Reference Article:

Why Sustainability Is Winning Over CEOs by Duane Stanford

Large corporations such as Wal-Mart and Frito Lays are rapidly generating innovative ideas to save them the cost of producing their products but also the environment. For example, Wal-Mart’s Japanese supply chain in Seiyu replaces regular plastic packaging with oil and corn-based packing for vegetables. It saves Wal-Mart more than $195,000 a year. On the other hand, Frito Lays incorporate advanced technology to save water vapour from cutting potato chip slices and turn water vapour into useful water. Both companies seek an efficient alternative in their product that is beneficial to the environment and cost wise.

It is a very good example to show that sustainability is not just an external issue that creates pressure upon businesses but also cost-related. The brand image is also enhanced while implementing these technologies. Elevated brand image is considered the intangible value that a company received as an outcome being socially responsible. Clearly, Wal-Mart and Frito Lays are the “Green Wave Riders” that satisfy consumer demand in the market while the increasing brand credibility and cost reduction are being unexpected desired outcome.