MAM
Sustainable packaging: Five reasons millennials and Gen Z entrepreneurs should care
The Indian entrepreneurial landscape is witnessing a refreshing shift. Millennials and Gen Z are taking the reins, brimming with innovative ideas and a strong social conscience. Sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it’s woven into the very fabric of their businesses. This shift is particularly evident in the packaging industry, which has traditionally generated a significant amount of waste.
But why should sustainable packaging be a top priority for young Indian entrepreneurs? Here are five compelling reasons:
Resonate with eco-conscious consumers
Millennials and Gen Z are the most environmentally conscious generations yet. They actively seek out brands that align with sustainable values. A 2021 Nielsen report revealed that 66% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. By adopting eco-friendly packaging, businesses tap into this vast and discerning market segment.
Embracing circular economies
Businesses are increasingly focusing on circular economies, responding to Millennials’ and Gen Z’s demand for sustainability. This innovative approach prioritises reusing and recycling resources, minimising waste, and encouraging sustainable consumption habits. Companies of all sizes are actively participating in this shift towards a circular and sustainable economy. For example, sustainable wooden pallets exemplify how durable, reusable materials can extend the lifespan of resources, supporting circular economic principles effectively.
Cost savings and efficiency
While the initial switch to sustainable packaging might seem costly, it can lead to significant savings in the long run. Eco-friendly packaging materials often result in reduced waste and lower transportation costs due to their lightweight nature. Additionally, as technology advances, the cost of sustainable materials continues to decrease, making them easily available and cost-effective options for businesses.
Enhancing brand image and competitive edge
Being able to stand out from the crowd is crucial to success in a competitive market. By adopting sustainable packaging, they can significantly enhance a brand’s image, and can influence market trends and push companies to adopt greener practices. This consumer-driven demand can accelerate the shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions across industries. This not only attracts eco-conscious consumers but also becomes a unique selling point, giving businesses a competitive edge in the market.
Fostering innovation and creativity
Sustainable packaging encourages entrepreneurs to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions. It challenges traditional packaging norms and inspires creativity in designing eco-friendly alternatives. This focus on innovation can lead to the development of unique packaging solutions that are not only sustainable but also functional and aesthetically pleasing. Embracing sustainable packaging fosters a culture of continuous improvement and ingenuity, essential qualities for any successful entrepreneur. Wooden pallets which are made from sustainable wood which is PEFC/42-31-06 / FSC® C146265 certified, for example, can be strategically designed to maximise product placement within a container, optimising space utilisation and potentially reducing the number of shipments required.
Conclusion
Millennials and Gen Z entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in sustainability by adopting eco-friendly packaging practices. By embracing sustainable packaging, they can lead by example, reduce their environmental footprint, influence market trends, advocate for policy changes, and foster innovation in the market. Their commitment to sustainable packaging is not just a trend but a vital step towards preserving the planet for the younger generations.
The article has been authored by M/s Jay Wood Industry CEO & MD Jay Deepak Shah.
Brands
Estée Lauder to shed 10,000 jobs as new boss bets on digital shift
The cosmetics giant raises its profit outlook but stays silent on a possible merger with Spain’s Puig, as job cuts deepen and a three-year sales slump weighs on the turnaround
NEW YORK: Stéphane de La Faverie is not done cutting. Estée Lauder announced on Friday that it plans to eliminate as many as 3,000 additional jobs, taking its total redundancy programme to as many as 10,000 roles, up from a previous target of 7,000 announced a year ago. The company, which owns La Mer, The Ordinary, Tom Ford, and Aveda, employs roughly 57,000 people worldwide. The mathematics of what is now being contemplated is stark.
The fresh round of cuts is expected to generate a further $200 million in savings, bringing the total annual savings from the programme to as much as $1.2 billion before taxes. That money, De La Faverie has made clear, will be ploughed back into the turnaround.
A CEO in a hurry
De La Faverie, who took the helm in January 2025, inherited a company that had endured three consecutive years of annual sales declines. His response has been to move fast and cut deep. A significant portion of the latest redundancies reflects his push to reduce headcount at US department stores, long a cornerstone of Estée Lauder’s distribution model but now a channel in structural decline. In their place, he is accelerating the shift toward faster-growing online platforms, including Amazon.com and TikTok Shop, a pivot that is reshaping not just where Estée Lauder sells but how it thinks about its customers.
The numbers are moving in the right direction
Despite the pain, there are signs the medicine is working. Estée Lauder raised its profit outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year, guiding for adjusted earnings per share in the range of $2.35 to $2.45, above analyst estimates and a notable step up from the $2.05 to $2.25 range it had guided for in February. Organic net sales growth is expected to come in at 3 per cent, the company said, at the high end of the range it set out in February.
The share price tells a mixed story. After De La Faverie took charge, the stock surged nearly 60 per cent, buoyed by investor optimism that a longtime company insider could finally arrest the decline. But 2026 has been rougher: the shares have fallen 27 per cent this year, weighed down by disappointing February results and the overhang of unresolved merger talks with Spanish beauty giant Puig Brands SA. The company gave no additional details about those discussions on Friday, leaving the market to guess.
Silence on Puig
The proposed tie-up with Puig remains the most consequential unknown hanging over Estée Lauder. A deal with the Barcelona-based group, which owns brands including Carolina Herrera and Rabanne, would reshape the global luxury beauty landscape. But with nothing new to say and a turnaround still very much in progress, De La Faverie is asking investors to trust the process.
Three years of sales declines, 10,000 job cuts, and a merger that may or may not happen. At Estée Lauder, the overhaul has barely started.
