Asia-Pacific has fallen short on sustainability in the past, but many businesses are working to change that. By implementing green business practices, APAC-based companies are creating a healthier environment by promoting a culture of sustainability through initiatives and practices.

Sustainability can do wonders for the planet and business culture. Here are five APAC businesses promoting a culture of sustainability and how entrepreneurs can match their efforts.

Consumer trends pointing towards sustainability

Customers are increasingly interested in buying from eco-friendly brands. A survey from YouGov Omnibus showed that 88 per cent of consumers in Singapore think companies should be responsible for positive change. 56 per cent of the same group believe businesses must also make their supply chains sustainable, but only 46 per cent of owners think the same way.

This gap between consumer needs and company operations creates significant demand for green products. Customers are clearly interested in buying more sustainably, but many businesses aren’t sharing their desire. If new business owners start an eco-friendly company, they could experience higher sales because they’re working to meet demand.

Not only is this important for shoppers, but also investors. Industry expert Jeremy Huang said new and expanding businesses must find ways to grow sustainably and make positive environmental and social impacts. These practices are becoming necessary for those looking to partner with or invest in companies.

Because the market is looking for more green businesses, incorporating sustainability into a startup’s mission statement could help people notice it. Saving the Earth is on many people’s minds now, and they’re actively looking for responsible companies that want to make a difference. Eco-friendly entrepreneurs could meet thousands of people’s needs, carving a stepping stone for their businesses.

Promoting a culture of sustainability in business

Startup companies looking to make their business more sustainable may not know where to start. Forming a plan is an essential first step to promoting an eco-conscious culture throughout all aspects of the business. During the brainstorming process, entrepreneurs can set goals to reach in the next few years, such as:

Also Read: How to tackle climate change by choosing a career in cleantech

Evaluating the use of virtual currency in the company
Eliminating single-use packaging
Using technology instead of paper to communicate and make business plans
Implementing recycling programmes in offices
Working towards using electric vehicles in the shipping process

Creating a solid information communications technology infrastructure for quick virtual data distribution is another way to promote sustainability. Business owners can do this by:

Creating a computer network architecture with various accessibility options for employees and management
Securing the network to avoid data breaches and losses
Maintaining the network infrastructure so speed and security stay optimal

However, startups decide to incorporate eco-friendly practices, which help keep the Earth healthy for generations to come.

APAC businesses committing to sustainability

While there aren’t many businesses making the change to greener practices, a few are paving the way. Here are five companies currently working towards sustainability.

Kao Corporation

Kao Corporation is one of the leading APAC manufacturers of health, beauty and hygiene products. This company is committed to green business through its ESG goals for its working environment and customers.

The corporation launched the Kao Group Mid-term Plan 2025 in 2021, committing the business to promote sustainability and protect the future. Overall, the company has decreased its carbon emissions and water consumption throughout its manufacturing process.

City Developments Limited

A real estate network in 29 different countries, City Developments Limited (CDL) is a Singapore firm that focuses on conservation during construction. It works to repair old buildings sustainably and implement eco-friendly building practices and new solar technologies.

In 2022, the company ranked fifth in Corporate Knight’s 100 Most Sustainable Corporations, sharply rising from 40th in 2021. CDL also co-sponsors a virtual exhibit showing the impact of climate change on the world’s oceans.

StarHub

Listed as the most sustainable telecommunications company in Asia in Corporate Knights’ Global Top 100, StarHub has implemented several green initiatives over the years.

The company has since reduced its water and energy consumption more and has made strides in curbing the electronic waste problem. By 2030, it hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and use renewable resources for 30 per cent of its energy use.

Samsung

Samsung is committed to fighting climate change through its business practices and environmental pledges by creating sustainable supply chains.

Also Read: How carbon in the metaverse can help solve the real-world climate crisis

In 2021, the company launched its Galaxy for the Planet programme, which hosts a set of goals to reach by 2025. These include eliminating all single-use plastics from packaging and reducing all smartphone chargers to under 0.005 watts.

Hyundai

Hyundai has committed to reducing its carbon emissions and hopes to be carbon neutral by 2045. Additionally, the automaker is working to end production of all its European combustion engine vehicles by 2035. It continues to put out electric cars through its Genesis line and is incorporating sustainable practices into its production process.

Hyundai is also working to make motorsports more eco-friendly by committing to the FIA World Rally, which hopes to accelerate the use of electric vehicles in the sport and on the road.

Creating a sustainable future through business

With sustainability more necessary than ever, all business leaders must work towards a better future through their practices. Recent entrepreneurs also want to assure their customers they are committed to a low carbon footprint and preserving the world for their families.

Forming a sustainable company could encourage other companies to follow suit, leading to a better environment through their changes. Making an effort to create an eco-friendly business shows employees, clients and customers new businesses care about saving the environment for future generations.

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