In the current economic climate, where corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are becoming increasingly important, companies are seeking to stand out from the crowd through more sustainable and ethical practices. The Belgian e-shops platform plays a crucial role in providing significant added value in this field. We explain how, based on practical examples that are easy to implement within your company.
1. Supporting the local economy
To promote Belgian products or products outsourced in a responsible manner
On the one hand, the platform highlights products made in Belgium, and on the other, products made outside our country, but always selected with particular care, while making it a priority to measure the ecological, social and ethical impact of these choices. In both cases, the platform enables local businesses to gain greater visibility. For example, an office equipment company based in Liège can now reach a wider audience and allow a company in Brussels to buy office supplies from them. This not only promotes the growth of SMEs, but also the creation of local jobs.
Creating jobs
By bringing together Belgian e-tailers on a single platform, the visibility and reach of Belgian online shops will increase, boosting business demand for local products. Whether it's for an annual corporate event, a retirement party or a team-building event, companies simply have to choose from a wide range of high-quality, varied but committed products. This growing demand means a greater need for personnel for SMEs, and a direct positive impact on the bidding company. For example, an organic food company based in Ghent has been able to take on five new employees to meet the increase in orders since impact-conscious companies began sourcing from it.
2. Reducing the carbon footprint
Logistics and transport
It's no secret that placing your orders with Belgian suppliers will have a positive impact on your carbon footprint. Reducing transport distances is a major advantage. For example, a company that buys its office furniture from an SME located in Brussels reduces its CO² emissions compared with orders from abroad. By encouraging local purchases, the platform contributes to a shorter and therefore greener supply chain.
For the ecological initiatives of committed e-tailers
Many of the e-tailers on the platform adopt environmentally-friendly practices: recyclable packaging, delivery by bicycle, repair and recovery, vintage items, resale of returned items, etc. These e-tailers deserve special attention for reducing their carbon footprint. As a committed company, by offering ‘Belgian e-shops’ gift vouchers to your teams, you are giving your employees the opportunity to discover the - very - wide range of Belgian e-tailers. You're making them aware of the importance of responsible consumption and you're having a direct impact on Belgian e-tailers and the Belgian economy.
3. Strengthening social cohesion
Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
The ‘Belgian e-shops’ platform provides a showcase for SMEs that are finding it hard to promote themselves. Is your company looking for a florist to decorate its offices or for an event? By making it an automatic reflex to search via the platform, you are guaranteed a collaboration with a Belgian SME, quality products and a positive CSR impact. In fact, these SMEs take advantage of increased visibility and collective marketing campaigns to reach companies like yours.
Building customer commitment and loyalty
Customers and consumers are increasingly sensitive to the ethics of the companies they support, whether for their work or their private consumption. For example, a Brussels-based ethical fashion start-up has seen an increase in customer loyalty by communicating its responsible practices via the platform, thereby creating a community of committed consumers. For their part, companies that want to increase their impact have every interest in moving in the same direction: promoting Belgian e-commerce among their employees, via gift vouchers for example, promoting local players at company events or in the day-to-day running of the business.
4. Transparency and good governance
Quality and compliance standards
In its development, the ‘Belgian e-shops’ platform ensures that companies adhere to ESG quality and compliance standards. In addition, the introduction of specific badges (‘committed eshop’, ‘emission-based eshop’) provides real transparency in the monitoring of this ESG approach. The aim is to boost the credibility and confidence of consumers and businesses alike.
Greater communication and transparency
Communication and transparency on the initiatives undertaken remain essential to improve the impact of each action taken, at all levels of the production and consumption chain. Whether it's through reports on sustainable initiatives or communication media aimed at raising awareness, for example on waste reduction, the use of renewable energy sources, or soft mobility, this strengthens the impact and importance of the initiatives put in place and the relationship with customers and employees.
Conclusion
By bringing together Belgian e-tailers, the ‘Belgian eshops’ platform brings significant added value to businesses in terms of CSR and ESG. It supports the local economy, reduces the carbon footprint, strengthens social cohesion and ensures transparency and good governance. For companies, supporting this platform through the purchase of gift vouchers or via the sponsorship option is an opportunity not only for growth, but also to actively contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future.
To find out more about the ‘Belgian e-shops’ platform and how it can benefit your business, visit the website: belgische-eshops-belges.be
Discover the resources available and the gift vouchers you can offer your employees. Make a commitment today to a more sustainable and ethical approach.
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