Sustainable Business Trends to Watch in 2021

Julie Starr • January 27, 2021



In the past, sustainable business practices have often amounted to little more than encouraging employees to use less paper. In 2021, more companies are taking their environmental responsibilities a whole lot more seriously, and I think we can all agree that’s a good thing.

As well as being great for the planet, sustainable business practices are also a great way to build a positive brand and save money for your company too. If that sounds good to you, and you’re wondering what the current sustainable business trends are, read on for the best of business sustainability in 2021 and beyond…

Employee training

It’s all well and goods having the intention to increase your sustainability as a business but if your employees aren’t on board, or if they don’t know where to begin when it comes to sustainable practices, it’s going to be pretty hard to make any improvements. That’s why, by far, the biggest sustainable business trend in 2021 is a set to be employee training.

Making employees aware of the issues, teaching them how to work in a way that produces less waste, and fostering a more eco-conscious mindset amongst your staff is actually one of the easiest things you can do; it also has the potential to be one f the ost effective too. So, whether you run classes, create a sustainable business manifesto or bring in a sustainability Tsar, make sure you’re doing all you can to make your employees more sustainable right now. 

The cloud

Over the past five years or so, there has been a surge in businesses switching to the cloud for their computing needs, but it has still been something of a niche pursuit, Right now, in 2021, that is set to change; the balance is about to tip, and more and more companies are set to join the technological revolution that is cloud technology.

Why is this a good thing? Because storing documents on the cloud means that companies do not need to use nearly as much paper or as many filing systems. Any document can be digitally filed and accessed from anywhere on the planet at the touch os a button. This is obviously much more sustainable, and when implemented correctly, will cut your company’s carbon footprint significantly, especially if you use a sustainable cloud hosting company that will have taken every step possible to cut the environmental costs of running their servers.

Another key benefit of cloud computing is that it makes the process of working from home easier for all involved, which as you will see below, is another big sustainable business trend for 2021.

Remote working

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, more of us have been working from home since December 2019 due to pure necessity, and we’re pleased to see that this has been largely facilitated by businesses of all sizes across a wide spectrum of sectors. Why? Because if more of those people who can work from home do work from home, it will save a whole lot of carbon. When employees work from home, they no longer need to commute to work, which means fewer cars on the road, less carbon released, and lower levels of air pollution, which is amazing for the environment. Not only that, but home working can cut the amount of waste generated in office spaces too – for example, when employees work from home, they have access to their own water supply, cutlery, and so on, which means fewer disposable plastic items are used, and that’s just one example.

Obviously, in order to make remote working possible for your company, you may need to make a few changes such as switching to cloud computing, as mentioned above, learning how to run meetings by phone or internet more efficiently, and maybe even finding out how to fix poor cell signal in the office as well as broadband signal boosting, so that those employees who do need to be in the workplace can reliably connect with those who are able to work from home. This could be a little expensive, but it is an investment worth making because it will make your business more sustainable, more future-proof, and more productive (home workers are typically around 30 percent more productive than office workers). So, what are you waiting for?

Energy Efficiency

If you’re serious about running a sustainable business , you won’t get far without taking a good look at the energy you use and how you use it, and that will be easier than ever in 2021 because there have never been more energy-efficient office appliances on the market. From energy-efficient toilets (yes, really) to low-power lighting systems , there are so many ways you can lower your energy use in the office, and save money in the process. In order to make the best use of them, carry out your very own energy audit, so you know exactly what you’re using and start implementing changes as and when you are able. Again, some of these changes may be expensive, but if you can afford to invest in energy-efficient tech, it won’t be long before it pays for itself in terms of lower energy bills and your ability to brand yourself as a sustainable business – something that is really hot with consumers right now.

Sustainable supply chain

Sustainable businesses may be in favor with customers right now, but if you want to woo them, it isn’t enough to simply ensure that your own working practices are as eco-friendly as possible. Eco-conscious consumers are very savvy and they will not only look at what your company is doing in terms of sustainability but also what your suppliers and any third-party companies you deal with are doing too. So, if, for example, you’re a clothing manufacturer, as well as ensuring you use energy-efficient manufacturing methods in your factories, you will also need to buy sustainable cloth from fairly paid suppliers, if you want to be taken seriously, So, before you partner up with anyone or buy any goods for your business, investigate them as thoroughly as possible and make the right choices for your business.

Recycling programs

If you’ve implemented some of the above ideas, chances are you won’t have as much waste to deal with in 2021 and beyond as you have in the past. However, it’s still worth looking into your waste management practices to see if you can do more recycling as a business . This is set to be a big trend in the coming years, and it is probably one of the simplest things you can do to lower your business’s impact on the earth. 

In order to set up a recycling program, all you need to do is talk to your waste management company or local council, depending on how you dispose of your waste to see what they offer. Then, install recycling bins on-site and encourage your employees to use them, perhaps by setting up rewards for the department that recycles the most by volume. If the bins are there, you will find that most people will use them and it will be a really nice way of encouraging a more sustainable mindset in your staff.

Giving back

Giving back as a business is one of the best things you can do, not only because it feels good to help out, but also because it can help to foster positive relations with your local community and build positive brand awareness amongst your target audience. So, it’s not surprising that giving back is set to be one of the top sustainable business trends in 2021.

By partnering with other sustainable groups and charities in your neighborhood, you can do a lot of good. Whether you donate money to a local upcycling group that takes old office equipment and gives it a new lease of life for struggling school children, you encourage your employees to litter pick once a month or you donate cash to sustainable causes, anything you can do will be greatly appreciated while raising your profile as a serious sustainable business.

Transparency

Finally, we are sure to see a trend in more companies being more transparent about their environmental impact and what they are doing to help the environment. This will be a great thing for companies who are already doing a lot, and for the planet as a whole because it will push companies who aren’t doing enough to up their game and start taking the environment seriously.

Although these are set to be the biggest sustainable business trends in 2021, they are just scratching the surface of what is possible if you’re serious about running an eco-conscious business which is why you should explore the topic as fully as possible, Start by implementing these ideas, then think about other areas where you could potentially make changes. Take small step after small step until you have completely transformed your business into the beast, most sustainable version of itself that is possible. Be part of the solution and see your company thrive as a result.

Blockchain for Sustainability: Cutting Through the Hype with Strategic Communication

By Julie Starr • April 28, 2025
As blockchain continues to gain traction in sustainability circles—from tracking carbon credits to improving supply chain transparency—more organizations are exploring how these emerging tools might support their ESG goals. But with innovation comes complexity, and for many stakeholders, blockchain still feels like a black box. That’s where communication becomes essential. At Taiga Company, we work with clients to simplify complex sustainability narratives without oversimplifying the value. While blockchain can offer traceability and transparency, it’s not a silver bullet—and how you talk about these technologies matters just as much as how you use them. Poor communication can undermine credibility, especially in a landscape where stakeholders and regulators are increasingly alert to greenwashing . On the other hand, clear, honest messaging about blockchain-enabled sustainability efforts can build trust and differentiate your leadership. Our approach is grounded in materiality and alignment. We help organizations: Translate technical tools like blockchain into plain language that resonates with diverse audiences Connect new technologies to core sustainability strategy Craft credible narratives that evolve alongside innovation Blockchain may be new territory, but strategic communication remains the foundation. Whether you're piloting traceability tools or just starting to explore how blockchain fits your ESG roadmap, we help you tell the story with clarity and confidence. Let’s make innovation meaningful.

6 Things All Modern Businesses Need in 2025

By Julie Starr • April 22, 2025
If you’re starting your own business, then you know all too well that it’s equally an exciting and overwhelming time. There’s so much to think about, and you want to get it right from day one. But it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as you might think. Let’s go through everything your new business needs to hit the ground running this year. A Clear Business Plan Before anything else, take the time to figure out your game plan. This doesn’t need to be a long, boring document that you’ll never look at again. Think of it as a simple guide that answers three key questions: Who are you selling to? What are you offering? And how are you going to get noticed? Once you’ve written that down, you can always tweak it as your business grows. From a communications standpoint, clarity on your audience and value proposition also sets the foundation for authentic brand storytelling—something Taiga Company helps clients refine at every stage. Responsible Financial Management Money is one of those things that can make or break a business. The good news is you don’t need a finance degree to get it right. Start with a simple budget. Know how much is coming in, what’s going out, and what you’re setting aside. Think about things like stock, marketing, bills and wages if you’re hiring. Keep it realistic and keep it updated. Doing this from day one will make life much easier later. Reliable Cloud Services In 2025, storing everything on your laptop isn’t really a safe bet. Files go missing, computers break, and you don’t want to lose important stuff. That’s where cloud services come in. They keep your files secure, backed up and easy to access from anywhere. Whether it’s documents, customer info or creative work, having it all saved online gives you peace of mind. And when you're building a business in a digital-first world, having secure, accessible assets also means your team can collaborate more efficiently across channels—essential for strong communications. Flexible Payment Options Most people don’t carry cash anymore, so if you’re only accepting it, you’re going to lose sales. Get yourself a card reader that takes all the usual stuff like debit cards, credit cards, contactless and Apple Pay. The easier you make it for someone to pay you, the more likely they are to buy. Simple as that. A Basic Website Even if you’re not selling online, you still need a website. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that tells people who you are, what you do, and how they can contact you. Think of your site as your digital front door. If someone hears about your business, chances are they’ll look you up online. Make sure what they find actually helps them. A clear website is also one of the most powerful communication tools your business has. We work with clients to ensure their digital presence reflects their story, purpose, and value. A Way to Spread the Word You can’t rely on people just stumbling across your business. You’ve got to put yourself out there. Social media is a great start, but don’t stop there. Think email newsletters , posters in your local area or even just chatting about your work whenever it comes up naturally. The more you talk about your business, the more others will too. Starting a business in 2025 is a big move, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Get the basics in place, stay flexible and keep learning. With the right tools and the right message, you can build momentum and create connection. Taiga Company helps growing businesses translate operational essentials into brand trust and long-term impact.