Post-pandemic years of 21 & 22 have seen an explosion of new D2C brands in India, pushing this once niche industry into a mainstream one. Various D2C brands have cropped up in segments like nutrition, food, and FMCG, cutting out the intermediaries & changing the way consumers shop online.
And unlike traditional businesses, D2C brands are listening increasingly to customer expectations & preferences and adopting changes quickly to satisfy them. One such customer preference these brands are adopting is sustainability.
According to a Capgemini report, over 79% of customers are making purchase decisions based on inclusiveness, social responsibility and environmental impact.
Aiming to garner the attention and purchase preference of their new-age eco-woke consumers, these brands are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, with plastic neutrality emerging as a powerful strategy to resonate with their target segments.
In this blog, we will delve into the growing importance of plastic neutrality for D2C brands and explore ten remarkable benefits it offers for both the environment and business.
Most D2C brands actively use plastic materials as part of their packaging and operations process and thus have a high plastic footprint. With plastic neutrality, they have an opportunity to mitigate the impact of plastic waste generation and arise as sustainability leaders.
Plastic Neutrality can help D2C brands improve customer loyalty, drive innovation, and support a circular economy. The benefits and the correlation of Plastic Neutrality for D2C brands are detailed below.
- Cultivating Brand Loyalty and Connection
In a competitive market, brand loyalty can be a game-changer. D2C brands that embrace plastic neutrality signal their dedication to sustainability and resonate with eco-conscious consumers. By taking responsibility for their plastic footprint and making tangible efforts to offset it, these brands build an emotional connection with their customers, fostering long-term loyalty.
Watch the journey of Licious towards Plastic Neutrality
- Establishing a Stellar Reputation
In an era when brand reputation spreads quickly through social media and online reviews, embracing plastic neutrality sets D2C brands apart as pioneers in sustainable practices. Their commitment to environmental stewardship earns them the respect of consumers and positions them as responsible influencers driving positive change.
- Aligning with Consumer Expectations
Millennials and Gen Z consumers demand more from brands than just products; they seek purpose and values that align with their own. By adopting plastic neutrality, D2C brands demonstrate their commitment to meeting these expectations, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable consumer behaviour.
Read how Wellbeing Nutrition aligned its brand purpose with environmental wellbeing
- Future-Proofing Business Strategies
Plastic neutrality is not just a response to current consumer preferences but also a proactive measure to address future regulatory changes. By integrating plastic neutrality into their business strategies, D2C brands stay ahead of potential legal requirements and industry norms.
- Fostering Supply Chain Transparency
As D2C brands often have more control over their supply chains, they can leverage plastic neutrality to promote transparency. By monitoring plastic usage throughout the supply chain, these brands foster collaboration with suppliers on sustainability initiatives.
- Driving Innovation and Creativity
The pursuit of plastic neutrality encourages D2C brands to impart recycled plastic into their product design. This drive for innovation fosters creativity, leading to optimised processes and resource efficiency.
- Powerful Collaborations for Environmental Impact
Embracing plastic neutrality encourages D2C brands to invest in plastic recovery and recycling initiatives. By partnering with organisations dedicated to preventing plastic waste, these brands amplify their positive environmental impact.
- Contributing to the Circular Economy
Through plastic recovery and recycling efforts, D2C brands actively contribute to the circular economy. Minimising plastic waste and turning it into raw materials extends the life cycle of resources, promoting a more sustainable future.
As D2C brands continue to gain traction among millennial and Gen Z consumers, their commitment to sustainability and plastic neutrality becomes vital in securing long-term success.
By aligning their practices with conscious consumer preferences, D2C brands can create a brighter, more sustainable future for their business and the planet.
To achieve this ambitious goal of plastic neutrality, D2C brands need a robust and effective solution that can guide them on their journey to sustainability. Here is where Recykal’s plastic neutrality solution comes into play.
With Recykal’s expertise in sustainability and comprehensive approach, D2C brands can seamlessly integrate sustainable practices into their operations and champion the cause of environmental responsibility.
Join the ranks of major brands like Licious, Wellbeing Nutrition, and Klooper and get started on the journey to sustainability!
