The latest Shopify Report states that searches for ‘sustainable goods’ have increased to 71% since 2016. Consumers want products that align with their values and are looking for brands that are committed to using packaging that has a lowered impact on the environment and has ethical sourcing, production and employment processes. 

There has been tremendous growth in the number of businesses and brands that have taken the call to implement sustainable practices seriously – and the 2020 pandemic highlighted the need for this even more. However, historically Amazon has been strict on how brands can talk about their reduced carbon footprint and their fair trade and employment practices. Many brands have been penalised by Amazon when they highlight their commitment. 

“Consumer trends like durability, packaging efficiency, and reusability are clear and widespread and show us how customers exercise greater discretion, believing that their purchasing decisions make a difference.”

Unfortunately, products have been suspended in the past for using wording that relates to “sustainability”, “green”, “earth-friendly” and more – and brands struggle to bring their message across. Presumably to counter the green-washing trend that has also become prevalent in the past few years; a practice where brands use clever phrasing to position products as sustainable when in fact there has been little change in their production processes and even less proof to substantiate these claims. 

Thankfully, Amazon has made concessions for these restrictions. Amazon has partnered with numerous certifications across the world to legitimise brand claims of sustainable practices. Thereby legitimising their commitment to providing products in their marketplace that are truly sustainable and partnering with businesses that share their commitment to sustainability.

“We partnered with a wide range of external certifications, including governmental agencies, non-profits, and independent laboratories, to help us distinguish more-sustainable products. We focused on certifications that are reputable, transparent, and focus on preserving the natural world. “

There are 33 third-party certifications that Amazon accepts to qualify your product as Climate Pledge Friendly, as well as Amazon’s Compact by Design programme which sets out standards across all categories for best-practice packaging design.

Climate Pledge Friendly products receive a unique mark, which is visible in Search results, and on Product Detail Pages – above and below the fold. We have also seen Climate Pledge Friendly products positioned in competitor listings, right next to the BuyBox, where Amazon usually launches new widgets.

There is also a Climate Pledge Friendly Store and you can identify your qualifying products within your Store.

In a time where, according to IBM, 6 out of 10 shoppers are willing to change their shopping habits to reduce their environmental impact, identifying your brand as climate-friendly is now a major component of driving sales on Amazon. A third of shoppers are practising green behaviours consistently, and nearly half intend to adopt more sustainable practices. Making it vital for brands to adopt more sustainable practices.

As trends emerge and markets develop, there is a risk of being left behind if you do not adequately profile and support your product and the messaging to your customers. Therefore, it is RT7Digital’s commitment to help our brands obtain the necessary certification. 

Visit our Climate Pledge page for more details on how we can help you,