3 Simple Ways Your Company Can Improve Sustainability

Every major corporation is looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint.?Committees, task forces, departments and positions are now being created to attack this massive challenge as companies are faced with the option of a creating a strategy to be more sustainable, or go extinct. While there are key efforts that will take years to implement, there are three simple steps companies can take to start reaping the benefits quickly.

Warehouse packaging

With the massive increase in direct-to-consumer ordering trends, distribution centers have more volume now than ever before. The use of shrink and film within warehouses and distribution centers is driving additional plastic use in a world where we want to drive less!?Scout Sourcing, a certified WBE, can help these companies realize significant environmental waste reduction and cost savings through an evaluation of their use.?Notable advancements in technology for films and shrinks allows companies to use alternative options that perform equally or better, while reducing both plastic consumption and costs.

Copy Paper

The average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper per year. Thankfully, that trend is decreasing while workers are home, but it hasn't disappeared. Retailers are using more copy paper today than ever. While going digital is certainly the best option, companies don't have to wait for that to happen!?Standard copy paper uses approximately 2 million trees to make 1 ton of paper. There are some options in paper that can use half that amount of trees and the average person can't tell the difference!?Some companies fear a cost disadvantage with their existing supplier; however, companies like Scout Sourcing can bring forth a solution with tremendous advantage to provide this paper at a better service level at an average of 10-15% cost savings!

Sustainable cups, bags and utensils

While Europe is ahead of the curve in their single-use plastics ban, virtually eliminating all plastic utensils and to-go dishes, there are some emerging technologies that can speed the adoption of these products in the US.?Don’t think of these innovative technologies as the dreaded “paper straw-type solution” where they technically meet the requirement but are highly unpopular.?Imagine functional alternatives that people not only feel good about, but enjoy using.??The options for utensils and straws now include birch, bamboo and other products.?Food packaging without plastic can also be a variety of new materials like bagasse, corn and others that are environmentally friendly. Paper bags are an excellent alternative to plastic bags as well.

Finding a partner that works with key manufacturers to identify the best solutions is critical for a successful sustainability strategy.?The sustainability world is changing every day as manufacturers work hard to improve technology and substrates in this space.?An evaluation of these 3 areas above will help companies streamline the transformation.

About Scout Sourcing:

Scout Sourcing is a certified WBE that specializes in providing paper, packaging and other sustainable products to some of the largest companies in the nation.?Scout Sourcing’s custom solutions add value to the supply chain process by providing best-in-class products with an adaptable service and delivery model to meet and exceed customer expectations.??