When discussing sustainability in business, there's often a reflexive turn toward technology as the solution. Whether it's blockchain for traceability, AI for efficient operations, or some other technological innovation, there’s a tendency to emphasize tech-driven approaches as the path forward for sustainability.

But is technology alone the answer to our sustainability challenges?

In my latest blog, I explore why transformative sustainable innovation requires more than just technological solutions.

Here are 5 essential elements for sustainable innovation:

1. Systems Thinking: Evaluate impacts across your entire value chain rather than implementing isolated technological solutions

2. Business Model Redesign: Create models that fundamentally balance profit with planet rather than making incremental adjustments

3. Executive Leadership Commitment: Prioritize long-term value creation over short-term technology investments

4. Strategic Technology Integration: Use technology as an enabler of sustainability goals, not as the complete solution itself

5. Honesty About Tech Limitations: Recognize where technology genuinely drives sustainability outcomes versus where deeper organizational change is needed

As leaders and practioners, we must distinguish between meaningful innovation and simply "tech-washing" our sustainability efforts.

What approaches have you found most effective beyond technology implementation?

Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/epVpbN4V

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#innovation #supplychain #sustainability

Turning Retail Returns into Opportunities 💡

Yesterday morning, the SOORT® team had the pleasure of attending the Zühlke Breakfast Talk on “Returns in Retail – From Crisis to Opportunity” at the 25hours Hotels in Zürich. A huge thank you to Zühlke Group for organizing this inspiring event and for being such a great tech partner!

Also a thank you to the speakers for sharing their insights. The discussions were packed with valuable takeaways. Here are just a few that stood out to us:

Alexandra ("Alexis") Tsingeni opened the session with thought-provoking insights, including the Attitude-Behaviour Gap: While 80% of consumers express a desire to shop sustainably, only 40% follow through. How can we bridge this gap?

Ronny Hoffmann introduced the topic of Nudging & Retail Strategies, exploring how small changes in communication and design can encourage more sustainable shopping behavior. In our opinion, a strategy that retailers should explore if they haven’t already.

Luca Graf shared his perspective on Rethinking Returns. While returns undeniably impact sustainability, they can also drive innovation. With the right strategies, returns can contribute to the growth of circular business models and more responsible retail practices.

According to a study by the EHI Retail Institute, return rates vary by industry, ranging from 6% to 10%, and in fashion, they can be as high as 50%. This highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to make returns more sustainable.

It was great to connect with experts in retail, sustainability, and innovation, all topics that strongly align with SOORT’s mission.

Looking forward to continuing these important conversations and working toward a more sustainable future in retail!

Denis Kolmanic Anouk Breitenstein Pascal Probst Diljá Heba Petersen Andy Baldauf Lena Seebeck Jasmin [JayKays] Karatas Sandro D. Wolfgang Loerli Emma Hörnqvist MS Direct AG
#Retail #Sustainability #Innovation #CircularEconomy

Goodbye SOORT.eco, Hello SOORT.com!
We’re making a significant strategic shift from SOORT.eco to SOORT.com.

Why the change?
Because sustainability shouldn’t be confined to an eco-focused niche. As
Prof. Prof. Dr. Johanna Gollnhofer from University of St. Gallen - HSG stated in her keynote: “If you do sustainable, don’t call it sustainable.”

Around 60% of consumers want to choose planet-friendly solutions, provided they’re as good as mainstream options. By becoming SOORT.com, we’re positioning ourselves as the trusted AI shopping concierge for everyone, not just the already eco-conscious 20%.

Our goal remains clear: to inspire better, sustainable choices effortlessly for every consumer across Europe.

We’re excited about this next chapter and invite you to join us at SOORT®!

#AIshopping #ResponsibleConsumption #SOORT #SustainabilityForEveryone
Stefan Vogler Denis Kolmanic Anouk Breitenstein Emma Hörnqvist Wolfgang Loerli Kapil Raina Ambuj Mathur Jonah Scher Swiss Startup Association Innovation Zurich Deepak Peschard Sophia Haas Marie-Sophie Ando Digant Sharma Elodie Huber, CFA Anneliese Sound John Michael Pagli, Jr. Deniz Erkus, CFA

Spring is here - Did you know you can rent a bike for 4.90/month?

Decathlon International, Decathlon, the world’s largest sports goods retailer with over 2,082 stores across 79 countries, goes circular ♻️

You can now rent a child’s bike from DECATHLON SWITZERLAND, starting at just CHF 4.90 a month.

An affordable and convenient choice for parents to keep up with their growing kids without constant repurchases.

For adults, the rates begin at CHF 21.50 a month.

This initiative is not only economical but also environmentally friendly. And bikes are used to their fullest potential.

Decathlon’s commitment to sustainability also extends to their ‘Second Life’ section.

Customers can return their used items in exchange for vouchers, and pre-loved items are later made available on their site, offering good-as-new products at a fraction of the cost.

This move by Decathlon is a game-changer. Proving that sustainable practices can be integrated into major retail operations.

Not just appealing to hardcore environmentalists but to all conscientiously minded consumers.

🌟 At SOORT®, we celebrate such pioneering efforts in the retail industry that align with our mission of promoting responsible consumption through innovative and sustainable practices.

Would you try this rentabel service?

Staying connected to the fast-moving startup world

START Global Summit is the place to be!

Yesterday, Wolfgang Loerli experienced the energy firsthand. Top investors, 2,000+ startups, and leading universities and corporations all in one place. Wow! 👏🏼

At SOORT®, we are happy to be a part of this community, and know that these conversations are key to staying ahead of trends and building meaningful connections. Hats off to Max Keller and the whole team for an outstanding summit!

#Networking