Once viewed as a costly exercise, sustainability is being embraced by a growing number of retailers as a strategy that delivers cost savings and satisfies the demands of consumers.

Companies are exploring automation tools to reduce the amount of packaging used, trying to find alternatives to plastic, and looking to install solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint.

With the rise of the conscious consumer, more ecommerce retailers are putting the time and the effort into making sure they have more sustainable practices. Some have found it can be the decider between a customer buying off their site or a competitor’s.

To chart a more sustainable path and manage the increased consumer scrutiny of their business practices, retailers are also hiring more professionals whose main responsibility is to manage the ethical side of the business. Others are embedding sustainable practices into their DNA.