15 Brands That Demonstrate Social Responsibility in 2022
By fneedle@hubspot.com (Flori Needle)
Consumers want brands to make a difference.
In fact, Havas’ Meaningful Brands Report 2021 found that 73% of respondents think brands must act now for the good of society and the planet. In that same survey, 64% of respondents said they prefer to buy from companies with a reputation for purposeful action, not just their profits.
When brands act for the good of society and the planet, they’re being socially responsible. In this post, we’ll discuss:
- What is social responsibility?
- How can brands be socially responsible?
- 15 Socially Responsible Brands
What is social responsibility?
For businesses, social responsibility is showing care and value for society and the planet in addition to, or equal to, how much care is shown for their profits and their bottom line.
How can brands be socially responsible?
Brands can be socially responsible by ensuring employees have a safe work environment and are paid a living wage, charitable giving to programs that give back to the community, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, sustainable business practices, — the list goes on.
Early 2020 brought many businesses to a reckoning regarding social responsibility, as social justice issues were at the forefront of many conversations during the first few months of the year.
Consumers still want brands to be responsible — in fact, 45% of people think that brands need to do more to advocate for social justice issues. The social issues that consumers believe businesses should take a stance on are racial justice, climate change, income inequality, and affordable healthcare.
Let’s go over some examples of brands that exemplify social responsibility that you can take inspiration from.
15 Socially Responsible Brands
1. Back Market
Back Market combats the tons of waste produced by electronic devices by refurbishing used electronics and selling them to consumers. The business encourages consumers to trade in their used electronics for cash instead of throwing them away and also provides an eco-friendly alternative to those looking to buy.
2. Warby Parker
Warby Parker is famous for its at-home try-on program, where customers can try glasses frames at home before committing to a purchase.
Its Warby Parker Impact Foundation works with government agencies, nonprofits, and local community groups to increase access to vision care for adults and children underserved in this type of care. In addition, its Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program donates one pair of glasses per pair bought and, to date, has distributed over 10 million glasses.
3. Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s is famous for taking a stand on global issues like refugee rights, LGBTQ+ rights, climate justice, voting rights — the list goes on.
To raise awareness for these issues, it partners with nonprofits to build support with its customers, and the Ben & Jerry’s foundation regularly gives funding to businesses in Vermont (its home state) and around the country that work to facilitate social change.
4. Oliberté
Source:: HubSpot Blog
