For years, going green was seen as a ‘nice-to-have’ – a flashy PR move or a way to tick a few corporate responsibility boxes.
But those days are over.
Sustainability has moved beyond marketing and now has a huge impact on running a successful business.
Regulations are tightening, customers are demanding change, and companies that fail to keep up risk falling behind.
The good news? If done right, sustainability can actually boost your business’s bottom line.
The regulatory shake-up
The UK is stepping up its game on environmental laws, and businesses of all sizes need to take note. Here is what is coming:
There is also the Plastic Packaging Tax, which saw an increase to £217.85 per tonne in April 2024. If your packaging contains less than 30 per cent recycled plastic, this tax applies to you.
The hidden costs of doing nothing
Some businesses still see sustainability as a burden but ignoring it could cost you dearly.
Supply chains are getting stricter. Larger companies are under pressure to report on their suppliers’ environmental impact.
You could be cut from contracts if your business is not meeting sustainability standards.
Sustainability-linked finance is no longer a niche offering.
Lenders are now factoring environmental impact into their decisions, meaning businesses with strong green credentials will access better terms and easier funding.
Consumers care
A Deloitte study found that over 60 per cent of shoppers prefer to buy from sustainable brands.
If you are not actively reducing your environmental impact, you are handing customers over to greener competitors.
Turning compliance into a business advantage
Sustainability is an opportunity to drive growth. Here’s how:
Practical steps to start today
Not sure where to begin? Here are some easy wins:
If you would like more advice on sustainable business practices, contact our team today.