How is your business addressing the climate emergency?

22 January 2020

For the first time in its 15 year history, the World Economic Forum’s Annual Risks Report, shows that environmental threats dominate the top 5 long-term risks challenging our society.

As CEOs of the world’s largest companies, politicians and change-makers meet this week in Davos, they are acutely aware that this new decade is absolutely critical in determining what the future of our planet will be.

The UK charity, In Kind Direct, founded by HRH, The Prince of Wales in 1996, has pioneered the practice of product philanthropy; working with companies to ensure that surplus, consumer products reach the most vulnerable in society, rather than committing them to landfill or incineration. A simple vision, that benefits the environment and provides a one-step Responsible Business solution to manufacturers and retailers. As we look to the next decade we are committed to partnering with more companies, creating a greater imperative for product giving, and encouraging more businesses to build the practice into their strategic operational plans.

This month retailers are into the final days of January sales, hoping to clear out inventory ready for the new season. Our 2019 research shows that more than half of consumers in the UK would feel disappointed if they knew that a business wasn’t giving its surplus stock to charity. Today at the World Economic Forum in Davos,  HRH The Prince of Wales, our founding Patron,  emphasized that 2020 is the time for solutions and practical action. He highlighted the importance of people wanting to trust that the goods and services they buy are socially, environmentally and ethically produced. Launching his Sustainable Markets Initiative today, he said:

“.... As consumers increasingly demand sustainable products, they deserve to be told more about product lifecycles, supply chains and production methods.  For a transition to take place, being socially and environmentally conscious cannot only be for those who can afford it.  If all the true costs are taken into account, being socially and environmentally responsible should be the least expensive option because it leaves the smallest footprint behind. So we must communicate better with the consumers about the sustainability of the goods, services and investments we offer.”

We work with many leading manufacturers and retailers to deliver on their environmental and social responsibility goals and we look forward to working with many new businesses in 2020 and beyond to find solutions that both positively impact the environment and enhance the lives of those most in need.