Sustainability is an increasingly important topic for consumers. More shoppers look for products that are responsible, environmentally friendly or ethically produced. Marketplaces are responding to this shift and Bol.com is no exception. If you sell on Bol.com, it is valuable to understand how the platform approaches sustainability and how you can use this to strengthen your marketplace strategy.
In this article you will learn
• what Bol.com is doing to become more sustainable
• which sustainability labels Bol.com uses
• how you can request a sustainability label for your own products
A clear sustainability strategy can improve visibility, build trust and support higher conversion rates.
What Bol.com is doing for sustainability
In 2018 Bol.com announced an ambitious goal. Climate neutral shopping should be possible in 2025. Since then the platform has made significant progress in logistics, packaging, buildings and return management.
Logistics and environment
Delivery: Bol.com works closely with PostNL to deliver parcels as sustainably as possible. With the 2025 goal in mind the partners increasingly rely on electric vehicles or transport powered by green gas. In residential areas about a quarter of all parcels are delivered by bicycle or on foot. When a customer is not at home, delivery is attempted at a neighbour’s address or at a pick up point. This prevents unnecessary extra routes and keeps emissions as low as possible.
Fulfilment center: Bol.com’s fulfilment center is one of the most sustainable warehouses in the Benelux. It runs entirely on local wind and solar energy and includes nesting areas for birds, bees and bats to support biodiversity. The building is CO2 neutral and received the BREEAM Award in 2017 for its high level of sustainability.
Packaging: Bol.com aims to use only recycled or CO2 neutral packaging by 2025. When the original product packaging is strong enough no extra box is used. Advanced packing machines create boxes that fit the product precisely which reduces empty space and lessens the need for filling material. Around three quarters of all parcels are now shipped without filler.
Buildings: All offices run on green energy. Employees separate waste, lighting is energy efficient and the company restaurants focus on vegetarian and organic meals made with local ingredients. Certain disposable items such as PET bottles are no longer sold.
Returns: Bol.com reduces returns by providing detailed product information, clear size guides and user reviews. Better product information helps customers make more accurate buying decisions which lowers the environmental impact of return logistics.
Which sustainability labels Bol.com uses
To help customers recognise which products are sustainable, Bol.com uses several official labels. Below are the most important ones.
General environmental label: Products whose producers take additional steps to reduce water pollution and limit the use of chemicals and agricultural inputs.
Energy efficient products: Recognisable by energy labels ranging from F to A plus. The higher the category, the more energy efficient the product is.
Fairtrade: This label stands for fair pricing, ethical working conditions, local sustainability and transparent agreements with farmers and their communities.
Recycled: Products that consist of at least fifty percent recycled material.
Refurbished: Electronics that have been checked, cleaned, wiped of all data and repaired where necessary. Refurbished items function like new and reduce the need for new production.
Second hand books: Books that are still in good condition and suitable for a new owner.
Sustainable agriculture and fisheries: Products that support better farming methods, improved working conditions and extra care for the environment. This is mainly relevant for food and cosmetics.
Responsible materials: Materials that meet criteria for responsible forestry, improved working conditions and a lower environmental footprint. This label is particularly relevant for clothing, paper products and wooden items.
How to request a sustainability label on Bol.com
Bol.com makes it easy for sellers to apply for a sustainability label. On the website you will find a form that outlines the steps. You check whether your product fits within one of the categories, enter the EAN code and submit the form. Within two working days you will receive a response from the Partner Service team.
Want to learn more about sustainability on Bol.com
A strong sustainability strategy helps your brand stand out. In competitive categories a sustainability label can significantly improve visibility and conversion.
