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~ Ranpak ~

SUSTAINABILITY

IN E-COMMERCE

IS HERE TO STAY

Text: Nico Hoeijmans // Photos: Ranpak

Online consumer demands are changing the e-commerce market in various fields. Webshops
have to constantly deal with innovations in various departments of their business to keep up
with consumers’ wishes. A hot topic in this changing environment is sustainability. This is here
to stay, as consumers demand more eco-friendly solutions in the production and packaging
of their products in both traditional offline retail and online shopping. We meet with Omar

Asali, Chairman and CEO of Ranpak, a global leader in fibre-based, sustainable protective
packaging solutions, who shares his vision on sustainability in the e-commerce market.

ustomers and convenience A global shopping opportunity
According to Asali, today’s consumers are accustomed With the continuing growth of online shopping, the ability to
Cto quality and convenience. When shopping online, conduct business and shop across borders has become easier.
consumers expect to have a broad selection, a good price, and International e-commerce shops and marketplaces are growing
a great experience with retailers and e-commerce providers. rapidly and becoming more popular. This is putting pressure
Especially in more mature e-commerce markets, people who on many supply chain networks as online businesses look for
shop online have become conditioned to find items they purchase fast and efficient ways to reach their customer. Increasingly,
at their doorstep in a short timeframe and in good condition. these supply chain decisions are not only focused on speed
‘While e-commerce is still in its infancy in many markets, the and reliability but also now on sustainability. The focus from
more mature markets offer a mix of convenience and experience consumers and regulators on businesses such as e-commerce
that people have come to expect. Once you introduce these providers regarding utilising sustainable materials in their
amenities to consumers, they cannot be taken away. An extensive supply chains provides an opportunity for companies like
product selection at competitive prices and high-quality shopping Ranpak. ‘Ranpak’s global e-commerce expertise and focus
experience will become the standard, both in offline and online on sustainability are an excellent combination,’ says Asali.
retail. E-commerce will play a leading role in driving these high ‘I truly believe that service providers are a major reason for
standards as well as growth for many brands. I believe that, in international shops to become successful. At Ranpak, for
terms of offline and online shopping, the whole process will example, we are expanding our international presence. We are
become more seamless and integrated. Currently, the majority active in 50 countries but still work to grow and improve our
of shopping is still conducted through retail stores, but going cross-border network. By being present globally and locally, we
forward, a brand needs both online and offline channels. Sales can offer online marketplaces the services they need in terms
will, of course, not disappear in the brick-and-mortar channel, of international fulfilment, supply chain, and environmentally
but the shift to online sales is likely to continue at the expense of friendly packaging needs. Locally, there will be different nuances
traditional retail. Brands must be prepared to offer their customer to what works in which country, but being a global business with
the same high-quality experience through both channels.’ high standards gives our customers the confidence that we can

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