As sustainability takes center stage in the business world, outdoor retail giant REI is setting a bold example by requiring its brand partners to align with comprehensive sustainability expectations. REI’s Product Impact Standards provide a roadmap for brands to enhance their environmental and social responsibility while meeting the needs of consumers who are increasingly supporting…
Category: Sustainable Packaging
15 Questions Brands Must Answer to Sell to Walmart: A Guide to Navigating Supplier Sustainability Assessments
In today’s marketplace, sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have, especially for brands looking to partner with big-box retailers like Walmart. With increasing pressure from consumers and regulators, Walmart has been at the forefront of integrating sustainability into its supply chain, that started with its Supplier Sustainability Assessment, which as created in 2009. Walmart’s 2009…
3 Key Elements of Marketing More Sustainable Products
As most big box retailers require suppliers (brands) to measure & improve their social and environmental impact (GHG emissions, human rights & labor, etc.), and with sustainability compliance (GHG Emissions, EPR, PFAS) on the rise, companies will need to credibly communicate their sustainability efforts to avoid greenwashing to consumers who are increasingly demanding more sustainable…
The Business Case for Sustainability: Why Companies Can’t Afford to Wait
Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have” for businesses—it’s a business imperative. As the global economy grapples with climate change, resource scarcity, regulatory compliance, and shifting consumer expectations, companies that embrace sustainability are thriving, while those that don’t risk being left behind, but don’t take my word for it. I recently came across an article written…
Navigating the Rise of Sustainability Regulations in the U.S.: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The regulatory landscape in the United States is evolving rapidly as lawmakers respond to growing concerns about climate change, chemical contamination, and resource management. Key developments in climate-related rules, PFAS regulation, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are transforming the way businesses operate, with significant implications across industries. Here’s what you need to know about these…
5 Ways Emerger Strategies Helps Brands Demonstrate Continuous Sustainability Improvement to Retailers
As more retailers adopt sustainability guidelines, brands are finding it crucial to align their practices with these requirements. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and REI have established environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria for the products they carry, often making it a prerequisite for continued shelf space. At Emerger Strategies, we specialize in helping brands…
