All Articles About Consumer Products

Case Study: Walmart: Improving Supplier Energy Efficiency

In 2008, Walmart committed to improving the energy efficiency of its top 200 suppliers’ factories in China by 20 percent by 2012. With the aim not only to benefit the environment but also to help suppliers become more competitive, Walmart sought to replicate the success it has had in Europe and the United States in increasing supply chain efficiency. In China, however, the company found that its suppliers often prioritize overall growth over increased energy efficiency. As a result, operations managers commonly lack the necessary incentives and know-how to achieve efficiency improvements. An additional challenge in China is the lack of a developed professional energy-efficiency industry to provide equipment and data-measurement tools that make this process easier in other regions. To help overcome these barriers, Walmart enlisted BSR’s help. Learn more →

Posted: June 1, 2010 Topics: Climate Change, Consumer Products, Energy, Environment, Supply Chain

Blog: An Earth Day Riddle: How Are Teenagers Saving Gas with their iPhones?

Linda Hwang, Former Manager, Research

It’s Earth Day (or Earth Week for those of you who have been celebrating since Monday), and I’ve been thinking about companies and products that have found a niche in addressing the sustainability challenges we face today. Read more →

Posted: April 22, 2010 | Topics: Consumer Products

BSR Insight Article: Why Good Labor Practices Are Good for Business: Lessons From BSR’s DR-CAFTA Responsible Competitiven

Alison Colwell, Associate Director, Advisory Services Terry Nelidov, Former Manager, Advisory Services

Read part two of our series on responsible labor here. Read more →

Posted: April 20, 2010 | Topics: Community Engagement & Development, Consumer Products, Economic, Social & Cultural Rights, Human Rights, Strategy & Integration, Supply Chain

Blog: H&M: Mainstreaming Sustainable Materials in Apparel

By Adrienne Cademenos

H&M’s Garden Collection—which features sustainable fibers throughout the line—hit stores on March 25. A bright green hang tang—including a 30-word description with a link to more information online—marks clothing made with organic cotton and linen, recycled polyester, and Tencel (an environmentally preferable organic fiber). The Garden Collection aligns with H&M’s wider commitment to organic cotton and sustainable fashion plans for 2010, and prices for the new line remain consistent with other H&M products. Read more →

Posted: April 2, 2010 | Topics: Consumer Products

BSR Insight Article: HERproject Report Reveals Positive Impacts on Women and Business

According to BSR's new report on HERproject, our factory-based women's health initiative has provided positive benefits for business and significantly improved women's health awareness, leadership skills, and relationships with their employers. Read more →

Posted: March 9, 2010 | Topics: Consumer Products, Supply Chain, Women & Sustainability