A Guide to Sustainable Business Practices in 2025

A Guide to Sustainable Business Practices in 2025

Companies are implementing sustainable business practices into their operations to become green businesses.

This “green wave” has been brought about by customers seeking businesses that work to achieve sustainable business goals while still providing quality goods and services.

But what does this really mean, and how can you use your brand’s influence to impact sustainability while also meeting your business goals?

In this article, we cover what these sustainable practices are, the benefits of implementing them, and practical examples you can act on for your business and community.

Table of Contents

    1. What is sustainable business practice?
    2. Sustainable vs. eco-friendly: What’s the difference?
    3. The importance of sustainable business practices in today’s evolving world
    4. QR codes: A great addition to your sustainability efforts
    5. What are some examples of sustainable practices?
    6. The good that sustainable best practices bring to your business
    7. Top 5 brands taking the lead to sustainability via QR codes
    8. Tap on the best QR code generator online for better sustainable strategies
    9. FAQ

What is sustainable business practice?

Sustainable business practice

A sustainable practice is a company strategy, initiative, or action that is environmentally friendly and socially responsible while also fulfilling the company’s needs. 

Whether big or small, sustainable practices are key to a business’s operations and growth strategies to balance profit and responsibility. 

Fortunately, many examples exist. For instance, using QR codes for sustainability initiatives like paperless file-sharing and marketing, product packaging recycling or disposal methods, and consumer education on the origin of products. 

Sustainable vs. eco-friendly: What’s the difference?

While the two words sound in the same ballpark, there is a subtle difference between them. 

Sustainable refers to products or actions that take a broader, long-term approach to address issues that affect various sectors, such as the environment, economy, and society. 

It’s about slowly but surely addressing a sector’s problem while ensuring a balance to not compromise the future generation’s resources. 

For example, using a restaurant QR code instead of paper menus is sustainable because it significantly reduces paper use in restaurants, leading to fewer trees being cut. 

At the same time, the initiative provides customers with more convenience, attracting more people to visit the restaurant and resulting in more sales.

On the other hand, eco-friendly refers to products or immediate actions to lessen environmental damage. 

For instance, as an initiative to lessen plastic waste in the ocean (one of the major causes of marine life damage), a brand creates clothes made from these plastics. 

Unlike sustainability, which encompasses various sectors, eco-friendliness mainly focuses on the environment. 

The importance of sustainable business practices in today’s evolving world

Every company has to deal with many challenges in the name of doing business. Some of these challenges include the damage being done to the environment as we speak. 

With the world’s natural resources ever dwindling thanks to carbon emissions, climate change, and pollution, these practices should be the norm if there’s any hope of sustaining what’s left.

The world of business is also seeing a shift in customer expectations. More and more consumers are looking to support environmentally and socially responsible businesses. 

From a business perspective, meeting these expectations is a MUST to keep your company going in the face of various sectoral challenges.

QR codes: A great addition to your sustainability efforts

Sustainability efforts

Achieving business sustainability is not only beneficial to companies everywhere but also to the entire world. There are many ways of accomplishing this, but there is one that can make compliance with ESG so much easier.

We’re talking about QR codes. Platforms like QR TIGER help create all kinds of QR codes your company can use to achieve your sustainability goals. 

The technology behind QR codes makes them so effective at supporting sustainability. Encoding data into a small package can direct users to tons of information with only one scan and without printing anything but the code. 

What are some examples of sustainable practices?

The benefits of implementing sustainable practices can’t be ignored. If you’re interested in getting started, here are some examples you can look into:

Educating employees

QR code for education

A business is not just one person but a whole collective. Everyone works together to attain the company’s goals, especially when the objective is to become a sustainable business. Educating your employees is one of the most effective sustainable practices.

What does educating your employees do? It ensures employees know they are responsible for helping the company reach its sustainable goals. 

Knowing the importance of sustainable business practices and what they can do empowers them to participate in your efforts to create a sustainable business.

Pro Tip: One of the best days to educate employees is Earth Day! Use a QR code generator with logo integration to create an Earth Day QR code for easy access to educational resources on sustainability.

Partnering with nonprofits

Companies aren’t the only organizations looking to play their part in protecting the world. Several nonprofit organizations have also established themselves as leaders and innovators in sustainable practices, and many are open to partnerships with others.

What can partnerships lead to? For one, they can assist in implementing your company’s own initiatives. Nonprofits can provide the experience and resources necessary to realize your sustainable goals.

For example, a retail company looking to source its products responsibly could partner with a nonprofit focused on this subject. With this partnership, the company ensures that its supply chains are environmentally responsible. 

Partnering with these organizations also supports them, which promotes the shift to sustainable practices worldwide.

Pro Tip: Want to impress the organizations you wish to partner with? Use unique QR code designs with your communications to leave a lasting impression.

Promoting volunteerism

QR codes for volunteerism

Volunteerism is another sustainable business practice you can implement in your business. 

Whether your employees volunteer to help local communities or engage in environmental projects, this practice will benefit your business, employees, and the environment.

You can promote volunteerism by launching company-wide volunteer drives or offering paid time off for employees who volunteer.

Pro Tip: Make signing up for volunteer drives easier with a registration QR code from a dynamic QR code generator online.

Sourcing materials responsibly

Every company gets its materials from somewhere. To achieve your sustainable business goals, ask yourself where your company is sourcing the materials you use.

To be a sustainable business, you must know whether your partners also contribute to sustainable goals. Fair labor practices and reduced carbon footprints are important factors when looking for and maintaining business partnerships. 

You can also share with your customers how you source your materials to give them an idea of how your business works. Puma and its use of QR codes in marketing is one of many sustainable business examples you can take inspiration from.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

The famous 3Rs, this simple rule can form the basis for your ESG framework. Your company will immediately minimize its environmental impact by reducing, reusing, and recycling. 

For example, paper is one of the most commonly used materials in any business. Digital technology can significantly reduce paper usage for certain documents or procedures.

Knowing the pros and cons of sustainable vs. eco-friendly products helps determine what to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Learn more about your company's materials for the best results.

Water conservation

Big companies also naturally consume a huge amount of water. Sometimes, employees or staff no longer care about consumption, knowing that there is a sufficient supply of water in their building or location.

So, it would be best to always remind all members of your organization to conserve water. One way to do that is to install water-saving fixtures and appliances and conduct water audits to detect and fix leaks.

Energy efficiency

The businesses’ reliance on energy is obvious. However, the effect of this is not always visible and sometimes takes time to manifest. We may not feel the effect now, but that doesn’t mean we’re not hurting the environment.

A sustainable effort, such as switching to renewable energy sources, using energy-efficient appliances, and regularly performing energy edits, would help mitigate these results.

The good that sustainable best practices bring to your business

Sustainable practices

The decisions you make for your business should be assessed before committing to them. This is completely understandable, and that is why we’ve compiled the benefits you gain by incorporating sustainable practices into your business.

Reduce costs and increase revenue

Sustainable practices aren’t just fancy words that make your company look good. They can actually help save you a lot of money. 

For example, implementing energy-efficient measures will definitely reduce your energy bills, especially if your business requires a large amount of electricity. This is especially useful if you incorporate sustainability practices in hotels.

Reduced costs mean increased profits since operations are improved to become more efficient. Sustainable practices also attract customers who believe in preserving the environment, drawing more attention to your business.

High employee morale

Businesses that incorporate sustainable practices into their operations also have happier employees. These employees are not only happier but also more productive. 

How can sustainable business practices lead to this? Well, sustainable businesses are usually environmentally conscious. This means that their work environments use good ventilation, natural lighting, and ergonomic furniture.

Sustainability can also make recruiting employees with positive traits and values easier. By including sustainable practices in your business, you can ensure employees' well-being while encouraging a productive work ethic.

Competitive and eco-friendly edge

As global sustainability efforts continue to unfold, it’s clear that businesses have to shift to sustainable practices if they want to stay competitive. 

According to Deloitte’s 2023 CxO Sustainability Report, 59% of the surveyed companies have already begun using sustainable materials while increasing their energy efficiency. 

This indicates a trend in sustainable best practices that other companies will surely follow. To stay competitive, you’ll have to take an eco-friendly approach to your business. 

Comply with ESG

In the business world, a stakeholder is a person or group interested in a company, its decisions, and the results of those decisions. Stakeholders can include employees, customers, and shareholders.

With companies all over the world striving to make changes for the environment, stakeholders will want to know if the company they’re interested in is taking part in these efforts. But how would companies do this? 

Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) is a framework companies can use to inform stakeholders about their management of risks and opportunities related to ESG. Adhering to this framework is essential to becoming a sustainable business.

Better public image and branding

We’ve mentioned how participating in global sustainability efforts can help you recruit employees with similar values. This also applies to your customer base, whether consumers or fellow businesses.

There are many customers out there who are more than willing to support businesses that are working to achieve sustainable development goals through their operations. 

Changing how you run your brand can attract customers and foster profitable and environment-conscious relationships. 


Top 5 brands taking the lead to sustainability via QR codes

QR codes helping achieve sustainability goals isn’t a new, novel idea. In fact, here are a few examples of businesses making their mark in the QR code space while achieving sustainable goals.

Cocokind

This indie skincare brand uses QR codes on its product packaging for its transparency campaign. 

When scanned, these codes direct users to sustainability information on the Cocokind website.

Natrue

This international cosmetics company uses QR codes to help customers make purchasing decisions. 

When interested buyers scan a QR code on their products, they will be taken to the Natrue website to get information on the item they wish to buy.

Gabriela Hearst

The fashion brand released its SS20 collection alongside its transparency campaign, with QR codes for sustainable fashion labels on each garment. 

When scanned, these codes provide customers with information detailing the materials used in making each garment, the country of origin, production process, and certifications.

Metsä Board

A forerunner in European paperboards, Metsä Board’s products are made with renewable and safe materials.

To further their sustainability efforts, they’ve added QR codes to the labels of their products. This code redirects customers to an app that teaches them how to recycle the materials protecting their paperboards.

Dell

Dell took a new and interesting approach to sustainability with an installation in the shape of a giant QR code during the 28th annual SXSW tech conference and music festival in Austin, Texas. 

This QR code was made with various discarded keyboards and monitors. 

When scanned, it redirected attendees to a webpage on Dell’s website filled with information on responsible recycling of old technology. Users can also download a shipping label to help with the recycling process.

Tap on the best QR code generator online for better sustainable strategies

As climate changes and damaging human activities affect the world’s resources, the demand for sustainable businesses is growing. 

In time, actions that protect our world will be the norm. As a business owner, you can participate in this change for the better by implementing some of the practices we’ve discussed.

Our platform is here to aid your sustainable business practices. We have supported over 850,000 brands worldwide to achieve their sustainable goals with our over 17 QR code solutions.

Want to see how it works? Try our freemium plan and generate up to 3 dynamic QR codes today!


FAQ

What is greenwashing and why is it a problem?

Greenwashing is the act of misleading the public that a company is more environmentally friendly than it actually is. 

This gives the wrong impression that everything is being done to protect the environment when more can actually be done.

How do we consider a business sustainable?

A business becomes sustainable when its policies and practices match up with various environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. 

You can also take a look at any certifications the business has to see if any of them were given by reputable third-party organizations.

Why is it important to be a sustainable business?

Becoming a sustainable business is an essential step to preserving the environment and making a positive impact on society. 

Any practices you adopt that are considered sustainable will contribute to the efforts being made to mitigate damage to the environment and ensure the well-being of future generations.

Brands using QR codes

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