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(English) Best Practices

Sector
Personal Care

Keywords
Social Entrepreneurship Social Inclusion Environmental Impact

From which SME is it?
The Soap Co.

Location
London, UK

Format
Physical, Electronic

Years of implementation
Since 2015

Website

Abstract

The Soap Co. is a social enterprise based in the United Kingdom that produces and sells luxury bath and body care products. The company was established in 2015 with a mission to create high-quality products while providing employment opportunities for people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise disabled.


Relevance

The Soap Co. takes a unique approach to its business by placing a strong emphasis on social and environmental impact. They operate with the belief that businesses should prioritize people and the planet alongside profitability. By employing individuals with disabilities, they aim to create a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes dignity, independence, and empowerment.

In addition to their commitment to social inclusion, The Soap Co. is dedicated to sustainability. They use natural, ethically sourced ingredients and prioritize eco-friendly packaging. Their products are cruelty-free, vegan, and made with minimal waste and carbon emissions.

Through their business model, The Soap Co. seeks to challenge traditional perceptions of disability, promote sustainability, and inspire positive change in the beauty and personal care industry. They have received recognition and accolades for their innovative approach, social impact, and commitment to ethical practices.

Also, their communication and marketing strategy includes storytelling. They share the stories of their employees with disabilities, highlighting their skills, achievements, and the positive impact of providing employment opportunities. By sharing these stories, they create a personal connection and foster empathy and understanding.


Concepts addressed within ESG

Social impact, environmental sustainability, decent work, transparency


Impact & Achieved Results
  • Employment Opportunities & Social Inclusion: One of the significant impacts of The Soap Co. is its provision of employment opportunities to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise disabled. By offering fair employment, the company promotes inclusivity, empowerment, and independence. Through their employment model, they contribute to reducing unemployment rates among people with disabilities and creating a positive social impact.
  • Sustainable Practices: prioritize the use of natural, ethically sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. By reducing waste, carbon emissions, and harmful chemicals, The Soap Co. minimizes its environmental footprint.
  • Customer Awareness and Education: Through their marketing efforts and communication channels, they inform customers about the social and environmental impact of their products. By promoting conscious consumerism, they encourage customers to make informed choices that align with their values.

Indicators of performance and success
  • Employment Impact
  • Social Impact
  • Environmental Performance
  • Customer Engagement
  • Market Reach and Growth

Certifications
  • B Corporation
  • Cruelty-Free International
  • Vegan Society
  • Eco-friendly Packaging

Challenges and recommendations
  • According to Supply Chain Management: ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain
  • According to Market Competition: Standing out and gaining market share can be challenging, especially when competing against larger, more established brands.
  • According to Scaling Sustainability: As a company grows, it may face difficulties in sourcing sustainable materials at scale or implementing environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
  • According to Consumer Awareness and Education: Many consumers may not be fully aware of the environmental and social impacts of their purchasing decisions.
  • According to Regulatory and Policy Landscape: facing challenges related to evolving regulations and policies.

Bibliography