Amazon’s Climate Pledge Summit 2024 sets the stage for a green future in e-commerce – but is your business ready to rise to the challenge?
The Amazon Climate Pledge Summit 2024 held last September 26 is a bold reminder that businesses must step up their sustainability efforts quickly. While the world faces growing environmental concerns, Amazon is setting the stage for action.
But here’s the thing: as much as Amazon’s massive scale can drive change, it also puts immense pressure on every part of the supply chain. If your business doesn’t adapt, you could miss out on opportunities or even face growing operational costs as eco-conscious consumers and governments hold brands accountable.
Take steps now to align with these green goals and stay ahead in an eco-driven marketplace. Read on to discover how embracing sustainability can help your brand thrive.
Amazon Climate Pledge Summit 2024
At Climate Week in New York City, Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, and Chief Sustainability Officer, Kara Hurst, shared Amazon’s latest strategies for reducing environmental impact. Speaking to an audience eager for change, they highlighted the company’s recent progress, future goals, and foreseen challenges.
Fulfillment Network Expansion
Amazon doubled its fulfillment network in 18 months during the pandemic, enabling regional hubs.
The company now has eight regional hubs, cutting shipping time, costs, and environmental impact by bringing products closer to customers. This new logistics setup saved 16 million travel miles in 2022, reducing emissions.
EV Fleet Expansion
Amazon deployed 24,000 EVs and has the largest private EV charging network in the U.S.
Plastic Reduction
Amazon cut 95% of plastic air pillows in North America, aiming for 100% by year-end.
Lighter Packaging
Amazon reduced packaging weight by 43% since 2015, eliminating 446,000 metric tons last year alone.
Renewable Energy Projects
Amazon supports hundreds of solar and wind projects, enough to power 7.6 million U.S. homes.
Grid Modernization
Amazon pushes for modernized energy grids and places renewable projects in high-carbon areas to lower local emissions.
Amazon’s ambitious sustainability goals are reshaping business practices. Learn how you can implement green practices and grow your business sustainably.
Consumers' Growing Interest In Sustainability
Embracing sustainability supports both environmental and financial goals, making it a smart move for businesses. Below are research figures reflecting the growing consumer interest in sustainability.
- Online searches for sustainable products rose by 71% from 2016 to 2021 ( World Wildlife Foundation, An Eco-Awakening)
- 66% of U.S. shoppers prioritize sustainability when buying (McKinsey, The State of Fashion)
- Consumers are willing to pay 9.7% more for sustainable products, even with economic pressures (PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey)
- 86.4% of online shoppers value sustainability (Sifted’s Report)
IESE Business School, University of NavarraSustainability has become a fundamental requirement for 91% of buyers
What is The Climate Pledge and Why It Matters to Sellers
Amazon’s Climate Pledge is a commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This drives initiatives like the Climate Pledge Friendly program, which highlights sustainable products on Amazon.
Benefits for Sellers:
AmazonProducts that have been enrolled in the "Climate Pledge Friendly" program for two years have an average of 10% higher page views* than comparable non-certified products.
Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Certifications
By aligning with The Climate Pledge, sellers not only contribute to global sustainability goals but also position their brand to attract eco-conscious consumers. Here are some of the certifications for your sustainability efforts.
AIAB
Certifies Italian organic food, detergents, and cosmetics, free from chemical pesticides.
AISE
Certifies cleaning products with minimized waste and transparent sustainability info.
BIFMA LEVEL
Furniture certification covering environmental impact, health, and social responsibility.
Bioland
Organic certification for food producers and processes with strict standards on farming and animal welfare.
Blue Angel
German ecolabel certifying consumer products with high environmental standards.
Bluesign
Ensures safer chemicals and reduced emissions in textile production.
Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services
Assesses and offsets carbon footprints for electronics.
Carbonfree Certified by ClimeCo
Measures and mitigates the full carbon footprint of products.
CarbonNeutral by Climate Impact Partners
Certifies products with verified carbon offsets
Climate Neutral by ClimatePartner
Calculates and offsets all product-related emissions.
Compact by Design
Certifies products with optimized packaging for efficient shipping.
Cradle to Cradle
Rigorous standards for products made with safer, circular materials.
Ecocert
Organic and natural cosmetics certification meeting the COSMOS standard.
US EPA Design for the Environment
Certifies disinfectants for human and environmental safety.
For a full list of Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Certifications, visit this page.
Steps to Get the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Badge
1. Choose a Certification
Obtain a third-party sustainability certification or Amazon’s “Compact by Design” certification, which is most common.
2. Qualify Your Products
Ensure your product meets specific eco-friendly criteria such as reduced packaging, efficient design, lightweight materials, waterless technology, or concentrated formulations.
3. Apply or Get Awarded
Either apply for third-party certifications or Amazon may award the “Compact by Design” badge based on eligibility.
4. Check Badge Display
Once certified, the Climate Pledge Friendly badge will appear on the product’s Amazon listing page, under the title and reviews section.
5. Promote Your Certification
Highlight the certification to attract eco-conscious customers seeking sustainable products.
- Ensure the badge appears on your product page and highlight it in when optimizing title, description, and images.
- Use the badge in marketing materials and social media to attract eco-conscious consumers.
- Showcase Climate Pledge Friendly products in a dedicated section on your Amazon Storefront.
- Mention your sustainability efforts in your brand’s story to emphasize your commitment.
Obtaining the Climate Pledge Friendly badge can be challenging due to certification requirements and exclusions of certain product categories like beef, books, and plastic bottled water. Sellers need to secure the right certifications and confirm eligibility.
An Amazon agency can assist by guiding sellers through certification, checking for ineligible products, and optimizing listings to highlight sustainability efforts.
