Creating A Sustainable Ecommerce Business Model

As we look at the top shopping trends emerging this season, more people are choosing pre-loved and refurbished items for their holiday gifting than ever before. eBay has been a champion of the circular economy for decades, and it’s encouraging to see a new generation shopping differently.    In fact, new research reveals that 60% of Gen Z plan to shop for pre-loved or refurbished items this holiday, a significant shift in consumer behavior. We saw this play out on eBay over Thanksgiving weekend, with more searches and sales of refurbished inventory — from brands like Sonos and Dyson — and vintage fashion items, ranging from classic streetwear to luxury watches. I’m proud of eBay's role as a recommerce catalyst, helping shoppers to save money during the holidays while reducing their environmental impact. And with this changing consumer mindset around pre-owned products, more people are discovering unique and personal holiday gifts that only eBay can deliver. 

Sustainability marketing and sustainable marketing are often considered the same thing but they are not. As Paul Randle would often say in our workshops 'Sustainability marketing is dead!'. Sustainability marketing is communicating your company's wider sustainability plans. Sustainable marketing is embedding sustainability into every single aspect of your function from branding and strategy to tactics, governance, and most importantly how you define success. Sustainability marketing is very faddy and sits perfectly with marketing's obsessions with trends. It came in, everyone became obsessed with it and now people are saying does it really matter? Well, I can completely see why. Brands are being pulled across the embers left, right and centre for greenwashing, socialwashing, purposewashing, lacking sincerity, lacking authenticity, lacking integrity, and most importantly not being considered trustworthy. And why is this happening? Firstly you have marketing teams who do not understand sustainability and secondly, you have a marketing function that despite communicating sustainability plans, continues to use business-as-usual (BAU) channels, toolkits, branding strategies, and planning, etc which continues to lead to mass overconsumption, inadequacy marketing, funding of misinformation, ad fraud, driving debt up, driving suicide rates up, complete lack of contextual care when targeting customers, enormous operational carbon footprints and waste streams and a detrimental brainprint (to name but a few). These problems won't go away unless we properly embed sustainable marketing thinking. We need to not only communicate sustainability but we need to act, feel, be, do it as well. Taking this approach has its benefits as well, it will enable brands to: - Stay ahead of the legislation ramping up - Help companies hit their Scope 3 emission reduction targets - Offer a long-term competitive edge - Drive efficiencies up and thus saving costs - Deepen connections with customers I know I live and breathe this space but I really see no other option but to take the sustainable marketing route. It just makes business sense plus you will have a team that is fully engaged because they know they are no longer being part of the problem. #marketing #advertising #sustainabilitymarketing #sustainablemarketing

20 years ago, transparency was seen as a risk. Today, it's become the strongest currency in building customer trust. Take ANITA DONGRE's brand- Grassroots. By being completely transparent about their: > Organic fabric sourcing > Fair wage practices > Sustainable production methods  They've built unprecedented customer loyalty. 65% of shoppers now switch brands based on supply chain transparency (FMI- The Food Industry Association Report, 2024) Transparency has become a cornerstone for fostering customer loyalty, and brands like Anita Dongre’s Grassroots are setting a powerful example. By openly sharing their methods and practices, they build trust with consumers who prioritize honesty and ethical sourcing. Today's customers invest in values, caring about product origins, makers, environmental impact, and fair labor. But here's what most brands miss: transparency isn't just about sharing information—it's about building trust. With over 20+ years in retailing across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, I’ve learned that: > Being transparent about challenges, processes, and mistakes turns customers into trusted partners who understand our value and commitment. > The future belongs to brands brave enough to open their books and share their stories. Because in today's connected world, the most valuable thing we can offer isn't just quality products—it's authentic transparency. What transparency practices would you like to see more brands adopt? #RetailStrategy #CustomerTrust

Apple's five-pillar water strategy and supply chain Vs. operations water use. Technology giant Apple has just released its water strategy and approach to water stewardship, including five pillars: ✏️ Low-water design: minimizing water impacts in the design of products, manufacturing processes, Apple-managed services, and sites. 🏭 Site efficiency and conservation: improving performance of existing sites and processes. 🌊 Site water stewardship: demonstrating responsibility beyond its facilities through watershed-level engagement. 🌿 Replenishment and nature-based solutions: improving water availability, quality, and access through regenerative approaches. 🤵 Leadership and advocacy: advancing water management through policy, advocacy, and technology innovation. There's been several discussions on this platform recently about the need for 'big tech' to drive change and stewardship across its supply chain - appreciate the push on this, Scott McCready! Diving into this further in this report, Apple breaks down its water footprint across two areas (direct operations - 1%) Vs (supply chain - 99%), as follows: - Direct operations: data centers, corporate facilities, retail - Supply chain water footprint: materials, modules & components, final assembly. This 1% Vs. 99% is a stark wake-up call on where the major water use occurs. Apple said: "When we begin our business relationship with most suppliers, they’re operating out of existing facilities. In those cases, our ability to influence site selection and design is limited. Our greatest influence in these situations is in design of the manufacturing processes that require water to operate. We focus on introducing new technology to recycle or reclaim process wastewater or new methodologies for treating wastewater." The organisation added that "low water design" means working with its suppliers in the early stages of engineering validation, before manufacturing reaches full production. In theory, this sounds amazing. How does it work out in practice? If a manufacturer in the middle of the supply chain is being pressurised from 'big tech' to improve its water use, is it forced to change if it's not regulated to do so? Should big tech select suppliers that are better water stewards to start with? Thoughts from Will Sarni Rylan Dobson Paul Fleming Alejandro Sturniolo Full link to the water strategy document in the comments 👇 #water #waterstewardship #climate #technology #innovation

For decades, brands thrived on selling more. But today, buying less is the new consumer trend. Look around, and you’ll see the shift happening everywhere. People are choosing to repair, upcycle, or buy second-hand instead of purchasing new. Circular economy practices like renting, reselling, or packaging take-back programs are reshaping business models. And “Buy Nothing” groups are making ownership optional. So, how can brands survive in a world where consumers are deliberately consuming less? Look at Happi Planet. Instead of pushing more products, they offer a take-back program for packaging, making sustainability part of their business model. Similarly, global fashion brands like Patagonia and EILEEN FISHER, INC. have embraced repair, resale, and upcycling services to keep products in use longer. The brands winning in the deconsumerism era aren’t fighting the trend,they’re adapting to it. This shift isn’t a fad. It’s a wake-up call for brands to rethink their approach. Instead of selling more, they need to sell better. Instead of chasing quick transactions, they need to build lasting relationships. As deconsumerism grows, brands that align with purpose over profit will be the ones consumers stay loyal to. What other brands do you think are leading this shift? Do you believe deconsumerism will become mainstream, or will it stay niche? And as a consumer, how has your own buying behavior changed? #deconsumerism #marketing #sustainability #startups

Over the past few weeks, we’ve engaged in several discussions with our clients about the upcoming eco-design and product related transparency requirements in the EU.   While addressing compliance-related matters is necessary, it’s equally important to avoid getting stuck in the details. With a focus on the bigger picture, every risk also presents an opportunity.   What will your sector look like in 3, 5 and 10 years' time? Ensure that you’re making the right decision today, with a plan for tomorrow.   TRANSFORM The EU is pushing for a shift to a net-zero and circular economy. However, compliance is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s equally important to explore how these requirements, combined with other megatrends, will shape your business in the coming years. Consider how changing end-user needs and behaviors, AI and other disruptive technologies, the planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution etc), resource scarcity, geopolitics and protectionism together with other relevant megatrends will affect your sector and your products and services going forward. ▪ How is your business responding to these changes? ▪ What will drive profitability in the future? ▪ How can you safeguard your products and business model for the long term? One thing is clear. To ensure a resilient business models for the future, there is a need to integrate companies’ digital and sustainability transformation agendas. We need to design profitable, user centric business models for a net-zero and circular economy and with respect for human rights. OPTIMIZE While understanding the bigger picture is crucial, action is needed to ensure compliance with upcoming regulatory requirements. Eco-design marks the first step in the transition towards circular business models. Developing products according to new demands and getting access to the required data takes time, so start in time. ▪ Identify product-specific regulatory requirements. ▪ Conduct lifecycle assessments (LCAs) to understand and reduce your products’ environmental footprint. ▪ Integrate eco-design principles into the design process. ▪ Design durable products that can be repaired, refurbished, reused, remanufactured, upgraded, and recycled (planned obsolescence is no longer an option). ▪ Ensure energy efficient products. ▪ Strive to use biodegradable and/or recycled and recyclable materials. ▪ Identify and minimize the use of substances of concern. ▪ Aim for supply chain transparency and traceability. ▪ Prepare to meet information requirements for digital product passports. ▪ Leverage digital solutions to enable a data-drive approach. Many of the requirements in the new EU regulations will cascade down global supply chains. So even if your company isn’t covered by these regulations, your business is likely to be affected if your customers, or your customers’ customers, are affected. #Semcon#Goodpoint#Knightec

Sustainability Communication Essentials 🌍 Effective communication is pivotal in translating corporate sustainability efforts into meaningful impact. It not only educates but also engages various stakeholders, ensuring that the initiatives are not just seen but also acted upon. This process begins by grounding communication in scientifically sound principles and extends through redefining corporate norms, altering behaviors, and advocating for broader policy shifts. Leading with science ensures that businesses base their sustainability claims and strategies on robust, evidence-based information. Clear and transparent communication methods empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, which is essential for integrating sustainable practices effectively across business operations. Redefining values within the corporate sphere involves highlighting new role models who redefine what success looks like in a sustainable society. Employing inclusive marketing strategies that emphasize the environmental, cultural, and social benefits of sustainable practices can significantly alter stakeholder perceptions and behaviors towards sustainability. Transforming behaviors and practices is about shifting the corporate focus away from promoting unnecessary consumption towards advocating for practical, sustainable solutions. This approach not only helps in reducing the environmental footprint but also sets a new standard for operational efficiency and responsibility in daily business practices. Driving advocacy involves mobilizing public support and influencing policy changes, which are critical for scaling sustainability efforts beyond individual organizations. Engaging with policymakers and industry leaders to advocate for systemic changes ensures that sustainability becomes a standard consideration in industry-wide practices and regulations. In conclusion, for businesses committed to sustainability, the effectiveness of their communication strategy can determine their impact. By focusing on these key areas, companies can not only ensure compliance with sustainability standards but also lead in the transformation towards a more sustainable business landscape. This strategic approach to communication encourages a culture of sustainability that aligns with global goals and garners genuine stakeholder engagement. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #climateaction #impact #strategy

ThrillingTechTrends #13 - Carbon Intelligence ♻️ is redefining what’s possible. Measuring freshness is great. But measuring freshness with impact is even greater: Using a combination of real-time IoT sensor data, AI-based route prediction, and lifecycle-based emission models, it’s becoming possible to measure and manage CO₂ output across every leg of the fresh supply chain — from pre-cooling and storage to multimodal transport and last-mile delivery. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes: ✅ Telematics & Sensor Fusion: Temperature, humidity, energy consumption, and fuel data are aggregated via connected devices on trucks, containers, and warehouses. ✅ Edge Analytics: Emission data is processed on the move to detect anomalies, idle times, and inefficient cooling cycles — enabling instant optimization. ✅ AI-Driven Carbon Forecasting: Predictive models simulate carbon impact under different routing, timing, and packaging scenarios to support low-emission decisions in real time. ✅ Dynamic CO₂ Attribution: Each product unit can be assigned a precise carbon footprint based on actual transport conditions, not static averages — enabling true product-level transparency. The result? A smarter cold chain that keeps food fresh and carbon footprints low. Decarbonizing fresh logistics is no longer an ambition — it’s getting reality & will make our world better. 🌎 #CarbonIntelligence #FreshLogistics #ColdChainTech #SupplyChainInnovation #IoT #SustainableLogistics #AIinLogistics #GreenTech

While many eyes are on potential shifts in U.S. trade policy, the European Commission is staying the course - today adopting the 2025–2030 working plan under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Energy Labelling Regulation. This is regulatory consistency at its best: a clear signal to industry that Europe remains committed to building a competitive, sustainable, and resilient industrial base - regardless of global political turbulence. One of the question I have been asked many time is: What is coming first? And now we have the answer. The Commission will set ecodesign and energy labelling requirements for: 1) Steel & aluminium. 2) Textiles (esp. apparel). 3) Furniture, mattresses & tyres. Horizontal measures will follow, including: 1) Repairability scoring. 2) Recyclability and recycled content standards for electronics and electrical equipment. 3) Digital product passports to increase transparency and traceability. Here is my five points on what this means for manufacturers: 1) Product compliance is going upstream. It’s no longer just about end-of-life recycling or energy efficiency labels. Manufacturers will need to design for circularity - ensuring durability, ease of repair, reuse, and recycled content - from the very first engineering phase. 2) Data is becoming as important as design. The Digital Product Passport (DPP) will be the primary channel to communicate product information to customers, regulators, and partners. Manufacturers should begin structuring material, component and emissions data now to avoid future bottlenecks. 3) Regulation is aligning with competitive advantage. Those who lead on sustainability will gain access to public procurement opportunities, consumer trust, and preferential positioning across the Single Market. Compliance is no longer just a cost - it is a differentiator. 4) SMEs will not be left behind. The Commission explicitly notes the need for tailored support to smaller businesses. Manufacturers should actively engage now to ensure they influence what ‘reasonable’ looks like in their sectors. 5) Timing is tight, but the direction is clear. Requirements will be rolled out progressively between 2026 and 2030 - but preparatory studies are already beginning. Being early offers a strategic edge. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Clean Industrial Deal and the EU Competitiveness Compass. It is how Europe intends to lead - not just regulate - the global transition to a circular economy. Stability, clarity and direction - while others posture, the is how Europe show it will deliver. And we at 9altitudes have all the components to help you. #Ecodesign #SustainableIndustry #CircularEconomy #EURegulation #TradePolicy #DigitalProductPassport #Manufacturing #CleanIndustrialDeal #ESPR #9altitudes

I had the chance to join our Whole Foods Market team during a Nourishing Our Neighborhoods donation collection, and it was a great afternoon! One meaningful action had two important outcomes: helping neighbors in need while reducing food waste. Last year, Amazon donated the equivalent of 81 million meals globally, and it just makes sense to give away food that would otherwise be composted or discarded. That’s just one of the many ways we’re thoughtfully minimizing waste across all of our diverse businesses. We take a step-by-step approach to innovate solutions: trying to prevent waste before it happens, working to reduce it, looking for options for reuse, and finding ways to recycle or compost. We analyze data from our various waste streams to identify where we need to target our attention for the biggest impact, work with over 350 service providers worldwide, and invest in new materials and ways to optimize sortation. Some of the results: 1) We realized the mixed material backing from adhesive labels used throughout our operations was difficult to recycle, so we found a specialized recycler who transforms them into things like building insulation and coffee cups. Small change, big impact—recycling of this material jumped 16% in just one year! 2) Amazon MGM Studios launched the Reusable Asset Hub to house production items that can be reused on our sets, and nearly 15 productions have already benefited. 3) We sourced reusable durable carts in fulfillment centers, replacing the use of 85 million wood pallets last year. 4) Our investment in Glacier is allowing us to explore the use of #AI robotic sortation technology, to reduce contamination in waste streams and optimize #recycling processes. We’re committed to driving waste down because, as the food collection showed, it’s good for our business, people and the planet. Learn more here about how we’re minimizing waste: ♻️ https://lnkd.in/gyn9kdww Justine Mahler Priscilla Osei Okyere, PE, CHMM Caitlin Leibert Spencer Taylor, JD Jason Buechel Rebecca Hu-Thrams #foodwaste #wastediversion #circularity #circulareconomy