We are seeing eco-conscious becoming a new hot trend nowadays and it happens in all industries, such as furniture, textile and apparel, kid’s toys, and many more. According to a new study conducted by IBM and the National Retail Federation polled about 19,000 customers from 28 countries, ranging from Gen Z to baby boomers (ages 18-73), nearly 70% of consumers in the U.S. and Canada think it is important that a brand is sustainable or eco-conscious. Globally, more than a third (40%) of respondents are purpose-driven consumers who select brands based on how well they align with their personal beliefs. Consumers are increasingly choosing products that are eco-conscious, transparent, and in line with their values. Customers tend to be more aware of the products they buy by applying conscious shopping. They conduct small research to know how and where the products they buy come from. However, before jumping more into it, have you ever questioned yourself why actually a product is called eco-conscious?
According to Excellencial’s Operation Manager, eco-conscious products are not solely made from natural raw material, even though it has become the main requirement for a product to be called eco-conscious. However, it is more than that. Both seller and customers should consider several things before buying a so-called eco-conscious product, such as:
- The material. What kind of material is it, whether from a renewable resource or made from recycled or reused material?
- The raw-material source. Where does the raw material come from, locally or imported? Due to the pollution caused by the transportation, it can affect the environment as well.
- The production processes. Does the manufacturer use many harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment or not?
- The shipping method. How do the products are shipped into your home or warehouse? It has a contribution to the environment, such as air pollution, water pollution, acoustic, and oil pollution.
How to choose the right eco-conscious product in Indonesia?
As a matter of fact, eco-conscious products have a high demand in the market. As a seller, you absolutely do not want to miss this opportunity, although it costs around 10%-30% more expensive.
This becomes one of the seller challenges for the green movement. As it is known, price is highly affected by demand. If retailers, wholesalers, as well as designers, seek more eco-conscious products to satisfy their customers, manufacturers will implement more sustainable ways in manufacturing their products. All of these works will bring the prices down and provide greater availability.
So, here are some ultimate guidelines for you to choose green products from Indonesia:
International Certification
No matter whether you are selling furniture or apparel, a certificate is necessary to prove that the manufacturer is applying sustainability in making the products in terms of where the raw materials come from and whether they use toxic chemicals in the making process or not.
Durability
Eco-conscious product is one which is long-lasting and can pass down for generations. It is one of the investments because it does not easily end up in a landfill. Purchasing less and investing a little more money will save both you and the environment in the long haul.
Recycled material can be a choice
Eco-conscious products mean it can be easily reduced, reused or recycled. Recycling will help to keep them out of the landfill and will allow them to be remade and re-purposed.
On the other hand, selecting an eco-conscious manufacturer in Indonesia is quite challenging for the importers or sellers. However, never let it stop you because this is a hot trend nowadays. Conducting Excellencial’s Extensive Factory Audit service can be a solution for you! Here’s why:
The Extensive Factory Audit in Indonesia is based on the international standard ISO 9001 with a few additional check points that regard environmental and social conditions at the factory to give you comprehensive information about a supplier.
An experienced auditor assesses in how far a supplier’s factory complies with the standards set for ISO 9001 audits in order to avoid scams and inexperienced vendors, compare potential vendors and select viable sources, check the needed certificates and licenses for the specific factories, check the factory’s experience in manufacturing your products, get the full overview of the factory structure, organization, quality process and commercial history.
Contact us now to get more information about extensive factory audit in Indonesia!