Innovation

The innovation for Plexus was their entry into a new space of sustainability by adding some key initiatives to their business model. Plexus executives felt a need to give back to not only their local communities but also the world that gives them so many of the resources that they use to develop their products. This resulted in the development of sustainability initiatives as well as a variety of partnerships that help streamline community and environmental outreach. These key initiatives are Sustainable Sourcing, Recyclable Materials, and Consciously Clean.

Inspiration

Their inspiration comes from their mission statement, “Hope, Health, and Happiness,” for their employees and consumers, and Plexus Worldwide continues to produce and package products sustainably and healthily. With the rapid change in consumer laws, Plexus Worldwide hopes to ensure that its packaging is recyclable and continues to promote sustainable practices within its business. Recently, they have also started implementing similar changes in the U.S. market and hope to do this across all their markets.

Overall impact

Entry into new sustainable spaces has and will continue to have both short-term and long-term impacts for Plexus. Looking back, a short-term impact was that Plexus would begin to insert themselves on a larger scale by donating to the charities and causes that are most important to them on a global scale. As their focus has been on sociability initiatives, many of these causes will likely also be sustainability-related. This will allow a short-term change, which can help result in a long-term change. A long-term impact is that Plexus will aim to extend the useful life of its product and increase its positive impact on the environment. This will impact which specific sustainability-related initiatives Plexus takes, as well as which new spaces they choose to enter.

Business benefit

At a business level, Plexus’ innovation of entry into new sustainable spaces impacted the materials they used as well as the overall performance of the company. The materials being used by Plexus were changed as a result of their innovation. Specifically, they used ingredients that were more sustainable in regards to their diets for weight loss. For example, they incorporated a new brown seaweed blend along with new oils. By entering this new territory, business was impacted through a shift in prioritization from not only living a healthy lifestyle but consuming a healthy lifestyle through the food they made. This would only further encourage them to put out new sustainable initiatives. Also, the performance of the company was impacted by entry into new spaces. In 2022, Plexus shipped more than 3.2 million orders to customers worldwide and generated more than $454 million in total gross sales. This success was thanks to their launching of 12 new sustainable products, including Plexus Reset, a nutritionally supported fast to help the body’s metabolism. With their 2022 focus being on ESG and sustainability initiatives through entering new spaces to allow expansion, this expansion was reflected in their earnings. This, too, should encourage Plexus to continue expanding in sustainable spaces as a business.

Social and environmental benefit

Embracing the use of 100% recyclable materials, notably PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic, presents a multifaceted array of benefits for Plexus Worldwide. The company presents a robust image of environmental stewardship, elevating its reputation and brand value when they are committing to an environmentally sustainable material that can foster an attraction for environmentally conscious consumers and investors. Businesses incorporating recyclable materials get an increase in competitive edge, broadening their customer base and positioning themselves as industry leaders in eco-friendly practices. Beyond the perceptible benefits, the adoption of recyclable materials can, in some cases, translate into cost savings, as recycling processes demand less energy compared to the production of materials from raw resources. With continuously evolving environmental regulations, the use of sustainable and recyclable materials mitigates the risk of fines and legal issues, emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance. The strategic utilization of such materials opens doors to green markets, where businesses can attract environmentally conscious customers seeking eco-friendly products and services. This commitment to recyclable materials stimulates innovation in product design and manufacturing processes, setting businesses apart from competitors and contributing to a reputation for forward-thinking and sustainable practices. The integration of recyclable materials enhances resilience in the industry supply chain, which considers the growing importance of sustainability in global supply chain dynamics. Beyond the operational realm, businesses contribute to the reduction of waste generation, leading to potential cost savings in waste management and qualification for incentives and rebates in regions promoting waste reduction. The use of 100% recyclable materials, especially PET plastic, fosters consumer loyalty and trust, as it aligns with the values of an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer base. Such sustainability practices extend to employee engagement, with the adoption of eco-friendly initiatives positively influencing workplace morale. Embracing recyclable materials may open avenues for businesses to attain various environmental certifications, enhancing their credibility and marketability. With a growing consciousness of sustainability, businesses that champion 100% recyclable materials and PET plastic not only contribute significantly to environmental impact, but are positioning themselves strategically in terms of market competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and sustainability as well.

Utilizing 100% recyclable materials, specifically PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic, in business operations yields significant societal and environmental benefits. From an environmental perspective, PET's high recyclability diminishes its environmental impact compared to non-recyclable alternatives, reducing the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and ecosystems. The use of recycled PET contributes to energy savings and a diminished carbon footprint in the manufacturing process. This commitment to recyclable materials helps in resource conservation, causing a decrease in demand for virgin resources, and promotes a circular economy, emphasizing continual material use and recycling to extend product life cycles. Societally, the use of recyclable materials, including PET, fosters a safer environment and mitigates health risks associated with non-recyclable plastics. Businesses prioritizing recyclable materials benefit from positive consumer perceptions, building trust and loyalty as consumers increasingly seek environmentally responsible products. This approach not only ensures regulatory compliance, but it presents educational opportunities for businesses to raise awareness about recycling and responsible consumption as well. Plexus Worldwide’s emphasis on recyclable materials supports the recycling industry, possibly leading to job creation and contributing to local economic development. Businesses adopting 100% recyclable materials and PET plastic play an important role in fostering a more sustainable and circular approach to production and consumption, considering the principles of environmental stewardship and positively influencing both the environment and society.

Interview

Shrina Patel, DevOps Engineer