When buying something, you will find that different brands are offering the same product. The quality of each brand differs and so does the process of manufacture, among many other factors. This is why consumers will pick a certain brand over another after doing their research on some factors or based on their experience after buying the product. One of the key factors that can lead a customer to select a certain brand is sustainability. Choosing a brand with a strong commitment to sustainability can result in economic, financial and environmental benefits. So, how do you identify such a brand? Consider the following factors.
Transparency and Years in Business
Most sustainable brands are transparent about their operations. Of course, they won’t give all the details for security reasons and also to keep some secrets from their competitors. However, when you visit their website, you should get basic information such as the nature of products, when the business was founded, their mission, patents, distribution terms, materials used in production and basically their commitment to sustainability. The perfect Datejust accessory for men listing on CHRONEXT, for instance, is from Rolex, and on the Rolex website, you can see that it’s a company that has registered over 500 patents. CHRONEXT offers sales and trade-ins for a wide variety of watches.
If the company doesn’t disclose much about itself, that can be a red flag. However, sustainability statements on a website aren’t a guarantee that you should trust the company without further investigations. Some companies who do not commit to sustainability can post statements on their website to attract unsuspecting buyers. Thus, it is wise to dig deeper and check other factors.
Commitment to Excellence
What efforts does the company put towards excellence? Have they invested in research? Are they continually working on ways to improve their products? What about the manufacturing process? Is there a sign that they are investing in better processes? Good companies don’t arrive when their first product makes several sales. They are always working towards invention and innovation for the betterment of themselves, their customers and the economy. With new ideas and discoveries, companies can reduce costs and make more profits, and consumers can get greater value for their money.
Quality of Raw Materials and Business Ethics
The other factor to consider is the quality of materials that the company uses to manufacture its products and the manufacturing and sales process. Do they use high-quality materials that are safe for their employees, customers and the environment? Quality raw materials ensure the product lasts for long and serves its intended purpose effectively. And when a company uses safe materials, they eliminate the possibility of risking the health of their employees and customers. Thus, check for harmful raw materials and any manufacturing process that may endanger you as a customer or even others who are exposed in the process. Also, be on the lookout for materials that have been banned or declared unsafe by the government and other bodies such as health and environmental agencies. Finally, don’t forget to check if the company is adhering to manufacturing standards and staying away from unethical business practises.
Waste Management and Preservation of Resources
How does the company manage or dispose their waste? Improper waste disposal may not have a direct impact on you as a buyer, but when the waste causes water, soil and air pollution, you can be affected in some way. The other factor to look out for is the conservation of resources. Is the company making any efforts to conserve resources? Are they looking for alternative sources and reducing usage to preserve non-renewable resources? This is a key element in sustainability.
When it comes to their manufacturing, packing and delivery, companies should also look for ways to conserve resources. They shouldn’t use more than necessary. It’s okay to package a product in the best way possible, but the packaging should not be more than necessary. Recycling is another way companies can make good use of resources.
Employee Wellness
Other than keeping their employees safe and providing a good work environment, manufacturers ought to look out for the wellness of their employees by paying them fair wages, not overworking them, treating them with respect, avoiding discrimination in the workplace and investing in employee wellness programs. The way the employees are treated says a lot about the reputation of a brand.
CSR
You can find a company’s CSR details on their website. Dig deeper to find proof that their CSR activities and programs are active. This is because, as stated earlier, companies may have a lot of information on their website that does not reflect their true operations. Therefore, always look for evidence.
Finally, take time to learn more about the brand’s commitment to sustainability by researching reviews and commentaries by experts, beneficiaries and consumers. With so many people going digital, you will easily find this information on the internet. It could be on social media pages, websites and business listing sites among others.