minimise environmental damage as well as maintain products’ integrity till the last mile. Here is how consumer brands are making their supply chain sustainable.
Setting targets
Although sustainability is the future of the cold chain, consumer brands and their suppliers can’t change their approach overnight. They set a target for a year or two. Before that, they assess everything—from government regulations, consumers’ and investors’ expectations to suppliers’ technologies and sustainability aims, etc. Based on this, they set a target that is not highly ambitious but achievable.
Carbon efficient logistics
While sourcing , manufacturing, product designs are key elements for brands to be sustainable, logistics, or how goods travel, cannot be forgotten. Brands are tapping into better planned last mile delivery and optimised delivery routes to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, when it comes to transporting perishable goods, effective cold chain logistics needs to be applied to reduce overall wastage.
Incorporating sustainable technologies
Everything needs to be replaced, from packaging materials and boxes to temperature control technologies. Technologies are the base of the cold chain process, which needs to be efficient and sustainable. Therefore, consumer brands approach a supplier who provides sustainable technologies, like TESSOL. TESSOL PCM technologies consist of thermal storage, which is 100% fuel-free. They have replaced fuel with electricity, saving 60% of operating costs and preventing environmental damage.
Tracking the difference
Brands track the difference after setting targets and choosing the supplier that provides sustainable technologies. They focus on the following questions:
- How efficient has the cold chain process become?
- How sustainable are current solutions compared to previous ones?
- How did consumers react?
- What difference is it making in the company’s expenses?
- Has it helped companies maximise profits?
- What does an investor have to say?
This can be a guiding question to track the success after changing the approach. It is essential to follow because brands come to know where they stand and whether they need to change their strategies or continue with them.
Updating with regulations
The government keeps updating rules and regulations regarding the prevention of environmental damage. Consumer brands track and update their approach according to the rules. This is also critical because inaction can put brands in legal trouble, which can paint a negative image in the market and consumers’ eyes. Also, many consumers who diligently follow eco-friendly lifestyles check whether their brand is complying with the rules or not. Hence, brands update themselves with regulations.
At TESSOL, all our solutions are sustainable and environmentally friendly. They are designed to cater to government regulations and ease the complex process of cold chain logistics. Their efficiency and sustainability maintain the integrity of the product and keep the food safe till the last mile. Request a quote for further information.
