🌱 Expanding Green Labels to Belgium & Sweden
Amazon has extended its “Climate Pledge Friendly” label to Belgium and Sweden as part of its broader sustainability initiative. The label helps consumers easily find eco-friendly products while shopping. Amazon started this program in 2019, aimed at achieving net zero carbon by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement goals. With over 1.4 million products globally, Belgium launches with 70K products and promises more to come. The green leaf icon on products signals at least one verified sustainable feature. Customers can also browse these products in a dedicated section for quick access.
🌍 Survey: Demand for Sustainable Shopping
Amazon’s Belgian country manager, Eva Faict, emphasized the need for this expansion. "Seven in ten Belgian consumers want to shop more sustainably, but 56% struggle to find these products,” she said. A survey of 1,000 Belgian consumers revealed that 55% want retailers to help identify sustainable items. Shockingly, only 11% fully understand the environmental impact of their purchases. The label addresses this gap, making it easier to filter products with eco-friendly features such as recycled materials or energy efficiency, backed by certifications like Rainforest Alliance or FSC.
🌿 Sustainability on a Local Scale
Amazon isn’t just launching the Climate Pledge Friendly label; they are also leading by example locally. "In Antwerp, 90% of deliveries are made by electric vehicles," said Faict. The company also uses cargo bikes in Brussels and runs on 100% renewable energy. By incorporating these eco-friendly practices, Amazon hopes to set a standard for sustainability in e-commerce logistics. They aim to leverage their vast network to influence other businesses and help more customers make greener choices on everyday items.
📦 Growing a Sustainable Product Range
Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly selection includes items that meet 41 third-party certifications, offering a variety of products made from biodegradable or recycled materials. "We started with 70K products in Belgium, and we plan to expand that number quickly," Faict said. The number of certified sustainable products worldwide more than doubled in 2023, showing Amazon’s strong commitment to pushing green alternatives. This growth aligns with their larger goal to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040, ensuring customers can shop more sustainably with greater ease.
Would you choose products with eco-labels more often now?
