Amazon,the American giant, is a step towards a sustainable and respectful economy of the planet. 2020 was a very different year from anything we have ever experienced. Changes in consumer behaviour and the economy have created or accelerated new needs. Thus, like seeds, ideas have sprouted to become realities. The economy of tomorrow doesn’t seem too far away. Would society have reached its limits? In any case, the issue of the environment is fundamentally becoming the new priority. Companies are committed to this to take action to reduce their impact on the planet. They offer consumers more respectful products. Amazon is part of this movement for the planet and launches the label “Climate Pledge Friendly” (1).
Consumers want to consume better and more sustainable
The year 2020 will mark our minds. Chances are we’ll talk about this to future generations as a very strange time. But do we realize that beyond the health character of this crisis it is our entire economic model that is being called into question? Indeed, the containment and closure of many establishments has changed our consumption patterns. They are often reduced to the purchase of basic necessities. So Amazon is thinking about taking action for the planet.
The crisis has indeed instilled or encouraged new trends and habits among consumers. Many of them have reviewed their copies, wondering how to make sense of consumption in these uncertain times. In particular, they were invited to consume locally to support small producers, but also to promote healthier products, whether from organic or reasoned agriculture. Indeed, they wondered if the COVID-19 crisis did not mark a halt to this unbridled and far-meaning consumption. According to a study of C-ways for the latter, the world today may be reaching its limits (2). For companies like Amazon for example it’s time to commit to the planet.
Thus, long before the COVID-19 crisis, the environmental dimension was already present in the minds of consumers. The visible results of ecological damage and environmental disaster caused by industrialization were no longer a secret to anyone. The balance of the planet is threatened and there is a collective awareness about it. This awareness comes from the scientific, political and popular circles. Thus, political measures and communication on this issue have strengthened its consideration. Initiatives for the planet are emerging, such as Amazon.
Today the pandemic confirmed the threat and also confirmed the willingness of consumers to change the way consumers consume. Indeed in 2019, according to a survey by Ademe Sustainable consumption was already in the concerns of consumers. Thus, 63% have increased confidence in companies that offer sustainable products. 86% would like to live tomorrow in a society where consumption takes up less space. Finally 80% say they have changed some or all of their daily practices to reduce the impact of their consumption (3) . So when COVID-19 marks a halt in the global economy, it is in fact the acceleration of a new economy that is looming.
On the business side, it is time to take the turn and adapt to propose a new vision of consumption. Big companies like Amazon, for example, are committed to the panet.
Amazon, committed to a sustainable economy for the planet
To keep up with the movement of a new economy in favor of the planet, Amazon, the leader of e-commerce is setting up labels. On 28 October 2020, the Group announced the launch of the “Climate Pledge Friendly” label in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. At the same time, he also launched the “Compact by Design” label in Europe. These two Amazon labels do carry respectful and sustainable values. They value an economy for the planet. Indeed, they aim to facilitate the search for more sustainable products on the platform. Products identified by a logo are easily identified. This make it easier for consumers to find their way through the multitude of products on offer. They can make the right choice, the choice that they think is right.
More concretely, behind these Amazon labels, there are actions to help the planet. Indeed, through the “Climate Pledge Friendly” label, there are 19 sustainable certifications that help preserve nature (1). These certifications, issued by accredited bodies, include reducing the carbon footprint in shipments. With the label “Compact by Design” there is a desire to reduce CO2 emissions by removing excess water and unnecessary vacuum in product design. The choice covered by these labels is wide as it includes beauty, fashion, groceries, office, appliance and electronics products for the general public.
In Bordeaux, companies choose a respectful strategy, such as PureBio. As part of an ecological and responsible approach, it selects and offers for sale cosmetics in accordance with nature (4).
Thus, Amazon’s project is part of a long-term commitment to the planet to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. An ambitious will since it would be ten years ahead of the paris Agreement goal. Thus, the environmental dimension is now more than present. The COVID-19 crisis has revealed it and propelled it even further into the limelight. The stakes are high.
Sources
(1) “Amazon launches the “Climate Pledge Friendly” label in Europe to help customers discover and buy certified sustainable products”, Amazon , press release of 28 October 2020
(2)“TRENDSHAKER The study of consumer trends by C-Ways”,TRENDSHAKER, June 2020 study
(4) “THE “CONSOMMER MONTHS” IN PROGRESSION CHEZ THE FRANKFURT”Ademe, Study on Consumption on Responsible Consumption, October 2019
(3) Purebio-Bordeaux
