Lazada shows sustainability commitment with LazEarth campaign

Lazada has launched its LazEarth campaign, as part of the company's commitment to support sustainable practices in the digital commerce ecosystem. The campaign will focus on reducing plastic waste in its products and packaging, given that Southeast Asia generates an estimate of over 31 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, according to a report by ASEAN which details a regional action plan for combating marine debris in the ASEAN member states.

Meanwhile, a  press statement also reported that 91% of consumers stated that they were concerned about plastic waste issues in the region. As part of the campaign, Lazada will work with its LazMall brands and partners to make eco-friendly products more accessible and identifiable to consumers. Under this campaign, Lazada will work with and feature more than 70 brands and 5,000 items across its fashion and FMCG product categories that utilise reduced or better plastics in products and packaging.

Last year, Lazada began offering more sustainable parcels, such as those made from alternative sustainable packaging materials, through its Fulfilment by Lazada (FBL) service for partner brands. The green parcels also use FSC-certified carton boxes filled with recycled shredded paper instead of plastic fillers, confirmed a press statement. Beyond plastic waste reduction, Lazada has put in place partnerships and social initiatives aimed at building a more sustainable eCommerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia. For example in Indonesia, together with PT Smoot Motor Indonesia, Lazada Logistics has introduced the Blue Vehicle, an environmentally-friendly package delivery fleet for Lazada's frontliners in the country.

Similarly in Vietnam, Lazada partnered with the National Trade Promotion Programme to offer lychees from farmers in Hai Duong on the platform during the pandemic. The company reported that this initiative enabled Vietnam's rural farmers to reap the benefits from participating in digital commerce, and ensured the long-term growth of the agricultural sector in the digital era.

Magnus Ekbom, chief strategy officer, Lazada Group said that with digital commerce a key driver in Southeast Asia, it is crucial for companies to place sustainability at the core of their strategies in building a stronger and greener economy. "The LazEarth campaign is part of Lazada's ongoing efforts to address plastic waste and help our buyers make informed decisions about sustainable products," added Ekbom.

"As part of our commitment to build a lasting digital commerce business in Southeast Asia, we recognise that sustainability and value creation will become increasingly important to our long-term success. With the launch of LazEarth, we look forward to forging more collaborative partnerships and green initiatives that will empower our brands, partners and consumers to collectively create responsible and sustainable shopping and consumption habits,” said James Chang, chief business officer, Lazada Group.

Building on its ambitions to grow the region’s digital commerce ecosystem, the company launched its new regional headquarters in Singapore, Lazada One earlier this month. At the same time it launched the Lazada Foundation, an initiative which aims to award scholarships and provide growth opportunities to women and youths across Southeast Asia. The initiative also seeks to secure more educational opportunities and close the digital gap for women and the younger generation. According to the company, this will be a sustained commitment across its six markets in SEA such as Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

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