Innovation

Padini’s stores are powered fully by renewable energy, which is their first innovation. As the manager, Tracy Goh stated in the interview: “I believe our company should not be only emphasizing on profit but also care about the environment.”

Additionally, Padini has replaced all electric lamps to energy-saving fixtures in all stores and outlets as she mentioned that: “If we change the lamps to energy-saving lamps, it will actually save energy and cost.” Hence, Padini has pursued the seventh UN SDG, which is affordable and clean energy.

Padini has also taken steps to meet the twelfth UN SDG: sustainable consumption and production. Padini has built new outlets and stores in the past years with the environment in mind. This is their second innovation, as some of their newly built stores and outlets were built with environmentally-friendly building materials and techniques, including the use of high-efficiency windows, recycled metal for roofs, and eco-friendly interior paint.

Their last innovation is how they reduce their use of plastic bags and paper. Padini has done this in a few different ways. Firstly, Padini provides customer’s receipt of purchases through e-mail instead of printing the receipts. Padini also encourages their customers to join their newsletter or visit their website for new arrival instead of printing magazines and catalogues. Lastly, Padini introduced no plastic bags weekend to reduce the use of plastic bags, giving customers recyclable paper bags instead of plastic bags.

Inspiration

I spoke to the manager of the company Tracy Goh in the face-to-face interview, who stated that she has obligation to fulfill social responsibilities to the best of her abilities, as the board of directors are also concerned about the community and environment. She mentioned that: “In addition to making profit, I do think the most important aim to the company is to be a responsible company which contributed positive impacts to the community.”

Overall impact

Padini has cut down on its energy consumption through the use of high-efficiency windows and energy-saving lights. Along with this, Padini has also reduced the use of plastic bags and paper with their use of recyclable paper bags and e-receipts. This helps reduce the amount of wasted materials and makes for a healthier overall environment. In addition, their energy efficient buildings help reduce the cost of their energy use as well. This all leads increasing the company's bottom line and allows the company to give more back to their customers.

Business benefit

The company realizes that there are cost benefits and publicity reasons for what they do but it all comes down to who they are as a company. Padini has realized many cost benefits because of their initiatives surrounding more sustainable consumption. They reduce their paper costs with the use of their e-receipts and they limit the amount of plastic bags they need to purchase.

Social and environmental benefit

Padini has created a community around these initiatives by including their customers in many different events. For example, customers are encouraged to participate in Padini’s “Caring from Your Heart”, where customers can bring in unwanted clothes and have them properly recycled. This is how Padini creates a better community and environment for all.

Interview

Tracy Goh, Manager