Sustainable services are the future claims report
By Ashley Curtis
11/10/2011
Businesses should be promoting sustainable goods and services, despite the precarious nature of the economy, reports Business Green.
Forum for the Future, a think tank, concluded that continued sustainable consumption will not be swerved off course by a weak global economy.
A report from the institution, 'Consumer Futures 2020', explores how "retailers, brands and manufacturers throughout the global consumers good industry maintain a focus on sustainability".
This could involve switching from unsustainable technology to greener software like IT system management, therefore repositioning a business.
Dr Sally Uren, deputy chief executive of Forum for the Future, commented on the report to retailgazette.co.uk: "Smart brands and businesses will make money today by accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. They need to make it easy for consumers to go green by offering products and services which are not just better for the environment, but healthier, cheaper and longer-lasting."
In addition, the current need for ongoing sales and promotions should not take precedence over sustainability, despite a challenging market.
CEO of Sainsbury's Justin King had his say on the report: "Sustainability will continue to rise on higher up the agenda over the coming years, so it is key that brands work to ensure they can respond to consumer demand."
