Alibaba.com records a huge drive in demand for sustainable products among UK B2B buyers
It would appear consumers’ consciences are focusing on climate change, and they’re expecting brands to do the same
Alibaba.com, a leading B2B e-commerce marketplace revealed a significant increase in the number of UK businesses sourcing more sustainable products in the lead up to Earth Day (April 22nd), with high growth in categories such as: refillable cosmetics, up 64 percent, organic detergents, up 58 percent, and eco-friendly sanitation, up 12 percent.
The data indicates a clear shift in the sourcing priorities of UK SMEs, and reflects a rise in consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Today, 76 percent of UK consumers are working towards a more sustainable future and expect brands to do the same, with 30 percent of people either switching brands or positively or negatively advocating to support the shift.
On its platform, Alibaba.com has recently upgraded its Request for Quotation (RFQ) feature; a free and easy solution for buyers to state what they are looking for, to which suppliers can respond with quotes. Globally, thus far, it has seen an 88 percent increase in RFQs that reference terms such as sustainable, eco-friendly, bio-degradable, zero-waste, renewable, organic, and reusable.
Roland Palmer, General Manager of UK, Benelux & Nordics for Alibaba Group said: “Not only has Alibaba.com seen a big increase in sourcing needs for sustainable products, the platform is also a ‘hidden treasure trove’ for such products, with up to six million sustainable products to choose from. For businesses in the UK, providing customers with more sustainable products is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s critical for driving advocacy and unlocking long-term growth opportunities. As the sourcing partner of choice for thousands of UK SMEs, Alibaba.com has an important role to play in helping businesses create a greener future.”