Consumers environmentally friendly products

Corporate environmentalism is an evolving concept for environmental protection. In this case, business takes a pro-active stance independent of regulatory authorities. This can be in recognition of social responsibilities, but is more successful when compelled by competition in the market place. Thus, a hrm can conscientiously target environmentally aware consumers (through marketing environmentally friendly products or processes) or can be better placed for hnancial support from ethical investment funding bodies. 

In concepts for new products the performance, product safety, and product economy criteria are equally important. They are taken into account already when the raw material base for a new industrial product development is defined. Here, renewable resources have often been shown to have advantages compared with fossil feedstock. Over the years it has been demonstrated that the use of vegetable fats and oils in oleochemistry allows the development of competitive, powerful products that are both consumer- and environmentally-friendly. Products from recent developments fit with this requirement profile. 

Changing consumer behavior based on higher sensitivity for environmental issues and an increased interest in environmentally friendly products Increased interest of retailers to differentiate in the market Support by municipal authorities (providing a composting infrastructure) Legislative frameworks to enhance the use of biodegradable products (e.g., in Erance, Spain, Italy)... 

When providing this assistance to farmers, we always aim for long term collaboration, for environmentally friendly production and for correct prices based on the quality of the produce. However, with changing knowledge, regulations, market situations, technologies, customer and consumer expectations we are now in the process of re-drafting our collaboration with fanners. In future we will, as much as possible, include all three pillars of sustainable development in our collaboration with the farmers (People, Profit and Planet, or with other words. Society, Economy and Environment). This requires more... 

Today consumers and producers have started to be more aware of protecting the environment by preferring more environmentally friendly products and production methods. Many textile and clothing brands have started to promote their goods or services with eco-labels around the world. LCA methodology can be used as one of the objective processes to define key impact areas, evaluate potential environmental threats, make environmental decisions and ensure eco-labelling and certification of textiles. 

There is a tendency toward bio, natural, and environmentally friendly products because of the increasing consciousness of consumers, the impact of legislation (e.g., REACH), and the work of environmental organizations (e.g., Greenpeace). Due to the depletion of fossil fuels and the impact of COj-emmission on the global climate, materials consisting of CO -neutral renewable resources are being developed. 

Market research seems to indicate that consumers are very aware of sustainability and believe there is a real need to address many of the issues related to the environmental, social, and ethical ills the world is facing. In Europe, 95% of EU citizens feel that protecting the enviromnent is important to them personally, and 76% believe that environmental problems have a direct impact on their everyday lives. Despite the recent economic and financial crisis, 72% of Europeans are stiU wiUing to pay more for environmentally friendly products (Special Eurobarometer, 2011). 

Besides the product, today the business is seen in terms of its sustainability at various production chains and it should encompass not only environmental protection, but also social accountability—accountability to the work force as well as to the consumers. A new OEKOTEX Certification System for various production sites can be used by the brands, retailers, and suppliers to convey to consumers that their production is completely sustainable. It guarantees environmentally friendly production processes, and in relation to social accountability, it assures optimum health and safety conditions and a socially acceptable work atmosphere. It apphes to fiber production, spinning and weaving, and finishing facilities, as well as garment manufacturing. As of Jun. 2013, OEKOTEX Certification for production sites was replaced by the Sustainable Textile Production (STeP) Certification label, and its responsibility is with the OEKOTEX Association, with 16 member institutes present in over 60 countries (https //www.oeko-tex.com/en/ manufacturers/concept/sustainable textile production step/step.xhlml). 

Once this is in place individual parties within any supply chain can initiate their own IPP. However it may be necessary to juggle a variety of factors such as regional legislation, international standardisation, any economic measures or incentives, perhaps some voluntary measures and, arguably most importantly for a commercially sustainable product, the expectations of the consumer to demand IPP sensitive products. IPP necessarily passes the cost for a more environmentally friendly product throughout the supply chain and for the consumer this means an increased product price. The consumer needs to buy into the idea as well, otherwise a product will fail once placed within the market place. 

Smaller and start-up companies, for example Novamont, EarthShell and Plantic are more focused on converting natural renewable resource polymers, such as starch and soy-derivatives, into degradable materials. Due to low volumes and curtailed process optimization, (bio)degradable materials are currently still comparatively expensive as compared to conventional plastics. Whilst consumers in European countries seem to be more agreeable to pay extra price for environmentally friendly products, their American and Japanese... 

Because sulfur suppHes, either as elemental sulfur or by-product sulfuric acid, have grown owiag to iacreased environmental awareness, demand for sulfur has decreased ia some consuming iadustries for the same reason. Industries such as titanium dioxide productions, which traditionally utilized sulfuric acid, have concerted to more environmentally friendly processes. In addition, many consumers who contiaue to use sulfuric acid are puttiag an emphasis on regenerating or recycling spent acid. 

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