Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming more important factors for customers when they make purchasing decisions. As an outside sales professional, you need to know how to demonstrate these aspects of your product effectively and convincingly. In this article, we will share some tips and strategies on how to do that.
The first step is to understand how your product contributes to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. You should be able to explain how your product reduces waste, emissions, energy use, or water consumption, or how it supports fair trade, ethical sourcing, human rights, or community development. You should also be aware of any certifications, labels, or awards that your product has received for its sustainability or social responsibility.
Proporciona transparencia sobre sus prácticas, procesos, y sus impactos ambientales y sociales. Comparte información sobre la cadena de suministro, certificaciones de sostenibilidad, políticas de trabajo, y medidas de reducción de huella de carbono... Además, se pueden destacar iniciativas de responsabilidad social corporativa, como donaciones a causas sociales, programas de apoyo a comunidades locales o participación en proyectos de conservación ambiental. La comunicación clara y honesta sobre estos aspectos, a través de etiquetas, informes de sostenibilidad o campa?as de marketing, permite a los consumidores tomar decisiones informadas y contribuye a fortalecer la reputación de la marca como comprometida con valores sociales y ambientales
I can speak to my experience of Elevate Packaging's customers of compostable packaging and the impact it has for a brands sustainability positioning. For these brands, participating in Elevate's EPR takeback program for circular packaging signals a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. It demonstrates their brands mission goes beyond mere regulatory compliance, embedding the brand's DNA and core values into its operational fabric. This commitment: enhances the brand's reputation among environmentally conscious consumers, and positions it as a sustainability leader. This sustainability leadership effectively influences the entire industry value chain towards greener alternatives and reduces waste.
The second step is to highlight the benefits of your product's sustainability or social responsibility for your customers. You should be able to show how your product can help them achieve their own sustainability goals, save money, improve their reputation, or increase their customer loyalty. You should also be able to address any potential objections or concerns that your customers may have, such as the cost, quality, or performance of your product.
The benefits of participating in circular packaging EPR takeback programs are multifaceted, including environmental, brand, and customer engagement advantages. Environmentally, it ensures that compostable packaging materials are really getting composted, diverting waste from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For brands, it reinforces their commitment to sustainability, elevating their market position and resonating with eco-aware consumers who truly care of effective impact that's real, proven, and tangible. Additionally, takeback programs foster a sense of community and responsibility, inviting consumers to allow their personal actions have power as they are part of a shared mission with the brands sustainability commitment.
The third step is to use stories and examples to illustrate your product's sustainability or social responsibility. You should be able to tell stories that demonstrate how your product has made a positive difference for the environment, society, or economy, or how it has solved a problem or met a need for your customers. You should also be able to provide examples of how your product compares to other products in terms of its sustainability or social responsibility.
At Elevate Packaging we've improved our sustainability impact through the same EPR intakeback program we offer to our compostable packaging clients. During our manufacturing process of compostable packaging, we inevitably have some unusable trim and scrap of the compostable films and raw materials. Instead of viewing these as waste, Elevate Packaging sees an opportunity for sustainability. Through the Compost Stewardship Institute's program, these byproducts are collected, sorted, and directed to certified professional composting facilities. This initiative transforms 'waste' into nutrient-rich compost, and minimizing environmental impact at every stage of production.
The fourth step is to engage your customers in a conversation about your product's sustainability or social responsibility. You should be able to ask open-ended questions that invite your customers to share their opinions, values, or experiences related to sustainability or social responsibility. You should also be able to listen actively and empathetically to your customers, and show them that you understand and respect their perspectives.
Our customers play a crucial role in the success of Elevate Packaging's circular packaging takeback initiative. By transparently communicating the journey of their compostable packaging—from production to usage to composting—brands can educate and involve their eco-consciuos customers in the sustainability process. In fact, these customers are often clamoring for this type of sustainable brands relationship. Providing information on how clients can individually participate in EPR takeback programs and the benefits of doing so enables customers to bring thier sustainably passion to the products they buy and consume. This engagement not only empowers consumers but also fosters a community united by shared environmental values and actions.
The fifth step is to provide proof and credibility for your product's sustainability or social responsibility. You should be able to back up your claims with facts, figures, testimonials, or case studies that verify your product's impact, benefits, or results. You should also be able to refer to reliable sources, such as third-party organizations, experts, or publications, that endorse or support your product's sustainability or social responsibility.
Credibility in sustainability claims is crucial. Recognized standards like ASTM D6400, alongside effective certifications like Compost Stewardship Institute and the Compost Manufacturers Association, provide authoritative verification of compostability and effective and impactful environmental leadership. Affidavits demonstrating the actual composting of collected certified compostable materials further solidify the trustworthiness of EPR takeback programs. For brands, leveraging these certifications and proofs of action enhances transparency, substantiates their environmental claims, and strengthens consumer confidence in their sustainability efforts.
The sixth and final step is to call your customers to action. You should be able to persuade your customers to take the next step in the sales process, whether it is to request a quote, schedule a demo, place an order, or sign a contract. You should also be able to reinforce the value proposition of your product's sustainability or social responsibility, and remind your customers of the benefits they will gain or the problems they will solve by choosing your product.