SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS IS BOOMING IN AUSTRALIA: 8 TOP ECO BRANDS
Yes, sustainable business is booming in Australia. Not only are many Australian businesses taking steps to integrate sustainability into their business practices, but Australian consumers are also increasingly demanding ethical products and services that are good for the planet and for people.
A range of sustainability megatrends are driving this business transition which include the rise in circular economy approaches to business, the rise in sustainable supply chains, business decarbonization, the reduction of waste and pollutants, and the increasing consumer demand for more conscious consumerism and ethical products and services.
As demand for sustainability increases, businesses that mainstream sustainability throughout their production and distribution processes and that go the extra mile to be ethical and do good for the Earth are able to attract more consumers. That’s because consumers are increasingly concerned about buying sustainable products and supporting ethical and mission-driven companies.
Furthermore, businesses that incorporate sustainability throughout their supply chains and operations are able to minimise their risks, save costs, and enhance their reputations.
But one of the biggest challenges for green and sustainable businesses to garner more clients and customers - lies in their ability to communicate the ethics and sustainability principles and practices on which their brands are built. Consumers find it hard to distinguish which brands are truly green, and which are just greenwashing.
Using the power of social media, businesses can create awareness about the sustainability and ethics underlying their brands and can build conversations with customers that create trust and loyalty.
If your eco-friendly business is looking for experts to help craft and manage your social media management in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide or anywhere in Australia (or globally), then get in touch with our friendly team at Green Socials.
What is a sustainable business?
So what makes a business sustainable? Sustainable businesses are ones that prioritise integrating environmental and social good actions throughout every aspect of their operations. From how they source goods and services, to how they market and deliver their products - sustainable or green organisations aim to make a positive difference in the world and society.
There are many ways that businesses can do this. Eco businesses are involved in reducing their carbon footprints by using renewables, being more energy efficient, and through innovative design of products. Many are also committed to decarbonization pathways that involve becoming net zero fossil fuel emitters or even carbon-positive.
Ambitious organisations around the world are also taking steps to reduce the amount of waste they produce, minimise the use of toxic substances, and commit to using fair labour practices that support communities.
One of the most well-known sustainable businesses is of course Patagonia in the eco-fashion industry. In Australia, there’s been a huge growth in eco-friendly businesses and below we explore some of Australia's top eco brands.
Sustainable businesses are integrating these top 6 sustainable business trends into their operations
Many of the world’s leading eco brands are incorporating the following sustainable business megatrends into their operations.
By leveraging these trends, businesses are able to not only create a more sustainable and just society for all - but they are able to reap the benefits of ethical marketing and being a green brand that consumers want to support.
Below are some of the top sustainability trends for businesses that are shaping the future of sustainable business culture:
1. Circular design and practices as part of the global circular economy
Our linear economy where we use materials without much consideration as to how they are sourced, how they will contribute towards waste, and how resilient ecosystems will be to continue providing these resources is in direct contrast with the concept of a circular economy.
In a circular economy, all inputs that we gather from nature are then reused and recycled to make new products - eliminating waste and reducing our impacts on the environment that contribute towards climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. This concept sees nature as being regenerative if its ecosystems are managed so that it’s resilient and healthy.
Businesses adopting circular economy approaches are transforming how they do business. From managing resources better, to sustainably sourcing inputs for products and services, as well as using circular economy design principles to make new products.
One of the largest advocates of a circular economy is the Ellen MacArthur Foundation which provides many examples of circular economy success stories from business leaders around the world.
2. Sustainable sourcing and sustainable supply chains
How businesses source the materials they use to make products or to deliver services can have a significant impact on the environment and communities.
Many businesses are becoming more transparent about their supply chains and are actively working to make them more sustainable, ethical and fair.
To do this, businesses are looking to work with certification programs that source materials that are organic, fair-trade, ethical and anti-animal cruelty.
And by committing to supply chain sustainability - organisations are able to ensure a more long-term and viable supply of materials while also reaping the benefits of positive PR associated with doing good for the planet and society.
What’s more, greener supply chains also help businesses to save costs and to ensure that they are resilient to biodiversity loss and climate change (and actively work to mitigate these) - and that they have a future. After all, if businesses don’t take a stewardship approach to nature, they will find that the very resources they depend on to operate may dry up and leave them vulnerable to business closure.
3. Decarbonization and the transition to using greener energy
Businesses are increasingly setting decarbonization journeys where they set targets for using renewable energy sources like wind and solar, as well as becoming more energy efficient. That includes decarbonizing their business premises, as well as decarbonizing their entire supply chains.
Many ambitious eco-businesses are taking it a step further and are setting targets to become either net zero carbon emitters or carbon positive, which involves offsetting more emissions than what they produce.
4. Reducing waste and eliminating toxic chemicals throughout the supply chain
As consumers are increasingly demanding products that are safe for their health, while also being good for the planet, companies are having to adapt.
Many businesses in the past had given little regard to how their supply chains created waste and what happened to that waste. We’ve all heard about brands whose suppliers dumped toxic chemicals that were waste byproducts into rivers that then became contaminated.
This type of business is no longer palatable for many consumers, and thanks to the power of social media - companies that don’t take their supply chain waste seriously, may suffer irreparable reputation damage.
And on the flip side, many new eco brands are building their successful business models on consumer demand for products that reduce waste and don’t contain any nasties.
5. Conscious consumption and sustainable lifestyles
Purpose-led brands that put emphasis on doing good over profits are able to attract more conscious consumers who favour sustainable lifestyles and ethical living.
Many consumers expect and demand companies to do their bit to save the planet. That includes promoting responsible consumption and sustainable lifestyles - and may even include advocating buying less.
6. Sustainability by design
Many companies are also using innovation and design to create products and services that are more sustainable and thus can capture a greater share of the market in a world where consumers are increasingly driven by eco-credentials when making choices about which brands to support.
How is sustainable business booming in Australia: insights and statistics
There’s been a dramatic rise in sustainable businesses in Australia. The sustainability trends mentioned above are fueling this shift, as is consumer demand for more ethical and sustainable goods and services.
This presents a significant opportunity for brands in Australia to capitalise on the fact that sustainable business is booming in Australia.
Around the world, people are making purchasing decisions based on sustainability. According to the ‘No Planet B: How Can Businesses and Technology Help Save the World? the global study, “70% of people would be willing to cancel their relationship with a brand that does not take sustainability and social initiatives seriously and 69% would even leave their current company to work for a brand that places a greater focus on these efforts.” The report also shows that the majority of people are also willing to pay a premium if organisations can “clearly demonstrate the progress they are making on environmental and social issues.”
Government support for sustainability coupled with consumer demand for sustainable products and services - are driving forces behind why sustainable business is booming in Australia. In addition, the realisation that caring about nature and communities is critical to our well-being and survival helps to motivate companies to take action to be more ethical and sustainable.
Here are some interesting insights and statistics that support this rise in green business in Australia:
According to a recent Mastercard report, about half of Australians (48%) would actively avoid buying from businesses that don’t have a sustainability sourcing policy
The majority (70%) of Australian small businesses plan to work on their sustainability journey in the next year - and are interested in taking steps to improve their sustainability practices.
The majority (55%) of Australian businesses feel that implementing sustainability will help them to be more profitable.
A third of Australians always opt for a sustainable product or service if there’s a choice between that and something non-sustainable.
Just under a third of Australians are prepared to opt for a more sustainable product or service, even if it’s more expensive than a non-sustainable alternative.
A Nature and The Lab study found that 8 out of 10 Australian consumers expect businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices and 4 out of 10 will refuse to buy from brands that don’t. This research also found that consumers consider sustainability when purchasing a wide range for products - from household products, clothing, beauty products, medications, ISPs, and cars.
A recent Ernst & Young report found that “three in ten Australians (31%) and a quarter of New Zealanders (24%) say that sustainability is very or extremely important when making a purchase decision” and that 36% are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. However, a main barrier to people buying sustainable products is a lack of information to make sustainable choices, coupled with the amount of time it can take to compare products and make an informed decision about which brand to support.
Sustainability offers an opportunity for business growth: how eco businesses in Australia are thriving
Because there’s a significant increase in demand for sustainable products and services, those who offer them are able to attract more customers. Sustainability therefore provides an opportunity for business growth.
But in addition to increased demand for sustainability - there are various other reasons why integrating sustainability throughout your business may actually be good for business growth.
Firstly, sustainability offers the chance for businesses to reduce operating costs. Then, sustainability also allows businesses to secure their supply chains. And, as can be seen by going online or on social media - it provides an opportunity for enhanced PR, boosted reputations, and increased brand awareness.
Brands and businesses that are more sustainable, are also generally more resilient and are able to future-proof their businesses while maintaining a competitive advantage above non-sustainable counterparts.
In Australia, green business is growing. And with that growth lies the opportunity to thrive. Research has shown that many people want to support brands that are sustainable - so if those brands are then able to communicate their sustainability efforts they stand a great chance of converting customers to buy their products and become loyal supporters.
8 top eco brands in Australia: using organic social media to grow your business
These are some of the top eco brands in Australia - each of which is using social media to grow their business by communicating their environmental and social benefits and how they’re protecting the planet, supporting communities and enhancing our well-being.
1. The Very Good Bra
The Very Good Bra is an eco-lingerie brand in Australia that created the world's first plastic-free bra. The bras are made from 100% botanically sourced materials that are synthetic-free and can be composted.
They make their bras waste and toxin-free: the bras are made from natural components, including their sewing thread, labels, and accessories.
Their products are packed in recyclable tissue and sent in a 100% compostable or 80% recycled and recyclable poly mailer - plus you can choose to have it couriered by Australia's first carbon-neutral courier company, Sendle.
Their sustainable sourcing policy includes relying on a variety of certified eco-labels such as GOTS, Oeko-tex and REACH. Plus, Very Good Bra is a certified Australian BCorp, whereby it agrees to be transparent about how it impacts the environment, communities and workers.
2. Planet Protector
Planet Protector is an Australian business that provides an insulation packaging solution that’s made of 100% sheep waste wool. Their sustainable thermal packaging solution and Woolpack range is a sustainable alternative cold chain packing solution used in the seafood industry, pharmaceutical industry, and food industry.
Planet Protector’s Woolpack range is compostable, and biodegradable, creates less pollution than alternative packaging solutions - and it helps eliminate polystyrene from supply chains.
In terms of their impact - their website impact counter shows that they’ve managed to replace 7.2 million polystyrene boxes with their Woolpack solution. Plus they've diverted 3,500 tonnes of waste wool from landfills.
3. Wunderthings
Wunderthings is another Australian eco-business that is using innovation and sustainable design to attract loyal customers. Compared with disposable sanitary pads and tampons that end up as waste and often contain large amounts of plastic and toxins in their manufacturing - Wunderthings provides a sustainable alternative in the form of washable, reusable period panties.
These planet-friendly underwear are made from organic cotton and recovered ocean plastic nylon. Recycling plastic waste and helping to clean the oceans is done as part of their mission to “create high-quality, planet-conscious, leak-proof enviro-menstrual underwear “.
The company is climate-positive and offers carbon-neutral postage, and recyclable packing in addition to its other eco credentials.
4. Seaforest
Seaforest in Tasmania, Australia, is quite literally cultivating climate change solutions by growing Asparagopsis seaweed (native to Tasmania) which is then used as fodder for cows and livestock as it can reduce their methane emissions significantly - helping to reduce climate change.
According to Seaforest, by including just 0.2% of their Asparagopsis supplement into animal diets, they can reduce methane emissions up to 98%. Seaweed is also known to sequester carbon as it grows at a higher rate than many land-based forests, making it an increasingly popular blue economy solution.
5. Eco Farms
Eco Farms was started in 1986 and is committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability while helping people lead healthier lives. According to Eco Farms, their range of certified organic, non-GMO products are not tested on animals, are non-toxic, and don’t contain harmful chemicals.
Based in New South Wales, they sell fresh produce that’s locally sourced (99% is grown in Australia).
6. DK Active
DK Active is an Aussie organic clothing brand based in Brisbane, that’s run on solar power and is committed to ethical clothing manufacturing.
Founded by Danielle Kay Holden in 2017, DK Active uses ethical and OEKO-TEX-certified organic materials (ECONYL regenerated nylon, organic cotton, bamboo, and modal) in the design of their clothes and opts for eco-friendly packaging and transparent supply chains.
7. Koala Eco
Koala Eco is a plant-based and eco-cleaning products manufacturer, making a range of hand and body plus home and cleaning solutions.
Their products are made from natural, vegan ingredients - from free dyes and phosphates. Their products are also ethically formulated (not tested on animals) and are greywater-safe.
8. Breathe
Breathe is an Australian eco architecture and design firm that is committed to providing positive social and environmental impacts through its work. As a certified Australian BCorp, Breathe is committed to being transparent about its performance and operations and in 2022 created a Sustainability Action Plan to guide them. That includes selecting sustainable building materials and the use of principles of sustainable architecture.
Breathe has pledged to deliver net zero-ready buildings (which means no new gas) and is actively trying to decarbonize the built environment by joining the World Green Building Council Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.
Breathe’s offices are powered by renewables, they buy carbon credits to offset their business emissions, and they target zero waste and vegan, cruelty-free lifestyles.
From 2022 onwards, Breathe projects will be fossil-free, net zero ready, track whole-of-life carbon, reduce upfront carbon emissions, and meet specified building environmental performance targets.
Social media: the key to promoting green growth and green brands
Vast numbers of consumers want to support sustainable products and services. But, one of the main challenges for them to do so is that there’s often not enough information provided for them to make an informed decision or to see how these brands actually impact the environment and communities.
Social media offers a great solution to this challenge. It’s easy to convey messages on social media. It’s affordable to use. And customers are able to provide their feedback and experiences with products and brands which helps build consumer trust and influences purchasing decisions.
If you're able to convey on social media what your brand is doing to be green, and how you’re creating impact and action by integrating some of the top sustainability trends into your business - then consumers will be more likely to buy your eco products and support your ethical brand.
Social media is therefore a key to promoting green growth within the business sector in Australia and also green brands on an individual level.
How our Australian social media agency can help your green business thrive
It’s inspiring to know that there are so many businesses in Australia that are taking transformative action towards being more environmentally and socially sustainable.
When Australian consumers are looking to buy products or services, they’re mostly keen to support ones that are ethical and sustainable. However, finding enough credible and trustworthy information about green businesses can be a barrier to consumers supporting brands and buying from them.
That’s where the power of social media comes into play. By strategically using social media to communicate, educate, and authentically engage with potential consumers, businesses are able to achieve many of their goals more effectively.
If you’re looking for an Australian social media agency to help you create social media content that builds your business in a positive way, then contact our friendly team at Green Socials. We have various social media marketing packages to help businesses like yours to boom and thrive in an increasingly green business environment.
