Sustainable Supplements: Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
“68% of global consumers say they would be willing to reduce their consumption by half to avoid environmental damage (1)”. With more people thinking consciously about what their dollar is supporting, it’s wise for businesses to reevaluate how they can invest in our planet.
Dietary supplements provide nature-based solutions. The core ingredients themselves highlight Mother Nature and offer a deeper awareness of our earth to consumers. Since 92% of the population is deficient in at least one vitamin or mineral (2), supplement businesses should be mindful about what they are approving of in order to honor the products they’re selling.
Ingredients
We can’t be afraid to ask difficult questions. When we get transparency from our suppliers, we give transparency to our customers. Building trust and credibility is the cornerstone of any business. Make sure to have clear answers from the beginning.
Where are you sourcing your ingredients from?
What methods are in place for harvesting?
How are they being grown?
Environmental impacts need to be considered as well as humanitarian. Make sure the farms are stimulating the economy and look into local options to help reduce the carbon footprint. Be mindful about using natural ingredients vs synthetic processes in order to respect the integrity of the plant.
Packaging
This is an area where most businesses can make minor changes that create a big impact. “Containers and packaging make up a major portion of municipal solid waste, amounting to 82.2 million tons of generation in 2018 (3)”.
Most supplements are sold in plastic. Its material properties are extremely challenging to recycle, so looking at sustainable packaging formats can be another part of brand innovation. With one third of consumers willing to pay more for products that practice sustainability (4), an improved solution could be a profitable move. Glass, plant-based options, and 100% recyclable cardboard are eco-friendly ideas to consider.
Manufacturing
This particular industry can seem sterile and robotic. In a factory of machines and technology, that perception is not surprising. However, supplement manufacturers are incredibly knowledgeable about the natural world and how we can use its very essence to better our lives. Their team should also be able to help answer specific processing questions, make sure ingredients are carefully sourced, and use packaging partners that best align with your mission.
Hiring a contract manufacturer that can develop your product from a mere idea to completely shelf-ready, such as Factory6, will require less resources for transportation. Operating out of a state-of-the-art facility is yet another boost for energy efficiency.
Brands
There are still businesses distributing bad supplements, but consumers are catching on as an increasing number of well-informed brands are rising to the top. These passionate companies are investing in our planet by educating the public on natural nutrients and what they can do for us.
How are you adapting to sustainable efforts?
Make sure to have the necessary processes in place to support our earth and your customers with excellent products.
Contact Factory6 for a collaborative partnership in the right direction.
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