How to go global sustainably

In today’s competitive and ever-evolving marketplace, businesses face the constant challenge of maintaining their competitive edge. One way of ensuring that your business stands out from the crowd is by expanding globally.

International expansion shows that your organisation has the vision, dynamism, and versatility that potential clients and investors look for. Going global can elevate your status within your field and build your reputation as a leader in your industry. It can also bolster your business’ longevity.

Expanding globally takes your business to the next level. To ensure your organisation’s long-term success and good reputation, sustainability should be central to your business values.

Focusing on sustainability, wherever possible, keeps your practices ethical and minimises your environmental impact. Not only this, but dedication to sustainability can also make your company more attractive to potential clients and investors.

Let’s examine some of the key ways you can ensure ethical expansion take your business global.

Why are businesses going sustainable?

Individuals and businesses all have basic responsibility to minimise their carbon footprint and protect the planet. Apart from this, there are a number of driving factors in corporate green initiatives. These include:

Governmental pressure

Governments and regulatory bodies around the world are implementing strict regulations regarding sustainability.

These green policies vary from country to country. Organisations also need to consider overarching laws that span regions such as the European Union.

For example, in 2024, new law was introduced to enable the setting of eco-design requirements and information for almost all categories of physical goods that come onto the EU market.

Public demand

A greater demand than ever exists for sustainable and ethically sourced products and services. Consumers find companies that demonstrate dedication to sustainability more attractive. This means that more businesses are choosing to implement and highlight green initiatives and practices.

According to Forbes, 61% of consumers state that they are less loyal to organisations with poor environmental practices. 55% of consumers will pay more for environmentally responsible products.

Organisations that are committed to sustainability not only attract customers. Young professionals are more likely to apply for and remain in jobs with sustainable companies.

In fact, a recent poll from Indeed shows that workers value jobs that help society and the environment. They consider this 50% more important than at the beginning of their careers.

Reputation boosting and investment generation

As previously mentioned, companies perceived to be dedicated to sustainability are attractive to investors. An organisation's commitment to sustainability indicates not only that they have strong a strong ethical ethos, but also that they are in tune with public demand. In short, sustainable initiatives give your organisation a competitive advantage.

According to Forbes, embracing sustainability causes consumers to feel good about supporting your brand. This is a significant factor for potential investors. Blackrock notes that sustainable portfolio assets more than doubled between 2019 to 2022, from $87 to $255 billion.

How to go global sustainably

So far, we have established the reasons for companies to commit to sustainability. Now, let’s examine how to expand into your target market in an environmentally sustainable way. Steps to going global sustainably include:

Conducting market-specific Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

Before undertaking international business, conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment allows you to assess the potential environmental risks associated with your expansion. This involves assessing the environmental footprint of your operations, supply chain, and the logistics of your business expansion.

Collaborating with local stakeholders and environmental agencies will allow you to understand the regional challenges in your new country of operation.

Understanding the local environment, the local regulations regarding sustainability, and what the regional renewable energy and resources are is important. This will help you to devise sustainable processes and action plans.

Committing to the circular economy

The circular economy “is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible.” This is according to the European Parliament.

Sticking to the principles of the circular economy will help you to reduce waste and overconsumption. Examples include launching product repair or recycling programs tailored to the new market. You may also utilise locally recycled or produced materials from that region.

Localising your supply chains

Localising your supply chains and operating within your new region as much as possible reduces transportation needs. This, in turn, reduces emissions. When researching what market to expand into, consider shipping distances and transportation needs. This way you can reduce costs and negative impacts.

Utilising green technology

Engaging green technology in your everyday work processes is key. Using it broadly, from production to office processes is a great way to ensure sustainability when expanding.

For example, regions like Scandinavia are rich in renewable energy. Therefore, investing in wind or hydro power for production facilities is a good idea.

Leveraging local connections

Offsetting your local environmental impact is a key way to expand sustainably. You can do this by forming partnerships with local renewable energy providers. You an also team up with local partners to develop biodiversity projects in the local area.

Consider training local employees on eco-friendly operations. Run educational campaigns for consumers if you’re operating in a region where sustainability is a relatively new concept.

Aligning with sustainability standards

When expanding into a new region, meeting both international and regional compliance requirements is crucial.

Most regions have sustainability standards for businesses. Aligning your activities with these standards will ensure compliance.

You should ensure to align your operations with local environmental policies while maintaining ISO 14001 certification globally.

You should also integrate UN SDG priorities specific to the country, for example, clean water projects in Africa.

How Mauve Group can help you to go global, sustainably

Mauve Group have been in operation for over 28 years. In that time, we have remained dedicated to sustainability and supporting businesses and NGOs across the world. Mauve has run various sustainability initiatives including 'Mauve Goes Green', and has supported NGOs working towards environmental protection.

Contact our team today to learn how we can support your business to go global.