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Sustainable Food Production

<ul><li>In the last few years, we have seen many brands become more environment-friendly. There has been an increasing focus on sustainability. </li><li>Globally, brands like Diageo, Unilever Limited have started reevaluating their packaging to put the environment first. </li><li>However, so far, even limited-edition packaging from big brands this Diwali is all either plastic-based or made for one-time-use. </li><li>We speak to experts to find out if brands are making sustainability a priority in their business plans, infrastructure gap that India needs to fill in to become sustainable and when can we expect to see big Indian brands becoming 100% environment-friendly.</li></ul>For Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies and beauty brands, packaging is the final point of contact with customers. Having an unforgettable packaging design and <keyword id="10254633" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="eco-friendly-packaging">eco-friendly packaging</keyword> in today’s environment can help in communicating a disruptive image and stand out in the cluttered, competitive shelves. In the last few years, we have seen many brands become more environment-friendly and increase their focus on sustainability. Due to the lockdown and increased in-home consumption, consumers became more environmentally-conscious as they saw a higher than normal packaging in their own home trash that cannot be reused or recycled. Consumers, especially Millennials and GenZ, want companies to take sustainability and greater purpose more seriously and take action towards the betterment of our country. They are even willing to shell out more money or switch to a smaller brand. According to Capgemini’s latest research study on sustainability and changing consumer behaviour, 79% of consumers are changing their purchase preferences based on social responsibility, inclusiveness, or environmental impact. 53% of consumers and 57% in the 18-24 age group have switched to lesser known brands because they were sustainable. More than half of the consumers (52%) say that they share an emotional connection with products or organisations that they perceive as sustainable. Moreover, COVID-19 has increased consumer awareness and commitment to buying sustainably: 67% of consumers said that they will be more cautious about the scarcity of natural resources due to the COVID-19 crisis, and 65% said that they will be more mindful about the impact of their overall consumption in the “new normal”. This reinforces the need for big companies to increase their commitments towards responsible business practices and migrate to sustainable solutions to contribute to a circular economy. As a result, during the pandemic, brands like Diageo and Dettol launched limited edition eco-friendly packaging to test the waters indicating that more brands in India have started reevaluating their packaging strategy to put the environment first. HUL also brought Unilever’s ‘Love Beauty and Planet’ range of skincare products to India after observing an increasing demand for <keyword id="6955069" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sustainable-products">sustainable products</keyword>. According to media reports, companies such as Marico, Bacardi, ASICS, HUL, Nestle India, Future Consumer, Coca-Cola, Pepsi-co, Parle Agro will move to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 helping towards a sustainable future. On the other hand, Diwali is also that time of the year when brands pour in extra money to launch limited-edition festive packaging. From Kurkure to Mondelez, all packaging from big companies is either plastic-based or one-time-use this year. So we reached out to experts to find out if companies are investing in launching eco-friendly packaging on a larger scale, what are some of the hurdles that are stopping brands from launching permanent eco-friendly packaging today and when can we expect to see India a plastic-free country. Infrastructure aid Talking about resources the country needs to inch closer towards circular economy, Arnab Ray, Creative Director, Landor said, “I think resources can be created if the mindset is there. Our thinking for plastic-free/recyclable products is normally limited to a small range of products, sometimes boutique and not something associated with mass brands. India is a large country, so it also means the Government playing a large role along with corporates. According to reports, FMCG companies are aiming to go for 100% recyclable plastic packaging by 2025 in accordance to the Government’s initiatives on plastic waste management. Also, in my view, change in perspective and innovation can be answers to creating more resources on a large scale basis. One of the largest sources of plastic waste, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles used for beverage products, are being re-purposed to make apparels, footwear, and furniture by many companies. Intelligent use of recyclable material can ensure a more sustained effort towards creating products that are good for the planet.” Radha Ghai, Creative Director &amp; Senior Partner, Alok Nanda &amp; Company, said that India has enough resources for small-scale production but not for large-scale yet. She said, “We do have the resources and lots of new materials, which are environment friendly, that are being explored but not at a large scale level yet. Plastic free/recyclable solutions are being explored at smaller scale levels especially in cities where people are becoming more aware of being sensitive to the environment and are willing to pay extra for these solutions. We have the technology to produce recyclable packaging, but again not at a large-scale level yet, as in India we don’t have the infrastructure to produce for large-scale products. Cost of materials and technology is expensive unlike China, which has been the biggest market till now. The government has to support the manufacturers big time to create these solutions.” Ashwini Deshpande, Co-founder and Director, Elephant Design pointed out that we need to take a holistic view here and look at the entire packaging process. Deshpande said, “Going plastic-free is a significant and high-impact step, but we must look at all the emerging concerns like packaging materials, printing inks, distribution logistics, consumption, and recycling. Each of these decisions impacts the planet. Going plastic-free is not the end of responsibility. Nor is believing the packaging will be recycled if we put a logo on it. Sustainability is a mindset. Any change needs to start with the intent that can then convert to policy. So, this is not about having enough resources or appropriate technology. The question is whether companies selling products in plastic packaging in India (whether MNCs or Indian) have enough genuineness to move towards replacing existing practices, processes &amp; materials with sustainable ones.” Speaking about how change will only come if clients change their mindset, Deshpande added, “If there is a strong intent, they will be able to spend resources on research, innovation, and integration to meet the objectives. If replacing materials seems like a long shot, smaller measures like reducing packaging sizes to appropriate dimensions, reducing number of inks or area of ink coverage to reduce negative impact can also prove effective first steps. Recovering solvents from ink usage, greener fuels for transporting goods, incentivizing consumers for recycling would be some of the other ways to become more sustainable.” Becoming a part of usual packaging process Designers are constantly in search of materials that provide long-term hygiene efficacy, materials or processes that do least harm to the ecology. The topic of sustainability has also become a part of boardroom conversations between agency and client. “Interestingly, this subject is becoming a large part of the many conversations we have with our existing and prospective clients. From a leading Art and Stationery brand to big FMCG clients to even our clients in the Alcohol industry, environment-friendly packaging is definitely a topic of discussion, and we constantly see opportunities collaboratively with our client partners to see where discussions can turn to reality. Globally, Landor &amp; Fitch have launched a joint initiative called The Good Squad, which is a collaborative effort of all the offices in the area of sustainability, where we research, share knowledge and also map out future prospects for all categories over and above our sharp focus on FMCG. So, in my view, the topic is no longer in the back burner but very much need of the hour. The pandemic did put the subject to the background a bit but also made us realise how important protecting the earth and its environment is for a better and more sustainable future,” said Ray. Deshpande, on the other hand, shared with us that conversation on eco-friendly packaging is still not a priority. She said, “Conversations about environment-friendly materials are increasing. Most MNCs also have sustainability experts involved in the packaging design process. But honestly, it is far from becoming a priority. Marketers, designers, print converters, logistics partners, retailers, consumers, and recycling agencies must come together to form the policy and develop practices to reach the common goals. It is a challenge now because all these stakeholders are not on the same platform yet. But I see that as the only way forward.” While clients do consider environmental-friendly options, they are still not willing to loosen their purse strings. Ghai said, “When we do get packaging briefs and when we start giving packaging solutions eco-friendly options are appreciated for sure. The environmental concern is there for sure but costs become a big hurdle for clients to produce materials that are eco friendly. Hence, limited edition products do get launched for a small set of audience, but for a larger scale demand the clients are forced to continue with more cost effective options.” Can India become a 100% eco-friendly country anytime soon? According to Bain &amp; Company, 65% of global consumers are ready to shell out more for brands which use sustainable products and nine in every ten customers are also ready to switch to eco-friendly brands if price and quality were equal. While consumers are willing to shell out more money for eco-friendly products, the audience is still very small and sustainable market is still at its nascent stage in India. Speaking about some of the hurdles that are stopping India from becoming eco-friendly at a larger scale, Ghai said, “Unfortunately, there’s still a large audience that doesn’t really pay much attention to these issues. Sensitivity to the environment is there but still not very active in their head. General perception is that if it is plastic free it will not be durable or if it's organic it must be expensive. Also, other products are readily available at shops nearby or at a supermarket, so ease of picking up takes preference over specially going to a shop or to look out for eco friendly products online. Though a few brands are moving towards recyclable materials that are still not 100% eco friendly, it is going to take time.” Ray thinks it is challenging but possible. He said, “India is a large country, hence the sheer volume of products can make moving to a 100% environment-friendly market a daunting task, but not really an impossible one. Unilever, globally has reduced one-third of its packaging waste. If the government and the big companies work hand-in-glove to mobilise and fast-track the initiative, then change is certainly possible. Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the problem and are switching to eco-friendly alternatives. But again, these numbers are small, so it becomes imperative for the large companies along with the government, to raise awareness and help sustainable living become more achievable and a reality.” Deshpande opines it is a far-fetched idea but right support from the government and brands can make it happen. “While 100% is too idealistic, it will happen sooner than we all imagine if the government proactively makes it mandatory. On their own, very few Indian brands would take the steps. Also, why should the consumers bear the costs alone? The onus is also on the corporates. They cannot hope to maintain their bottom-line and recover the entire expense of saving the planet out of their consumers,” said she.

How ready is India to launch permanent eco-friendly packaging and become a plastic free country?

<ul><li>L’Oréal is on a green mission, that of ensuring that by 2030, 95% of its ingredients will be derived from renewable sources.</li><li>Today, 80% of the group’s raw materials are easily biodegradable, 59% are renewable, 34% are natural or of natural origin. </li><li><keyword id="10999817" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="laurent-gilbert">Laurent Gilbert</keyword>, Director <keyword id="9501877" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-innovation">Sustainable Innovation</keyword> at L’Oréal shares how the international personal care company is going about ensuring it minimizes its impact on the environment.</li></ul>Most major brands have been making an effort to make themselves more sustainable, to use products that have less negative impact on the environment. L’Oréal is one such brand that is working on making its products more eco-friendly. It is working towards ensuring that by 2030, 95% of its ingredients will be derived from renewable sources. The Group aims to draw on recent advances in <keyword id="10999816" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-sciences">Green Sciences</keyword> to enable the sustainable cultivation of ingredients. In 2020, around 80% of the group’s raw materials are easily biodegradable, 59% are renewable, 34% are natural or of natural origin. 29% of the ingredients used in L’Oréal formulas were developed according to the principles of <keyword id="457323" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Green-chemistry">Green Chemistry</keyword>. So what exactly is Green Chemistry? It is a concept developed in the US in 1998 by chemists Paul Anastas and John Warner that draws on 12 principles based on sustainability values to practice a type of chemistry that respects the social, environmental and economic balance of the environment in which it is used. ‘Green Chemistry is part of Green Sciences in the sense that it ensures a sustainable transformation of biomass into ingredients,’ describes the brand in a release. While speaking recently at L’Oréal Transparency Summit, Laurent Gilbert, Director Sustainable Innovation at L’Oréal said, “Today, we are absolutely convinced of the need to change. We have decided to make a cosmetic transition, which means a profound transformation in the way we are creating beauty products. We are doing this also because our consumers are changing, they are aspiring to more naturalness in products and less chemistry. They want to use products that are safe.” Speaking about how the brand is going towards achieving this goal, Gilbert added, “To do this, we will use a set of disciplines that we call Green Sciences which is based on environmental and living sciences. We will use this discipline to extract the best from nature and to develop formulas from renewable ingredients.” L’Oréal started thinking about sustainability and started to build innovations around making their products greener around 25 years back. And today, along with 95% of its ingredients being derived from renewable plant sources, the group is also making 100% of their formulas respectful of the aquatic environment. On how ambitious an effort this is, Gilbert explained, “It is a very ambitious goal. Three quarters of the ingredients we are using is not petrochemical today and we want to push this percentage. We now want to go one step further. By using the formulas and green sciences, we will make sure we are not contributing to temperature increase. We will make sure that we use water in a responsible way, preserve biodiversity and really put our activity within the circular economy, which is all about doing more with less.” The group aims to put a lot of thought to the entire journey of the product, from the design stage to the end of its life. “We want to minimize the environmental impact of our products. So we will focus on creating formulas are compatible with the ecosystem and look at recyclable packaging,” he added. The organization has developed a program which is addressing every step of the value chain of its products which includes sustainable agriculture to the production of the basic product materials. The group’s aim is to ensure that by 2030, 95% of its ingredients are bio-sourced, derived from abundant minerals or circular processes, with 100% of its formulas assessed using its environmental test platform to ensure they do no harm to the diversity of coastal and freshwater aquatic ecosystem.

Here’s how L’Oréal is using Green Sciences to make its products more sustainable

Over 60 per cent of businesses surveyed are "off track" to meet their <keyword id="49089" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainability" source="Orion">sustainability</keyword> goals, according to a report by Bain &amp; Company, which also found that <keyword id="60468" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumers" source="Orion">consumers</keyword> are willing to shell out a premium for sustainable products. According to the report, a large number of people surveyed in India say they have a high level of concern about environment sustainability. This could be driven by the spiking levels of <keyword id="13001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pollution" source="Orion">pollution</keyword> in major cities and the rising incidence of flash floods in different parts of the country. Consumers in fast-growing markets, where Bain found <keyword id="6422456" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental" source="Orion">environmental</keyword> concerns to be highest, including India, were willing to pay a greater premium (between 15 and 20 per cent), compared to markets like the US and the UK. The report further said that an Indian consumer, however, is still at an early stage of understanding sustainability and a number of related behaviours are influenced by cultural norms and <keyword id="44477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial" source="Orion">financial</keyword> realities. "As extreme weather prompts growing environmental concern across the globe, new research from Bain &amp; Company shows more than 60 per cent of businesses are off track to meet their current sustainability goals," it said. Progress will require a combination of technology, policy, and behaviour change, the report said, adding that an increasingly conscious base of consumers and employees may prove helpful. To get a broad sense of environmental concerns around the world, Bain surveyed 23,000 consumers, and the results underscored the growing urgency of sustainability topics. Almost 64 per cent of people reported high levels of concern about sustainability, and most said their worries have intensified over the past two years and that their concern was first prompted by extreme weather. The report also revealed that a large number of people surveyed in India said they have a high level of concern about environment sustainability. "They are seemingly driven to live or shop sustainably first and foremost by direct benefits around savings and health rather than environmental concern. Consumers express a greater interest in quality, how a product can be reused, its durability, and how it will minimise waste," it said. Karan Singh, Partner and head of the Asia Pacific Sustainability practice at Bain &amp; Company, said while Indian consumers show growing interest in sustainability, there's a noticeable gap between intent and action, mainly due to factors like high prices, limited product information and availability. "This presents a distinct opportunity for businesses to take the lead by educating consumers and innovating to offer sustainable products at attractive prices," Singh said. Consumers' willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products and baby boomers being just as concerned as Gen Z, were the other key takeaways from the report. "As concerns grow, consumers are looking to make environmentally sound choices and are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Yet, they often run into barriers," it said. For instance, consumers in the US are willing to pay an average premium of 11 per cent for products with a minimised environmental impact, even as the average premium for products marketed as sustainable there is 28 per cent. "Consumers in fast-growing markets, where Bain found environmental concerns to be highest - such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, and China - are willing to pay an even greater premium, between 15 and 20 per cent. Consumers in the UK, Italy, Germany, and France, on the other hand, are only willing to pay between 8 and 10 per cent extra," the report said.

60 pc of businesses 'off track' to meet sustainability goals: Bain & Company report

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11994971" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="allbirds" source="Orion">Allbirds</keyword> filed its IPO application to the SEC with a significant emphasis on <keyword id="11896309" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sustainability" source="Orion">sustainability</keyword>.</li><li>The company's sales grew during 2020, but its losses also rose significantly.</li><li>Sustainable products are part of a wider trend directed at reducing guilt about the climate crisis.</li></ul>On August 31, Allbirds submitted an <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1653909/000162828021017824/allbirdss-1.htm#ib1df9298e23644a2a22972a8f1925ea1_2365">S-1 filing</a> with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering. The move by the footwear and apparel company follows growing interest in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sustainability-as-a-value-is-changing-how-consumers-shop">sustainable products</a> and investments focused on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/esg-investing">environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues</a>.But the company's claims regarding sustainability being beneficial for its business growth deserve additional scrutiny, Aja Barber, an author and sustainability consultant, said."With every company that reaches this level, I think they really have to question very hard what sustainable growth looks like and what growth is sustainable," Barber, whose book "<a href="https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/aja-barber/consumed/9781549193781/">Consumed</a>" will be released on October 5, told Insider.Since its founding in 2015, Allbirds has become popular among Silicon Valley residents. The company expanded beyond its footwear to performance clothing and continued to emphasize sustainability in its business operations, including the creation of a carbon-negative sole made partly from sugarcane. More than 8 million pairs of shoes have been sold by the company, 53% of them to repeat customers in 2020, according to the company's S-1 filing. The prevailing message of Allbirds' IPO is the company wants to do all the major things to be sustainable, while pursuing growth as a business and satisfying investors. Barber said accomplishing all of those goals wasn't really possible."Once you get to the size of Allbirds, people have to double-check your sustainability credentials," she said. "Until we rethink growth targets, we have to realize when our favorite brands start to grow to a certain size, the sustainability message gets really watered down."<h2>Growth or reduction?</h2>Allbirds <a href="https://cdn.allbirds.com/image/upload/v1625161698/marketing-pages/Allbirds_Sustainability_Report_2020.pdf">frequently</a> <a href="https://cdn.allbirds.com/image/upload/v1624992612/marketing-pages/21Q3_sustainabilty-site-update_strategic-foundations.pdf">emphasizes</a> sustainability as the core to its business operations and product materials, especially compared with its competitors. The company says its status as a certified public-benefit corporation, also known as a B Corporation, means prioritizing positive outcomes for stockholders but also employees, customers, the community, and the environment. In its S-1 filing, Allbirds aims to help create a framework for other ESG companies through what it calls a Sustainable Public Equity Offering. Getting this designation would involve satisfying "rigorous, objective, and clearly-defined ESG criteria," it said.For Allbirds' to sustain success as a public company, its sales would need to continue to grow to satisfy shareholders, which would contradict the first word in the three R's of conservation: reduce.<h2>Transparency in some areas but not others</h2>Allbirds has provided detailed information on its materials, even making its SweetFoam sole <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90202030/allbirds-wants-to-fix-your-sole">open source</a> for use by other companies. <a href="https://cdn.allbirds.com/image/upload/v1624992612/marketing-pages/21Q3_sustainabilty-site-update_strategic-foundations.pdf">According</a> to the company, there are several initiatives to publish more information on its labor practices and water usage, as well as to increase transparency about its supply chain. But the company does have <a href="https://www.allbirds.com/pages/how-we-operate">final-production facilities</a> in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where there is a high risk of labor abuse. The company declined Insider's request for comment. <h2>Weak financials</h2>Allbirds' filing said: "The more sustainable we are, the better we believe our products and business will be." But while the company grew its sales from $193.7 million in 2019 to $219.3 million in 2020, its losses also grew during that period, from $14.5 million in 2019 to $25.9 million in 2020, according to Allbirds' financial statements."We have incurred significant net losses since inception, and anticipate that we will continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future," the company's SEC filing said.<h2>Larger problems beyond shoes and stocks</h2>The sustainability consultant Heather Mak said her research on consumer goods showed Allbirds' emphasis on sustainability was highly disproportional to the priorities of most shoppers."The mass majority of people are looking for what fits them well and what looks good on them," she said. "Even if something was super sustainable and didn't fit what they were looking for, it's probably less appealing to people."Allbird's emphasis on sustainability is part of a wider trend of "sustainable" goods being promoted as a solution to the climate crisis, instead a reduction of purchases."I feel like people are trying to alleviate guilt for consumption by saying, 'This is a sustainable product, so you should get it and replace your thing that is already working fine,'" Mak said.

Allbirds is hyping its sustainable public offering, but experts advise caution about its claims

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.<a href="https://amzn.to/2EQ2Tho" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Amazon</div></div></div></a><ul class="summary-list"><li>You don't have to sacrifice having a clean, tidy home when you go green - you just need to know what kinds of products are getter for the environment.</li><li>Aside from using eco-friendly cleaning chemicals, rinvesting in reusable products like <a href="https://amzn.to/2u3033s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this laundry egg</a> and these <a href="https://amzn.to/2SZAaLY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">microfiber cloths</a> is one affordable and sustainable solution to our over-reliance on wasteful products like dryer sheets and paper towels. </li><li>Below, you'll find 15 of the best reusable cleaning products to add to your home essentials list. </li></ul>Caring about the environment and caring about a clean home don't have to be mutually exclusive. Though most of the cleaning products and tools sold on the shelf are disposable, a striking amount of them are actually reusable - which is good for the environment and your wallet. When the movement toward "green cleaning" began, there were very few products that approached the benchmark of being both high-quality and good for the Earth at the same time. Yes, there was the ol' kitchen mop and the bacteria-infested sink rag, but more often than not, reusable meant repulsive.Today, it's hard to keep up with the number of items on the market that are working to provide a sustainable way to take care of your home, from eco-friendly chemicals to reusable dryer sheets. There are tons of ways you can do your part to take care of the environment without going out of your way or sacrificing the quality of the products you've used in the past. Below, you'll find 15 reusable products that work well and are good for the environment (a win-win, if you ask me). <a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

15 reusable cleaning products that are more sustainable than their traditional counterparts

<ul><li>Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.</li><li><keyword id="116541" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reebok">Reebok</keyword> has launched a new range of plant-based running shoes to mark Earth Day. </li></ul>Reebok releases the new version of its innovation in running footwear: Floatride Energy GROW, the plant-based <keyword id="92034" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Running-shoe">running shoe</keyword> for high-performance. It combines the award-winning Forever Floatride Energy model with the commitment and responsibility to protect the environment and strive to create a fitter planet. Floatride Energy GROW is an industry leading shoe within Reebok´s [REE]GROW category which guarantees at least 50% of the used materials are plant-based. To keep the high-performance standards of the best-in-class running shoe, each component was researched and tested to deliver this innovative product. <div type="image" title="+C23018_SS21_Floatride_Energy_3_Grow_PR_Images_M_2" msid="82178975" hostid="261"></div> Key features include: - Full performance running feel expected from the Forever Floatride Energy 3 model - Castor bean midsole delivers responsive and lightweight cushioning - Comfort flared heel collar and natural rubber outsole is durable and flexible - BLOOM algae sockliner is molded for increased support and cushioning - Eucalyptus upper is durable and breathable - Total weight of 8.1 oz/230g women; 9.7 oz/275g men "Running in the Reebok Floatride Energy GROW has been an eye-opener in seeing what's possible when you switch from traditional materials to plant-based,” said Joel Charley, COO Midnight Runners UK. “As far as I can tell, there is no sacrifice in performance, and certainly not in style. This no-compromise, sustainable approach is wonderful to experience as Reebok takes steps (no pun intended) towards doing their part for the future of our planet." The <keyword id="6455105" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-earth-day">World Earth Day</keyword> is coming up on April 22nd and everyone has the power to inspire positive change. Reebok believes “what we´re made of matters” and adapts this to its products without sacrificing performance. Reebok is focusing sustainability efforts under two pillars: [REE]GROW, which focuses on the creation of products from natural materials; and [REE]CYCLED, which focuses on creating products using recycled or repurposed materials. Reebok is committed to reducing virgin polyester from its material mix and eliminating it altogether by 2024. The Floatride Energy Grow allows you to enjoy your daily allowance of speed with a helping of sustainability. Earth-friendly ingredients and all the lightweight, responsive cushioning, durability and traction you expect delivers for your run and our planet. The Reebok Floatride grow collection is available now at select Reebok stores and online at shop4reebok.com starting INR 9,999.

Reebok launches a new range of shoes made from eucalyptus, bloom algae and natural rubber before World Earth Day

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://taylor-stitch.nnh2.net/c/196318/451752/8041?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.taylorstitch.com%2Fcollections%2Fmens-denim" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>Taylor Stitch</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>On average, it takes 1,500 liters (about 396 gallons) of water to produce a single pair of jeans.</li><li>Along with the massive amount of pesticides used to grow cotton and the energy consumption in factories, jeans are one of the least eco-friendly clothing items to produce.</li><li>As consumers become more concerned with how the products they buy affect the environment, brands are continually finding new ways to make jeans more sustainably.</li><li>Below you'll find seven brands using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and sustainable production methods that use less water, energy, and toxic chemicals. You'll find familiar faces like <a href="http://levis.pfm4.net/c/196318/366459/5398?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.levi.com%2FUS%2Fen_US%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Levi's</a> along with relative newcomers like <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=71372&amp;urllink=warpweftworld.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warp + Weft</a>. </li></ul>The way I see it, jeans are the cornerstone of any wardrobe worth having. People of all ages, styles, professions, and income levels wear them, but as common as the popular pant style is, they're actually rather harmful to the environment. From the pesticides and insecticides used to grow cotton to the massive amounts of water, energy, and chemicals used to process the materials and turn them into denim, jeans rank as one of the least eco-friendly clothing items to make. According to <a href="https://www.gopjn.com/t/TEFNS0VFQUVHR0pGTEFFREhLRE0?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.everlane.com%2Fdenim-factory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Everlane</a>, it takes about <a href="https://www.pjtra.com/t/TEFNS0VFQUVHR0pGTEFFREhLRE0?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.everlane.com%2Fdenim-factory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1,500 liters (that's roughly 396 gallons) of water to produce a single pair of jeans</a>.Realistically, those stats aren't going to prevent anyone from buying jeans. But as responsible consumers, we can do our part by shopping brands that value sustainability in their production methods. So, to point you in the right direction, we rounded up seven brands that are making jeans more sustainably by implementing less wasteful manufacturing techniques and more effective recycling programs. From startups like <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=39876&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.frankandoak.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frank And Oak</a> and <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=41186&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.outerknown.com%2Fpages%2Fsea-jeans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Outerknown</a> to legacy brands like <a href="http://levis.pfm4.net/c/196318/366459/5398?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.levi.com%2FUS%2Fen_US%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Levi's</a>, you won't have a problem finding denim with high-impact style and low-impact everything else.<h2>7 brands making sustainable denim:</h2><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

7 brands that make sustainable jeans using organic cotton and eco-friendly production methods

New Delhi, Jan 21 () Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) expects new product launches to help the company sustain sales momentum next fiscal even as it sees short-term challenge to demand after BS-VI norms come into effect from April 1, a top company official said. 
 The company, whose market share has increased by 1 per cent this year despite a 7 per cent de-growth in overall volume, is also gearing up to cater to diesel vehicle demand with main rival Maruti Suzuki India walking out of the segment.
 "Last year (2019-20) has been a very challenging period not only for us but for the entire industry. We witnessed a de-growth despite launching products like Venue and Kona. Our annual volume de-grew by 7 per cent last year, but still our situation was better than the industry," HMIL MD and CEO SS Kim told .
 On company's outlook for next fiscal, he added: "We strongly believe that the sales momentum can be carried forward in coming year as well because we are launching Aura, new Creta shortly and other products as well...I believe we can outperform and can do better in coming year as well."
 Kim said the auto industry would not be impacted much even with vehicle prices going up due to adoption of new regulatory mechanisms.
 "From price perspective, due to change in regulations, cost will increase and it will have some negative impact on the demand. But at the same time, there will be customers who would like to opt for new technology and would help in increase in sales as well," he noted.
 When asked about the entry of Chinese automakers in the country and its impact on established players like HMIL, Kim said, "The difference between us and them is that while they are bringing their existing products, we have been developing products specifically for the Indian market."
 "We have developed products like Venue keeping in mind Indian customer. We make products after understanding the unique requirements of customers here. That is the main difference. Besides, we are present here for over two decades now and have established a wide sales network," he added.
 Besides SAIC-owned MG Motor, which is already established in the country, few other Chinese automakers like Great Wall Motor Company and First Automotive Works (FAW) are likely to announce their entry into Indian auto market in the upcoming Auto Expo.
 When asked to comment on increase in competition in the electric vehicle (EV) segment with the entry of Chinese companies, Kim said that HMIL has globally accepted products which could be introduced in the country.
 "The Chinese OEMs sell most of their electric vehicle volume in China, but in our case we are selling in Europe, US and many other advanced markets. We can bring globally accepted EVs into the market and at the same time we are also developing mass market EV especially for this market," he added.
 The mass market EV will be developed according to the needs of the Indian customer, Kim noted, adding that the company has already initiated work on the project.
 HMIL has already sold 300 units of Kona Electric and has also received additional bookings for 400 units, he said.
 Besides, the company would continue to offer diesel vehicles as there would be much bigger demand for such vehicles after Maruti Suzuki getting out of the equation, Kim said.
 The company would try "not to surprise" customers with pricing for BS-VI diesel cars, he noted.
 "Our R&amp;D and procurement teams are working at ways to reduce cost as we would like to give affordable solution to the customers," he said. MSS 
RVK

New product launches to help sustain sales momentum next fiscal: Hyundai

<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=40090&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a><a href="https://www.thereformation.com/pages/our-stuff">Reformation</a>Reformation is one brand successfully making sustainability cool.<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sustainability is becoming a big trend in the packaged goods and fashion industry as environmental concerns are increasingly top of mind for consumers. </li><li>The U.S. sustainability market is projected to reach $150 billion in sales by 2021, <a href="https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2018/was-2018-the-year-of-the-influential-sustainable-consumer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Nielsen</a>. </li><li>We used clothing brand Reformation as a case study of sorts and spoke with experts in consumer behavior and the fashion industry to better understand the sustainability movement, why consumers love it, and how more brands can do their part. </li></ul>A good product is no longer enough to win a consumer's favor. Shoppers want more than just quality, often looking for products and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ethical-clothing-bedding-companies-brands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brands that align with their personal values</a>. It seems obvious. Why support a brand financially if we don't agree with their social and environmental values? In the face of climate change, those of us who care enough are ready to consider the consequences of our shopping habits.The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-fashion-environmental-impact-pollution-emissions-waste-water-2019-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fashion industry is one of the biggest culprits</a> when it comes to pollution. According to the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/textiles-material-specific-data" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">United States Environmental Protection Agency</a>, 26 billion pounds of textiles end up in landfills each year. Realistically, most of us won't quit shopping cold-turkey. We may not even give up all fast-fashion. But, many people are willing to change their habits for the better. Dr. Matt Johnson, professor at Hult International Business School and founder of neuromarketing blog <a href="https://www.popneuro.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pop Neuro</a>, says, "There is accumulating evidence that consumers are impacted by the perceived sustainability of [a] brand, and further, that consumers are willing to pay a premium for products from a sustainable brand over a non-sustainable competitor brand." Value and ease of purchase are still the main drivers of purchase decisions, but sustainability is becoming a bigger factor. A <a href="https://content-na1.emarketer.com/sustainability-is-factoring-into-2019-holiday-purchases" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">2019 survey led by Hotwire</a> found that 47% of internet users worldwide had ditched products and services from a brand that violated their personal values. Protecting the environment topped that list. <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=40090&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>Reformation/Instagram2019 saw the Global Climate Strike all over the world.<h3>Traditionally, you'd find labels like "organic" and "sustainably-grown" in the grocery aisle, but the same verbiage is becoming popular in the fashion industry, too.</h3>Sustainable fashion doesn't seem like a natural pairing - fashion's trend-driven ways press us to buy new pieces every season, while sustainability asks us to pare down - but more and more brands are bettering their business with eco-friendly practices. <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=40090&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Reformation</a> is one of the brands leading the charge.Yael Aflalo, Reformation's founder and CEO, was in the fashion industry for years and "really started to dislike a lot of the harmful industry practices - overprinting lookbooks and tossing 80% of them, yards of leftover fabric getting thrown out," she says. "On a trip to China, I saw first-hand the devastating amount of pollution there from manufacturing, and I knew that I had to make a change and stop contributing to the fashion industry's waste."The brand's flowy dresses, dressy tops, cozy sweaters, jeans, and more, are beloved by the "it-girl" set. But, they're also made sustainably - everything from the fabrics used to the manufacturing processes to the hangers used in-store are chosen with keeping a minimal carbon footprint in mind.<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=40090&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Reformation</a> is proof that you can be sustainable without sacrificing style. "Without sacrifice" is the key. Aflalo wants shoppers to see how easy it is to live a more sustainable lifestyle. "The success of our sustainability initiatives is determined by how effortless they are to adopt," she says. "We start with small digestible solutions that people can incorporate into their daily lives to make an impact and highlight how those changes can affect the big picture." Buying clothing that you were going to buy anyway, but choosing the item that was made ethically and with less waste is sustainability made easy. There's no significant behavior change, but a simple choice that can ultimately make a big difference. <h3>Even if being sustainable isn't a personal priority, the idea of using a purchase to do good is attractive to many shoppers.</h3>Purchasing expensive products that are environmentally-friendly in some way can help us compensate for the guilt we feel about our self-indulgent spending, Dr. Johnson explains. "A part of us feels guilty about the money we're spending on a new Prius, for example, but the fact that it's a product which has an environmentally friendly angle helps us feel better about the purchase."<a href="https://www.pntra.com/t/TEFNS0VFQUVHR0pGTEFFREhLRE0?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.everlane.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>EverlaneIn a bid to improve their transparency, Reformation and Everlane give factory tours to let shoppers see the conditions.For many shoppers, though, choosing a sustainable product is a personal priority, and they want people to know it. It's called Social Signaling, a theory that we buy certain things because of what they say about us to the people around us. People buy designer bags not only because they like the style, but because of the message they tell the world when they're holding one and the social status the product imbues.The same goes for the environment. Dr. Johnson shares the example of a new Prius. "We may buy a Prius (at least in part) because it is a purchase reliably associated with environmental consciousness, and we want to signal that we're environmentally conscious," he says. And, it turns out that these social motivations are more important than practical features like gas mileage. In <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/04/business/04hybrid.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">a 2007 survey</a>, Prius owners proudly reported that the primary reasons for purchasing the car are because it "makes a statement about me" and that "it shows the world that its owner cares."<h3>While we may be willing to pay more for something that is environmentally friendly, the ultimate goal should be for sustainability to be accessible.</h3>Aflalo wants to break down the notion that sustainability is inherently more expensive. By definition, she says, it isn't - instead, it is "related to less waste and material use, which can actually lead to savings ... But there are some aspects of responsible manufacturing and better materials that may lead to marginally higher costs. So as we scale our business, we are committed to making our stuff even more accessible and passing on efficiencies and savings to our customers wherever possible."A $28 <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=40090&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2Fproducts%2Fpocket-tee" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Reformation tee</a> may seem pricey when compared to a fast-fashion option, but the sustainable fashion movement asks us to consider environmental cost, not just the cost to our own wallet. There are plenty of brands capitalizing on the movement. <a href="https://www.pntra.com/t/TEFNS0VFQUVHR0pGTEFFREhLRE0?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.everlane.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Everlane</a> has become a popular choice with its self-proclaimed "radical transparency" in everything from pricing to using innovative materials, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/everlane-renew-collection-fleece-parka-puffer-review-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like recycled water bottles</a>. <a href="https://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRk1OR0JGSEhLR01CRktOSEVG?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnaadam.co%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Naadam</a> is redefining luxury with its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/naadam-cashmere-sweater-review-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">affordable, sustainable cashmere</a> that's better for the environment and its workers. It's not just startups that are getting in on the positive trend. Big-box retailers are adding more sustainable products to their aisles and committing to cleaning up their practices. The "<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=2417&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fbeauty%2Fclean-beauty-products" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Clean at Sephora</a>" section of the beauty giant brings eco-friendly, clean beauty products to the masses. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/196318/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Target</a> has a goal to use 100% sustainable, organic cotton in all products from Target-owned brands by 2022. Nordstrom <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nordstrom-sustainable-style" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently launched a Sustainable Style category</a> to help shoppers easily find responsibly-made products.These efforts surely attract a more sustainably-minded demographic, and it's something worth showing off. Dr. Johnson thinks sustainable brands can certainly use marketing and branding to their advantage. Even though they are typically for-profit companies, he says, with a genuine sustainability foundation, non-profits are more likely to partner with these brands. In turn, this likely adds credibility to sustainability claims. <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=40090&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2Fproducts%2Fpocket-tee" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>Reformation/FacebookSustainability is a big part of Reformation's branding, particularly on social media.<h3>For Reformation, sustainability plays a significant role in branding.</h3>"Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We're #2."The brand's kitschy slogan is an homage to their sustainable practices, but that's just the start of it. "In recent years," Aflalo says, "we've taken a more formalized approach to transparency through initiatives like RefScale, factory tours, and sustainability reports, educating consumers about the environmental impact of fashion." On the brand's website, you can find plenty of information about its manufacturing, As someone who has started a fashion brand of their own, Aflalo understands it's not always easy to completely switch up production in favor of more sustainable approaches, which is why she suggests starting small. "To start," she says, "[brands] can focus on sustainable materials - so they can source an organic or better material, and just plug that into their same business model ... This one is a bit harder, but look into operations and business impact to offer better transparency around manufacturing processes (which is often the dirtiest part of the industry) and hold your business accountable to start making changes. The big and small changes will add up," she says. "If we want to have transformational change, we all need to participate."The same goes for us, the shoppers. We may not all be ready to be minimalists and pare our wardrobes down. We may not be able to give up <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/is-eating-meat-bad-environment-2016-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eating meat</a>, driving to work, or wearing cashmere, but we can <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/household-plastic-alternatives-eco-friendly-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweak these habits</a> to make them better for the planet. Carpooling, meatless Mondays, or shopping with an eye for sustainable materials are small changes we can make for the better.<h3><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=40090&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Shop sustainable fashion at Reformation</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.popneuro.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Check out Dr. Johnson's blog about consumer psychology</a></h3><h3>Read more about some of our favorite sustainable brands:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/patagonia-un-champions-of-the-earth-award-2019" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Patagonia just won the United Nations' top environmental honor for entrepreneurial vision - here's why we're not surprised</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/b-corp-retail-companies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B Corps are businesses committed to using their profit for good - these 14 are making some truly great products</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/allbirds-tree-runner-skipper-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Allbirds' sustainable 'Tree' sneakers were a game changer when they debuted in 2018 - here's how they've held up after over a year of regular wear</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/everlane-recashmere-review-recycled-cashmere-sweaters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">We tried Everlane's recycled cashmere sweaters - they're more sustainably produced and just as comfortable as the originals</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/warp-weft-affordable-womens-jeans-review-2018-6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">A new online startup is quietly making waves in the denim world - its under-$100 jeans and sustainable production practices are 2 big reasons why</a> </li></ul><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

Sustainability sells: Why consumers and clothing brands alike are turning to sustainability as a guiding light

Les Shu/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sustainability is a major theme at Denver, Colorado's Outdoor Retailer conference, the biggest tradeshow for the outdoor industry.</li><li>From durable recycled polyester to crushed oyster shells, outdoor companies are implementing unique materials and methods in making their products sustainable.</li><li>We looked at 13 products that show how outdoor companies are elevating their sustainability game.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>You can't walk past more than two or three booths at Outdoor Retailer without seeing the words sustainable or eco-friendly - it's something the outdoor industry (led by those who attend OR) have championed for years - long before it became de rigueur in mainstream fashion. Though it's not surprising to see so many brands embrace eco-friendly clothing or sustainable manufacturing practices at the show, it is a breath of fresh air (pun intended). But sustainability methods are questionable, particularly in clothing. A manufacturer can claim its products are environmentally friendly even when the use of recycled materials constitutes a small percentage of the overall construction. It's why in recent years, the outdoor industry has been working toward being even more transparent in how it makes sustainable products, including the type of materials used - from man-made fabrics like Polartec Power Air, Cordura Eco, and Repreve, to novel reuse of materials like sailcloth and wool.Nearly every company that exhibited at the 2020 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show has a sustainability story. Here are 13 companies that delivered an eco-friendly message at OR in interesting ways. Most will go on sale in fall 2020, but some are available now or soon. <ul class="summary-list"><li>Knitwear: Sherpa Adventure Gear Lumbini Pullover</li><li>Snowshoes: Crescent Moon Biodegradable Snowshoes</li><li>Travel bag: Tentree Mobius Duffel</li><li>Sunglasses: Zeal Optics Aspen</li><li>High-tech fabric: Helly Hansen LIFA Infinity Pro</li><li>Everyday backpack: JanSport Recycled SuperBreak</li><li>Fleece jacket: Houdini Mono Air Half-Zip and Houdi</li><li>Lunch containers: <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=10248&amp;pw=184534&amp;ctc=biip_020520_best-sustainable-products-outdoor-retailer-snow-show-2020&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F160357%2Flight-my-fire-mealkit-bio-8-piece-mess-kit" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Light My Fire MealKit BIO</a></li><li>Color water bottle: <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=10248&amp;pw=184534&amp;ctc=biip_020520_best-sustainable-products-outdoor-retailer-snow-show-2020&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F153224%2Fklean-kanteen-tkwide-insulated-water-bottle-with-cafe-cap-16-fl-oz" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Klean Kanteen Insulated TK Wide</a></li><li>Ski jacket: Obermeyer Tuscany II</li><li>Wool backpack: Fjallraven Kanken Re-Wool</li><li>Moisture-wicking, breathable shirt: <a href="https://www.headsweats.com/mens-short-sleeve-performance-tee-shirt-bigfoot-baxter-new/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Headsweats Short Sleeve Performance Tee Shirt</a></li><li>Tote bags: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/8F1E2C75-1BEB-4D8E-8BDB-8F2A87256620?ingress=0&amp;visitId=85a789f5-0ef6-4c99-98fc-a46fa12e430e&amp;productGridPageIndex=2&amp;_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_013120_winter-outdoor-retailer-2020-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;linkId=871306c7c9058813075e7e6f867c0098&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sea Bags</a></li></ul><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

13 products from Outdoor Retailer's Snow Show that reveal how companies are upping their sustainability methods

<ul><li>In Q3, Signify was 64% carbon neutral and 79% of its revenue came from sustainable products. It will be executing the same programs to reduce its carbon footprint in India to drive sustainable revenues. </li><li>On the other hand, the brand also aims to become an intelligent software company that offers lighting solutions designed for the IoT world. It invests 4.5% of its global budget on R&amp;D and its latest bet is LiFi. </li><li>Signify currently spends only 5% on digital and 55% of its overall marketing spends on TV, here is why...</li></ul>Philips Lighting, for more than a century, has remained synonymous to bulbs across the globe. Being one of the first in its category, Philips started its operations in India back in 1931 and now, after renewing its brand name to Signify Innovations, aims to become an intelligent software company that offers lighting solutions designed for the IoT world. ‘Lighting can now make every home smarter, cities safer and offices more energy efficient’ and Signify aims to drive this change across the world. Currently, the Indian lighting industry is worth Rs 15,000 crore with LED lighting constituting almost 80% of this. Last year, Signify invested 4.5% of its global sales on Research and Development (R&amp;D) and its latest innovative bet is on Light Fidelity (LiFi), a technology in which high quality LED lighting provides a stable and fast broadband Internet connection through light waves. The company has installed 7 LiFi pilot stations in India across different segments and on the other hand, it also aiming to gain 80% of its revenues from sustainable products. While the company is focusing more on innovation and technology, it continues to spend 55% of its marketing monnies on television and only 5% goes to digital. Sumit Padmakar Joshi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, <keyword id="7600657" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Signify-Innovations-India">Signify Innovations India</keyword>, has led the company through this transformation. He talks to us about the vision for Signify, its plan to recover from the ‘slightly muted’ quarter, making the company sustainable, and much more. Excerpts: Q. What have some of the key highlights of your journey with the brand been? One of the key highlights of my journey here has been the transformation of the company from a bulb manufacturer to a software company, now offering lighting solutions designed for the IoT world. Our new company name – Signify reflects our company’s purpose – the meaning of light. Light is now a language and can be used to transmit data via LiFi or communicate with other devices via the IoT. Moving away from a pure hardware manufacturer, we have transformed into a company that offers not just lighting but also important business insights and data that can help our customers become smarter and more productive. Leading the company through this phase has been an exciting journey so far. Q. Why did the brand change its name from Philips to Signify, considering Philips is a household name in India? Founded as Philips in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, we’ve led the lighting industry with innovations that serve professional and consumer markets for over 127 years. In 2016, we spun off from Philips, becoming a separate company, listed on Amsterdam’s Euronext Stock Exchange. The renaming of our company was the next logical step in our transformation journey since we became a standalone company in 2016. We changed our company name in line with contractual requirements of the Company Name License agreement with Royal Philips, which requires that we change our company name after Royal Philips, who no longer has a controlling interest. Signify will continue to use the Philips brand for its products, under the existing licensing agreement with Royal Philips. The choice of our new company name originates from the way light has become an intelligent language, which connects and conveys meaning. It’s a clear expression of our strategic vision and purpose to unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We believe that our new name will further shape our company’s profile as both the world leader in lighting and the lighting company for the Internet of Things. Q. We have seen advanced technology and innovations at Signify now, where did Signify source that new technology? We invest heavily in R&amp;D to stay at the forefront of technological developments. In 2018, we invested 4.5% of our global sales in R&amp;D. We spot an opportunity which nobody focuses on and grow in that segment by coming up with futuristic solutions. As a leader in lighting, we innovate, design, build, and deliver world-class lighting systems embedded with intelligence and connected through software to deliver capability to manage, monitor and control lighting assets, enable data harvesting and analysis for improvement of lighting operation and business performance. We are positioning ourselves as the lighting company for the Internet of Things. We recently announced the launch of our Interact IoT platform for connected lighting, which will enable our professional customers to unlock the full potential of their connected lighting assets. The platform delivers new insights to help customers drive operational efficiencies and take more effective decisions. It also supports our company’s strategy to deliver new data-enabled services as value expands from lighting products and systems to services. Q. Talking about innovations, are you seeing LiFi changing the game in India? How has the response been so far? Light Fidelity (LiFi) is a technology in which high quality LED lighting provides a stable and fast broadband Internet connection through light waves. Unlike other forms of wireless communications (WiFi, 4G/5G, Bluetooth, etc.) that use radio waves, LiFi uses the broader spectrum of light waves to transmit and receive data wirelessly. LiFi’s bandwidth is more than 1,000 times the size of the radio spectrum. LiFi works in such a way that each luminaire is equipped with a built-in modem that modulates light at speeds imperceptible to the human eye. The light is detected by a USB access key/dongle plugged into the socket of a laptop or tablet (in the future such technology will be inbuilt into laptops, mobile phones, and devices). The USB access key returns data to the luminaire through an infrared link. While radio frequencies are becoming congested, with more devices trying to connect and overloading networks, the visible light spectrum is an untapped resource with a large bandwidth suitable for stable simultaneous connection for a vast array of Internet of Things devices. With our efforts and constant drive for LiFi in the market, we already have 7 pilot installations in India across different segments, including banks, Information technology, Co-Working spaces, B2G, Infrastructure amongst others. We were also specially invited by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Government of Gujarat to showcase LiFi as a Futuristic Technology at the Vibrant Gujarat summit which received a footfall of 25,000 delegates, including Central and State Ministers, several corporate houses and government officials. Q. Globally, Signify has been talking about becoming Carbon-neutral. How successful have you been so far? What exactly are you doing in India to become Carbon-neutral? We are taking a leading role to bring better light to the world and to help provide a more sustainable future. We do this by delivering light which is energy efficient, saves resources, and improves lives. At Signify, we also ‘walk the talk’ and commit to becoming carbon neutral by 2020. We are already carbon neutral in 9 markets as of 2019. We have made some bold promises that we’ll deliver on by 2020. 80% of our revenues will be sustainable and we’ll also deliver 2 billion LED lamps and luminaires to the world. As of Q3, 2019, we are 64% carbon neutral and already 79% of our revenues come from sustainable products. 89% of our purchased electricity comes from renewable sources and we are recycling 82% of our manufacturing waste. We are executing the same programs to reduce our carbon footprint in India as well, including driving sustainable revenues, zero waste to landfill, striving for a zero-injury workplace, and building a sustainable supply chain. Q. With your brand repositioning and new brand endorsers, we have seen your focus shifting to smart lighting. What part of revenue do you make from that category now? Which category brings the lion’s share home? In India, smart lighting for homes is a Rs 100 crores+ category and is expected to grow by 45% over the next 3 years as many more houses adopt connected lighting in a major way. We are by far the market leader in this segment as well, as we virtually created this category when we launched our Philips Hue range in India 4 years back. While smart lighting constitutes a very small share of our overall business right now, it has a lot of potential for growth in the future owing to increasing urbanization and internet penetration. Ultimately our focus is on new homes and renovations, where we see a lot of consumers trying out connected lighting for the first time. The biggest categories for our company are LED lighting in both professional and consumer applications. We recently introduced a range of new products for the consumer segment, including our Philips T Beamer, Philips CeilingSecure and Philips EyePro Bulb. For our professional users, we recently introduced lighting solutions such as Interact and LiFi. Q. How has the year been, in terms of business? We witnessed high single digit growth in the first half of this calendar year, and expect growth to be ‘slightly muted’ during the remaining half of this year due to overall economic slowdown in the country. In Q2 we saw some projects getting delayed due to elections in the country, however, we were expecting a recovery but it looks like it is getting slightly delayed. It will take another three-to-six months for things to start picking up in the Indian lighting sector. The current economic slowdown has impacted industries across sectors in India and we are no different. Q. People in rural areas are still not ready to accept LEDs in their lives because of high costs. What are you doing to bring down the cost of your products? Government electrification schemes like Suabhagya are helping even remote towns and villages to have access to electricity. Moreover, with rising rural incomes and penetration of media, aspirations and awareness about new products amongst rural households has increased over the past few years. While rural households still use conventional lighting in a big way, we’re witnessing a steady and growing demand for LEDs from these areas as well, owing to its reduced prices and enhanced awareness about its advantages, such as high durability and lower power consumption. We have launched an LED range of products, Philips Ujjwal, to cater to this audience, offering a better price value suited to their budget. The technical specifications of these products have been specially designed keeping in mind rural lighting requirements and preferences. Q. Can you walk us through your larger marketing strategy for the brand? India is amongst the top 5 markets for Signify globally and we invest a lot in marketing to support our brand and activities. Our spends on TV Advertising in India are by far the highest across all Signify markets, keeping in mind that India has traditionally been a TV-advertising-focused market. 55% of our overall marketing spends in India are towards TV advertising to reach out to our target audience. Our TV advertising in India is biased towards promoting our new product categories like TBulb, Ceiling Secure. In the last two years, we have launched 2 major TV ad campaigns for these two products. 5% of our overall marketing spends are on digital marketing in India, whereas the lighting category’s digital spends in India stand at 3-4%. Majority of our digital marketing spends are towards SEM and lead generation, highlighting our IoT products like Interact, LiFi and Philips Hue. 26% of our overall marketing spends in India are directed towards creating brand awareness and preference. Q. What areas will you focus on going ahead, to amplify growth? The overall market size of the Indian lighting industry is Rs 15,000 crore with LED lighting constituting almost 80% of this. The LED portion of the industry is expected to grow in high single digits. The conventional lighting market is, however, expected to decline in double digits, owing to faster conversion towards LED. It is not possible for companies to deliver on their top-line as well as bottom-line costs without category-first innovations. As a result, we don’t see many companies in India being able to manage that equation successfully. We’ve managed to increase our profitability over the last 3-4 years, thanks to new innovative products like Philips T Beamer, Philips EYE PRO and Philips Smart WiFi LED bulb. We will also focus on expanding our presence in the rural channel with our customized offerings. Our focus is on innovation and expanding the premium segment where nobody focuses on right now. We believe that companies that don’t innovate, that are entering the lighting industry from other backgrounds are going to have a difficult time surviving in this market. However, if the government continues to allow cheap and sub-standard products to be sold in the market, we foresee that it will become a big roadblock for the industry, which can further impact the price point for the whole industry. We are also investing significantly to grow our smart home lighting business in both offline and online channels, through our exclusive Philips Smart Light Hubs and with our presence on all major e-commerce portals. By the end of the year, we expect to double our retail presence for smart lighting in the country with new Philips Smart Light Hubs opening across various cities. In the professional lighting space, we will strive to grow our Interact connected lighting installations in offices, public buildings, retail stores, hotels and landmarks. Signify has already installed 53 million connected light points worldwide and plans for every new LED product it produces to be connectable by 2020. The highly secure, scalable cloud-based Interact platform uses sophisticated and modern data management and data processing capabilities, including machine learning, to bring sense to all manner of data – creating data-enabled services for customers that will deliver benefits beyond illumination. In the coming year, we will focus on new LiFi installations, trying to expand to new user applications. There is a lot of potential for LiFi in India, with millions of internet devices being added into the connected ecosystem every day.

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