By Visibility Design Categories / InCSR / On 25 Nov 2020
Many companies think that only large corporations can engage in CSR, and CSR costs a lot of money. On the contrary, many social enterprises are thriving in Singapore, and all they practice is sustainability and inclusivity.
All it takes is creativity and innovation.
Working on a project with Milo, they wanted to do a gift-with-purchase, giving a ceramic mug with a purchase of 3-in-1 Milo sachets. In many other gift-with-purchase projects, the mug would be packed separately in a box with cushion and placed together with the 3-in-1 Milo sachets. They decided to reduce plastic use and packaging materials and after several iterations of designs, the above box was created.
The result of thinking a little more for packaging design can have a big effect. Having a smaller form factor reduces materials used, shipping size, shelf space and is good the the environment. If the solution could be kept simple with no new materials to support the structure, there is a lot of cost savings as well.
This is actually true for a lot of new CSR projects. As long as more thoughts and considerations are put in on design, the end result usually do not cost more, and it could save costs in the long run as well.
There are simple ways to transform your business and do CSR at the same time, here are 7 key principles of social responsibility:
Accountability
Transparency
Ethical behavior
Respect for stakeholder interests
Respect for the rule of law
Respect for international norms of behavior
Respect for human rights
Incorporating them into business processes, designs and have extra thoughts does not hurt and cost more money. Being ethical can in fact save costs in the long run by avoiding lawsuits.
Having a CSR program is simply putting some of these social responsibility on top of every decision you make, taking the extra mile of doing the right thing. With proper communications and strategy, business who practice this can be a strong force of good.
Businesses can affect the community and businesses are in fact a part of the community. We have seen the effects of businesses focusing on profits and many are starting to realize the consequences of our actions in the community. Many customers today are also critical about how companies behave and CSR may soon become a requirement.
Are you considering what impact your company has on society?
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