A major megatrend of the next decade is neo-ecology. Whether it is the new EU plastic regulations, the energy turnaround or the increasing spread of organic markets and offers, the understanding of social values has changed fundamentally. Thus, not only digitization, urbanization and individualization play a central role for the world of tomorrow, but also the first-mentioned view of the ecological factors of our society and corporate world.
Consumers are developing a growing sense of environmental and responsibility and are looking for new ways to live up to these values. Companies and retailers must therefore adapt their processes in order to differentiate themselves from other competitors and convince customers of their own merits.
They demand clear standards of neo-ecology and expect companies not only to understand their own ecological footprint, but also to have a long-term vision of the direction in which they want to go.
Neo-ecology – an opportunity for companies and consumers
A study by the Zukunftsinstitut shows that consumers are increasingly willing to spend money on good products and also to invest consciously in change. Buzzwords such as organic, fair and sustainable play just as big a role here as the corporate culture and the commitment of the companies. The public scrutinizes companies closely and evaluates them according to their commitment. Whoever brings neo-ecology-driven innovations to the market is therefore at an advantage.
But how will things continue in the next few years and how is this megatrend developing? Tangible strategies must emerge from the first steps, which can currently be regarded as the beginning of a long road. Environmentally friendly energy generation and energy efficiency in manufacturing play just as important a role here as a company’s carbon footprint or the use of new, sustainable resources.
The neo-ecology therefore goes through all levels of society, industries and activities and will conjure up a new era of corporate ethics and leadership. Companies need to start actively shaping the “green” age today.
