The United States National Procurement Officials with review from the Environmental Protection Agency, gives some clarification for suppliers on the cost savings associated with switching to sustainable products and where you can expect to see these cost reductions throughout the green transition. Not only do these changes to the ‘business as usual’ framework save money, but the product and companies environmental claims can gain strength and avoid greenwashing.
Check out the latest video on attributes of strong environmental claims and what to avoid!
Cost advantages to sellers - Green purchasing can help reduce liabilities and gain competitive advantage when applying for funding opportunities. Green purchasing programs based on life-cycle costs can help identify and reduce hidden costs and develop cost reduction strategies for the entire organization. Some examples of cost savings opportunities include reductions in:
● Hazardous management costs through the use of less toxic product
● Operational costs through energy savings from more efficient equipment
● Disposal costs of hazardous and solid waste
● Repair and replacement costs when using more durable and repairable equipment
● Reduced employee safety and health concerns
● Material and energy consumption
Some segments of sustainable products may cost more at the time of purchase, but often have a short “payback period,” after which the non-sustainable products represent a significant ongoing cost savings in the maintenance, operation, or disposal of the product (An example of this might be compact fluorescent light bulbs, plastic lumber, and integrated pest management).
Environmental Claims should:
● Have qualifications and disclosures that are clear enough to prevent deception
● Make it clear whether the environmental attribute or benefit being asserted refers to the product, the product’s package, or to a portion or component of the product or packaging
● Not overstate the environmental attribute or benefit, expressly or by implication
● Include a statement that makes the basis of comparison clear so that the consumer should be able to understand the claim
If you would like to learn more about Reflow, environmental claims and how can it benefit your business, visit ReFlow's Brand Zone using this link !
Article written by Kea Frandsen-Gorsage from ReFlow (re-flow.io)