Why Eco Products Matter For Retail
In this guest blog, our friends at CREOATE, an online wholesale marketplace, delve into the importance of sustainability in retail. You'll discover why eco-conscious consumers are driving demand for sustainable products and how the positive impact that this change has on people and the planet, Learn about the benefits of stocking sustainable brands that are committed to ethical practices and plastic-free packaging and explore practical tips for promoting eco friendly products in your store.
Why stock sustainable products?
Stocking sustainable products is not merely a trend; it’s a crucial shift towards more responsible retail practices and changing consumer habits. Today’s customers are more informed about their environmental impact and actively seek products that align with their values.
A study by Harvard Business Review found sustainability to be a key driver of intent for customers assessing brands. For younger consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, shopping habits are significantly influenced by positive brand intent. When these generations believe a brand cares about its ecological and humanitarian impact, they are 27% more likely to buy from them than older generations.
With this in mind, offering sustainable products is not only the right choice for the planet but also a clear message to customers that your business is committed to environmental responsibility. From a business perspective, it simply makes sense. During economic downturns, customers may gravitate towards sustainable products to reduce waste, get more value for their money, and lower energy consumption. The benefits extend to businesses too—everyone wins.
Friendly Soap: leading the way in sustainable products
Friendly Soap is dedicated to crafting high-quality, sustainable soap bars that are kind to both skin and the planet. Here’s what sets the brand apart:
Ethical ingredients
Friendly Soap uses natural, sustainably sourced ingredients. The also actively avoid harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives, ensuring their products are safe for both customers and the environment. Every eco-friendly soap bar is handmade in the UK with plant-based ingredients and plastic-free packaging.
Plastic-free packaging
Committed to reducing plastic waste, Friendly Soap packages its products in recyclable and compostable materials, eliminating the need for single-use plastics. The brand has been audited and verified as a sustainable ethical brand by Ethical Consumer Magazine and Ethy and is in the process of becoming B-Corp certified.
Cruelty-free and vegan
Friendly Soap products are certified cruelty-free and vegan, with no animal-derived ingredients. The brand holds seals of approval from The Vegan Society and Cruelty-Free International, reflecting its commitment to kindness towards all living beings.
Traditional cold process method
Using a traditional cold process method, Friendly Soap preserves the natural goodness of its ingredients, resulting in luxurious, moisturizing products. This method also requires less energy compared to other production techniques and produces zero by-products.
Doing good along the way
Every order from Friendly Soap supports the international charity Just a Drop in their mission to provide clean water globally. The brand also partners with Forus Tree, a local community group dedicated to replanting lost woodland and hedgerows.
Friendly Soap employees even receive paid time off to assist with these efforts. Additionally, the company is a proud participant in The Living Wage Foundation and Fair Tax Accredited, ensuring its team is paid a fair wage that keeps pace with inflation.
Must-have Friendly Soap products for retailers
So you’ve decided you want to start stocking up on sustainable essentials for your store? Great! You can shop Friendly Soap products on CREOATE, but if you need some inspiration or guidance, check out some of our top products below for all your sustainable essentials.
- Natural bar soaps
Friendly Soap offers a range of natural bar soaps for every skin type and preference. From the relaxing and soothing Lavender Soap, to the refreshing and exfoliating Peppermint & Poppy Seed Soap, each bar is crafted with care and packed with natural goodness.
- Shampoo bars
Friendly Soap’s Shampoo Bars are a super convenient alternative to liquid shampoos. Not only do they contribute to reducing plastic waste, they also provide a gentle, effective cleanse for all hair types. Popular options include the Lavender & Geranium Shampoo Bar, and the Peppermint & Eucalyptus Shampoo Bar for stimulating follicles and promoting hair growth.
- Shaving bars
For a sustainable shaving solution, Friendly Soap’s Shaving Bars offer a rich, creamy lather and a smooth shave. The Orange & Lavender Shaving Bar is a customer favourite, combining citrus freshness with calming lavender.
- Travel sets
Travelling doesn’t have to mean more throwaway sample sizes and single-use plastic. Friendly Soap’s Travel Sets are perfect for customers on the go. Each set includes a selection of their best-selling soaps, conveniently packaged in a recyclable travel tin.
- Soap dishes and accessories
Complement Friendly Soap’s range with their eco-friendly accessories like bamboo soap dishes, natural loofahs, pumice stones and konjac sponges. They also stock household cleaning products for any retailers interested in featuring a wider range of eco-friendly home and lifestyle products.
How to promote your sustainable products
So you’ve got the stock, but how do you reach your target customers?
Educate your customers
Well, first off, we recommend educating and readily providing information about the benefits of the sustainable products and brands you stock, and offer recommendations from here once you’ve built a rapport with your customers. If you’re e-commerce only, consider publishing informative blogs or social media posts to summarise everything into easily digestible content.
Recent Salesforce statistics found that 80% of customers surveyed believe the experience a company provides is as important as its products and services. The same study also revealed that 88% of customers who experience good customer service are more likely to purchase again. So, be sure to check in with them as they browse, and let them know you’re on hand to help and provide more information if needed.
Highlight certifications
Certifications lend credibility and can offer reassurance. As we mentioned before, Friendly Soap products are certified by Cruelty-Free International and The Vegan Society. Plus, it reflects well on stores that stock them, and it shows you’re values-conscious and rate the ethical standards behind the products you sell.
Create an eco display
If your store or website is already eco-focused, feel free to skip this tip. However, if you haven’t already made a dedicated display for your sustainable products, go ahead and make one! This will improve the customer experience big time, making it easier for those looking to find the eco picks they’re looking for.
Kind to your customers, friendly to the planet
By featuring Friendly Soap in your store, you’ll be joining a whole host of other retailers who have begun to make the shift to more sustainable products. You need only look at some of the excellent feedback from Friendly Soap’s stockists to see why it’s a good idea.
For more information about Friendly Soap and their range of products, browse their website, follow them on Instagram and join in making a positive impact on the planet today!