Consumer Trust

Consumer interest in sustainable and ethical products has expanded beyond the food & beverage and fashion industries. Today, more and more shoppers are taking a closer look at the origins behind all the products in their households, including wood and paper-based products. These goods form a considerable part of our daily lives and can found all over our homes, from the furniture we buy to the packaging of many household products. Consumers looking to deepen their commitment to sustainability are seeking wood and paper-based goods that comply with their values.

In response to consumer demand for more “responsible” products, businesses have made commitments to ensure their supply chains are sustainable and ethical. But these terms have varied interpretations. What does it mean for a business to be “sustainable”? What constitutes “ethical” and “responsible” practices? How do companies interpret these terms differently? Responsible business is a broad term that has several dimensions.

Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is now a basic tenet of any good business strategy. Due to a shift in consumer expectations over the past decade, companies are finding ways to ensure their operations are more “socially responsible.” CSR is a broad term that can take many forms. Most CSR initiatives fall under one of three categories.

The expectation for supply chain transparency in the consumer goods industry is relatively new. How has supply chain transparency evolved over time?

The business case for transparency is compelling: a 2018 study found that 74% of consumers would switch from their usual brand to another brand that provides more in-depth product information, beyond what is on the physical label. Immediate benefits of transparency include regulatory compliance, safer and more ethical products, and more efficient,…

American beer Bud Light is set to become “the first US beer to include comprehensive details for ingredients and serving facts directly on packaging.” The makers of Bud Light are moving the beer industry towards greater transparency—but more progress can still be made.

Supply chain transparency is essential not only for ensuring responsible products, but also for connecting consumers with the brands behind their purchases.