Aug 31: With the ongoing situations, the environmental threat that looms large in South Asia is not just a phenomenon captured in climate studies, but something that affects our immediate environment. Recent floods in Nepal serve as a reminder of the effects of ever-changing weather patterns on many people. Abnormal rainfall, melting of glaciers, and irregularity in the monsoon cause the formation of large amounts of water that move downstream towards the plains of Bihar. The floods, displacement, and destruction caused by agriculture are annual occurrences in Bihar. Such an extreme weather situation is caused by climate change happening all over the world due to excessive consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and industrial waste. With the rivers overflowing and the ecosystem deteriorating, it becomes necessary to realise the role of one’s actions in causing such an effect on the environment.
High Environmental Impact of the Festive Season in India
India is full of celebration during the festive season and has deep-rooted traditions associated with it. During this season, corporate gifting, which is estimated to have an annual market size of more than ₹18,000 crore, plays a very important role in terms of expressing gratitude from corporations towards their employees, clients, and business partners through millions of thank-you notes. However, there is a very high environmental cost associated with this activity.
During the festive season, municipal solid waste generation increases by 25% during the peak weeks of festivities. This increase is caused by one-time-use plastic packaging, non-recyclable wrappers of gifts, thermocol inserts, and temporary decorations, which will end up in landfills after just a few days of use. Moreover, since more than 80% of a company’s carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 emissions from its supply chain, the festive season gifting cannot be regarded as an isolated and regular activity anymore.
Why Sustainable Gifting Requires Circular Procurement?
With the increasing emphasis on sustainable practices in relation to ESG guidelines and the mandatory BRSR reporting requirement, many companies in India are beginning to re-examine their practices of corporate gifting. However, one significant challenge remains greenwashing. The practice of placing an “eco-friendly” label on the gift does not count when the gift is packed in multiple layers of non-biodegradable plastics, produced using excessive amounts of energy or delivered using logistics that are ecologically harmful.
For true sustainability to be achieved, it is important to assess the entire value chain. A sustainable gift should include the consideration of resource utilization, lifecycle of the product, packaging material, labour standards, and ethics of the supplier. According to the global research done by Eco vadis, 58% of procurement executives of enterprises have implemented formal sustainability programs within their supply chains. This clearly indicates the paradigm shift, as corporations are no longer considering merely one of the items on the catalogue.
Conscious Innovation: How India’s Most Innovative Corporate Gifting Company is Transforming Corporate Tradition
Understanding the critical necessity for a change, Consortium Gifts is leading the way into full-fledged conscious corporate procurement. Through the use of its approach to connecting the spirit of festive giving with environmental consciousness, the firm enables companies to express their gratitude while also saving our planet from another climate disaster.
India’s most innovative corporate gifting company, Consortium Gifts has been awarded the Eco vadis Gold Medal certification, putting it among the best 5% of companies worldwide evaluated on environmental performance, respect for labour rights, ethical business practices, and sustainable procurement. The company’s gold medal ensures its corporate clients’ certainty about following all the ESG requirements while implementing their gifting campaigns.
Speaking of this recognition and its importance, Gaurav Bhagat, Founder and MD, Consortium Gifts said,
“CSR today is no longer an add-on to business; it is a responsibility embedded in how a company operates and creates impact. The Eco Vadis Gold recognition reinforces our belief that innovation and growth must go hand in hand with environmental consciousness, ethical practices and a genuine commitment to a more sustainable future.”
Adding to this, Vikrant Kaushal, Chief People Officer, Consortium Gifts, said,
“The Eco Vadis assessment is a rigorous process that looks beyond claims to how sustainability is embedded across an organisation’s practices and value chain. Going through that process gave us an opportunity to benchmark ourselves, strengthen our systems and demonstrate our commitment to responsible business.”
To reduce its environmental footprint, Consortium Gifts presents a special line of gifts made from eco-friendly, innovative materials:
-
Desk Essentials & Accessories: Made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, and rice husk composite.
-
Apparel & Textiles: Made from RPET from recycled plastic water bottles and organic cotton.
-
Stationery: Made from plantable paper that does not leave any waste and grows into greens when thrown away.
-
Drinkware & Lifestyle Products: High-quality items made out of borosilicate glass and stainless steel that are suitable for food packaging as an alternative to single-use plastic packaging.
Social Aspect: Lifting Communities Through Ethical Gifting
Although sustainable procurement can be viewed as something that has to do mainly with materials and emissions, there is the issue of human dignity and economic development of the area as well. India has a rich tradition of the work of local craftsmen who create masterpieces of art. Such procurement can take advantage of this and contribute to rural development.
Supporting traditional craftspeople by using the budget allocated for gifts will guarantee fair payment for the work done, safety and sustainability in the work process, as well as preservation of indigenous cultural arts. This will truly reflect the values of Indian celebrations, generosity, mutual help, and prosperity.
Redefinition of Festive Events for Corporate India
Incorporation of environmentally friendly practices does not imply rejection of festive and friendly gift-giving tradition; rather, it improves the tradition. By buying durable things, rejecting packaging made out of plastic, and demanding transparency of the entire supply chain, corporate India can use its huge purchasing power to make a change in the market.
Corporate responsibility is not only about the long-term vision and strategy but also about operations at a daily level. Floods in Nepal and Bihar are an example of how fragile the equilibrium in the ecosystem is. Hence, by switching from celebratory consumption to ESG-oriented procurement, corporate India can safeguard the environment during festivals.