The demand for sustainable housewares is on the rise: Here’s your opportunity.

10 May 2022 By

Consumers have shown great concern for the environment in multiple areas including wanting to transform their kitchen and general household into a sustainable ‘green’ space — And this is something that retailers can’t ignore.

Sustainability is a big buzzword in the retail world, and for good reason. Consumers are demanding more eco-friendly products in nearly every category — so as a retailer, if you want to stay ahead of the game, it would be wise to cater to this trend in order to boost your sales and build a brand that people admire.

HOW TO INTRODUCE MORE SUSTAINABILITY INTO YOUR PRODUCT MIX?

Glad you asked! For starters, offer a range of sustainable products that are attractive and practical.

Pay attention to what shoppers are willing to spend for sustainability. Many consumers associate eco-friendly materials with high prices — and sometimes they’re right! With this being said, it’s important that you strike a balance between affordable and premium options when introducing green products into your product mix.

If you’re going to make a commitment to selling more sustainable products, make sure that the products don’t just look good — but are also long-lasting. Being able to withstand heavy use is essential in most categories: think about durable dinnerware sets and reusable plastic containers that last longer than disposable plasticware that are used once or twice at picnics or parties.

Last but not least, don’t forget about ease of use! Make sure that any sustainable product you add has an intuitive design that makes it easy for shoppers to clean and maintain long after purchase.

TYPES OF SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS YOU COULD INCORPORATE

The options for sustainable products are vast. They can either be recycled, reusable or biodegradable (among other things) — all of which protect the environment.

Here’s a list of the most common eco-friendly materials for houseware products:

  • Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting material that can be recycled over and over again. It’s commonly used to make kitchen utensils, pots and pans, and even storage containers. Because of its durability, people who use stainless-steel items won’t need to get them replaced as often — greatly benefiting the environment

  • Glass

Glass doesn’t absorb bacteria like plastic does so it can cut down on food waste by keeping produce fresh for a longer period of time — and look nice while doing it.

The only downside is that glass is more prone to break than other materials. So, you might have to deal with unhappy customers complaining about broken mason jars or drinking glasses — but that shouldn’t deter you from selling this type of product because there are plenty of eco-conscious shoppers who love using glass containers. Plus, if you do end up selling shatterproof models then this problem becomes less likely anyways!

  • Ceramic

Ceramic plates are another good option for those looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic ones because not only do they last longer, but also, when the time comes to get rid of them (years later), these items are much easier on landfills than disposable plastics would be.

In addition, ceramic dishes aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Their popularity with consumers continues to grow every day — for many reasons such as their aesthetic appeal and the variety of products and colours this category has to offer.

  • Bioplastic

Bioplastic plates, cups, and utensils are a great biodegradable option as opposed to the harmful plastics that consumers are actively staying away from. They are also dishwasher safe, freezer safe, and convenient to clean — possessing quality that’s praise-worthy.

As retailers, you should be aware that sustainability is not just about saving the environment but also about providing safe products for your customers. In addition, it helps your business stand out from your competitors by demonstrating that you are in step with today’s environmental concerns — something consumers value immensely these days. So, don’t miss out!

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