Guide to Dropshipping Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Products

In recent years, the global consciousness towards environmental sustainability has surged, prompting individuals and businesses alike to seek out eco-friendly alternatives in their daily lives. As a result, the demand for sustainable products has seen significant growth, presenting a lucrative opportunity for business owners in the dropshipping industry.

Sustainable and eco-friendly products are becoming the standard for consumers, making now the perfect time to take actionable steps towards a greener future.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the viability of dropshipping eco-friendly and sustainable products, the rising demand for such products in Australia, potential risks to consider, and popular eco-friendly products in this burgeoning category.

Can you dropship sustainable and eco-friendly products?

Over the last five years, there has been a significant increase in online searches for sustainable products, with a global rise of up to 71 per cent. This growing interest in eco-friendly items has resulted in an ecommerce trend that will be lucrative for businesses that engage in it in the coming years. One of the most popular and profitable niches for dropshipping in 2024 is sustainable products. Dropshipping allows online businesses to scale up and grow without the added burden of holding physical inventory. By leveraging the dropshipping model, businesses can remain competitive in the online space by shipping products directly from suppliers. This not only streamlines the fulfilment process but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional inventory management methods.

Finding eco-friendly dropshipping suppliers and selling those products on your online store is not only feasible, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular among dropshippers looking to align their business ventures with environmentally conscious practices. With the rise of eco-friendly manufacturers and suppliers, it's now easier than ever to source a wide range of sustainable products, from clothing made from recycled materials and reusable shopping bags to eco-friendly skincare and green cleaning products that are free from harmful chemicals.

Encouraging environmentally conscious habits among consumers is a crucial step in mitigating the effects of climate change. One effective way to achieve this is by providing them with affordable and accessible options for purchasing sustainable and eco-friendly products. By doing so, businesses can not only contribute to climate action but also boost their profitability. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of customers, as high as 55 per cent, are willing to pay extra for products that are eco-friendly and align with their values. Therefore, incorporating eco-friendly practices into business operations can not only make a positive impact on the environment but also help businesses grow and thrive.

It's not necessary to immediately remove all your products from your website and exclusively sell eco-friendly products. Doing so can be overwhelming for both you and your business, and may also confuse existing customers. Instead, the best approach is to be honest and transparent with your customers about your sustainability efforts. With trustworthy suppliers, dropshipping sustainable and eco-friendly products is not only possible, but this approach can help you tap into a growing trend that positively impacts the environment.

Is there a growing demand for eco-friendly products in Australia?

In recent years, Australia has experienced a significant shift towards sustainable living. This transformation has been driven by a growing concern for environmental issues and a desire to reduce carbon footprints. As a result, many consumers are seeking out eco-friendly alternatives in their everyday lives, including products such as bamboo toothbrushes, reusable water bottles, and ethically sourced clothing.

This increasing demand for sustainable products presents a prime opportunity for dropshippers to tap into a lucrative market segment and cater to environmentally conscious consumers. As more and more people are becoming aware of the impact that their choices have on the environment, they are actively seeking out greener and more sustainable options in all areas of their lives.

As a result, sustainability is gaining momentum each year, with more and more consumers looking for greener ways to shop online. These consumers are demanding reduced waste in packaging, recyclable materials, and transparent sustainability schemes from businesses. Therefore, dropshippers who can offer eco-friendly products and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability are well-positioned to succeed in this growing market.

In 2021, Australia was one of the biggest consumers of single-use plastic per person in the world. This sparked the phasing out of single-use plastics in many Australian states. Things like plastic bags were banned in every state, with a goal to phase out all problematic single-use plastics by 2025. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that Australian consumers are well aware of the need for sustainable businesses and eco-friendly products.

In 2024, Australians genuinely care about sustainability and have adjusted their shopping behaviours to support long-term change. Recent reports suggest that 67 per cent of Australians want to move past simply sustaining the environment, and begin reversing the damage done. According to Australia Post’s ecommerce industry report, Gen Zs are largely to thank for the increasingly sustainable shopper that is taking up most of the online shopping space of today. In fact, 93 per cent of the age group prioritise ethical practice when making purchasing decisions. If you can cater to this group, there’s a good chance you’ll begin to see a lot of business success.                                                                               

Are there any risks to consider?

While dropshipping eco-friendly products offers numerous benefits to online businesses, it's essential to be aware of potential risks. One common concern is ensuring the authenticity and credibility of suppliers claiming to offer eco-friendly products. Conducting thorough research and vetting suppliers is crucial to avoid greenwashing—the deceptive practice of exaggerating or misrepresenting the environmental benefits of a product. Additionally, fluctuations in market demand and evolving consumer preferences may impact sales, requiring adaptability and market awareness.

Additional costs

While integrating sustainable practices into your dropshipping store can be advantageous, it can also be challenging. It’s a great way to contribute towards environmental conservation, but it may also incur additional costs compared to more generic dropshipping products that are less sustainable. That’s why choosing the greener shipping option in the checkout costs more than traditional shipping methods. These costs can include sourcing natural materials, investing in sustainable packaging options, and partnering with eco-friendly suppliers committed to ethical and environmentally responsible practices, which may not be readily available or may come at a premium price. However, the long-term benefits of adopting sustainable practices and fostering brand loyalty outweigh the initial investment. By promoting eco-friendly products and practices, you can attract environmentally conscious customers willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. This can lead to increased sales, higher customer retention rates, and a stronger brand image. Additionally, as more customers demand sustainable products, the market for eco-friendly goods is expected to grow, making it a wise long-term investment for your business.

Using Dropshipzone to grow your online business is a great way to remove some of these additional costs. With a range of eco-friendly products that you can stock on your website immediately, dropshipping with risk for any additional costs is also removed because you only have to purchase sustainable products once a customer has placed an order with you.

Ensuring the product is aligned with your brand & customer expectations

When dropshipping sustainable products, ensuring brand authenticity and meeting customer expectations should be at the top of your priority list. It's crucial that the eco-friendly products you offer are in line with your brand's core values and are a good fit for your target audience. This means taking the time to carefully research and select products that align with your brand's mission and vision, as well as the values and expectations of your customers. If you are selling a certain product range, and then suddenly start offering products that don’t make sense for your brand, your customers will be left confused and you may not sell as well. Don’t just list eco-friendly products for the sake of it, take the time to make sure they fit your brand. You should also make sure that your marketing and branding efforts reflect your commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. This could mean having detailed product descriptions that clearly state the materials used or demonstrating a commitment to sustainability on your website's homepage.

When selecting products to offer, consider your target audience and their needs and preferences. Are they interested in eco-friendly products for health reasons, environmental concerns, or ethical considerations? What types of products are they looking for, and what features are most important to them? By understanding your audience and selecting products that meet their needs and expectations, you’ll maintain a level of customer trust that is essential to the health of your online business.

You can also successfully increase sales and establish a loyal customer base by maintaining transparency regarding the sourcing and manufacturing processes of the products you are selling. This means clearly communicating where and how your eco-friendly suppliers make their products, as well as any relevant environmental certifications or ethical standards that they adhere to. By doing so, you can build trust and credibility with consumers, who are increasingly conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment and society as a whole. When customers can feel confident that they are making responsible and ethical purchasing decisions that align with their own values, they are more likely to remain loyal to your brand over time.

In today's business landscape, transparency is key. It is crucial to be open and honest with your customers about your products, services, and business practices. However, transparency is not enough. To truly connect with your customers and build a loyal following, you also need to actively solicit feedback from them. By asking for feedback, you can gain valuable insights into your customers' preferences and needs. This information can be used to improve your products and services, as well as your marketing strategies. By incorporating customer feedback into your decision-making processes, you can create a more customer-centric business that is better able to meet the needs of your target audience. Actively seeking feedback can also help foster a sense of community and loyalty among your customers. When customers feel heard and valued, they are more likely to continue doing business with you and recommend your products to others.

Avoiding greenwashing

In 2024, most consumers are conscious of the environment and their impact on it. As a result, dropshipping eco-friendly and sustainable products has become increasingly popular. However, it is important to be vigilant and ensure that the ethical practices of the product are legitimate. Being a sustainable and eco-friendly dropshipping business is more than just a marketing tactic; it is a responsibility that must be taken seriously. In fact, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), over 57 per cent of businesses make false claims about their sustainability practices, an act known as greenwashing. Greenwashing is when businesses make vague statements about the materials they use or their business practices, giving the impression that they are sustainable when in reality, they are not. As a dropshipper, it is crucial to avoid unknowingly greenwashing by thoroughly researching the suppliers whose products you sell. You must be aware of their behind-the-scenes operations and practices to ensure that they meet your standards for sustainability and ethics. Failing to do so could hurt your brand's reputation and lead to a loss of customer trust. Therefore, before you start selling eco-friendly and sustainable products, it is essential to do your research and ensure that your suppliers' ethical practices align with your business's values. This not only protects your brand but also contributes to the global effort to create a more sustainable future.

Even the biggest businesses can be guilty of greenwashing. Clorox Australia, a leading Australian consumer goods company, is currently facing legal action from the ACCC. The allegations are that Clorox Australia falsely claimed that their garbage bags were being manufactured from recycled ‘ocean plastic’. However, investigations conducted by the ACCC revealed that the plastic used in these bags was collected from Indonesian communities, located 50km away from the shoreline. The ACCC felt that this was misleading and emphasised their priority of taking immediate action against businesses making false environmental claims. This case highlights how seriously sustainability is being taken in Australia. It is not sufficient for businesses to simply claim that their products are eco-friendly in their product descriptions. It is their responsibility to ensure that their products are genuinely sustainable and environmentally friendly, as consumers have a right to know the truth about the products they purchase.

When it comes to avoiding greenwashing, it is important to choose suppliers who are extremely transparent about their sustainability efforts and the materials they use to produce their products. This means they should be forthcoming about every step of their manufacturing process, from sourcing raw materials to disposing of waste. Additionally, they should be able to provide detailed information about their sustainability certifications and any third-party audits they have undergone to ensure that their practices are environmentally sound. By working with trustworthy eco-friendly suppliers, you can be confident that you are supporting truly sustainable businesses and that the products you list on your website are truly eco-friendly.

Popular eco-friendly products in this growing category

When we talk about eco-friendly products, we are referring to those products that comply with sustainable standards throughout their entire supply chain, from product sourcing to manufacturing, storing, packaging, shipping, and disposal. These products are designed and produced in a way that ensures minimal negative impact on the environment and the people involved in the production process. To confirm that a product is truly eco-friendly, it is often evaluated and certified by a third-party enterprise. This evaluation process examines the product's entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, to ensure that it meets specific environmental and social responsibility criteria.

Sustainable and eco-friendly products go beyond just being environmentally friendly; they also imply a brand's commitment to ethical and responsible business practices. They are made and distributed in ways that are socially responsible, fair, and transparent. You may come across buzzwords such as 'ethically sourced,' 'fair trade,' 'organic,' 'recycled,' and 'zero-waste' when reading about these products. These terms reflect the various aspects of sustainability that a brand is committed to, such as ethical labour practices, minimising waste, and using environmentally friendly, recycled materials. By choosing eco-friendly products, you can help support a healthier planet, a more equitable society, and a sustainable future for all.

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the demand for eco-friendly products. The market for such products has become vast and diverse, offering a plethora of possibilities for businesses to explore. From compostable phone cases to jackets made from recycled plastic, the product categories available are varied, allowing you to choose products that align with your brand and cater to your customer's demands. With the dropshipping industry gaining momentum, several other eco-friendly products have gained popularity, such as reusable water bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, and solar-powered chargers. By tapping into this growing market, you can provide your customers with sustainable products while also contributing to a greener planet.

Organic cotton clothing

Organic cotton clothing is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cotton clothing. The sourcing and manufacturing of traditional cotton produces a large amount of pollution. Organic cotton eliminates the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals during the production process, which promotes sustainable agriculture practices. By choosing organic cotton clothing, you help reduce the amount of toxic chemicals that are released into the environment and contribute to the conservation of natural resources. Growing organic cotton also uses 62 per cent less energy and 91 per cent less water compared to traditional cotton.

Vegan leather

Animal agriculture is one of the biggest causes of global warming, so vegan PU leather products are a great alternative to traditional leather products that use animal products. Vegan PU leather bags and armchairs, for instance, are made without the use of animal products. Vegan leather is also much less expensive to produce compared to traditional leather, so it’s a more affordable option for not only you but for your customers as well.

Bamboo furniture

Furniture made from bamboo, like this bamboo shoe rack, is also a popular alternative to traditional wooden furniture, which can contribute to deforestation. Bamboo is a more sustainable material as it takes less time to grow and can be recycled. Bamboo can be grown and harvested in a few years, unlike most woods it can take several decades to fully mature. These products naturally have a smaller carbon footprint, which makes them an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers. Bamboo furniture also tends to be lighter in weight compared to wood, helping to cut down on oversized shipping costs and making it easier for your customers to set up and move around.

Reusable household items

Reusable household items are a popular way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. From bamboo utensils and stainless steel straws to beeswax wraps and silicone food storage, there are many eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. These products are not only better for the environment, but they are also cost-effective for your customers in the long run, as they can be reused multiple times.

Natural beauty products

Natural skincare and beauty products are increasingly popular as consumers are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of synthetic and chemical additives in traditional skincare products. Natural and organic skincare products are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, which makes them a healthier and safer option for your skin.

Plastic-free toiletries

Biodegradable and plastic-free toiletries are a great way to help reduce plastic waste and minimise environmental impact. Bamboo toothbrushes, for example, are a popular alternative to plastic toothbrushes. Biodegradable floss is also an excellent product choice to sell, as it helps contribute less waste. Traditional floss is made from nylon or Teflon, which are both non-biodegradable and take centuries to decompose. These products are not only better for the environment, but they are also more sustainable and healthier for you. 

Compostable and biodegradable packaging

Biodegradable packaging is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials. Compostable and biodegradable packaging options are becoming increasingly popular, as they help reduce plastic waste and minimise environmental impact during product distribution and disposal. By choosing a dropshipping supplier that ships their products with biodegradable packaging, you help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and contribute to the conservation of natural resources.

Summary

The growing demand for environmentally conscious alternatives has opened up promising opportunities for online businesses to capitalise on through dropshipping eco-friendly products. By sourcing authentic eco-friendly products, addressing potential risks, and aligning products with brand values and customer expectations, dropshippers can carve out a niche in this burgeoning market segment.

To truly succeed in this space, businesses must have a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. This means ensuring that all products are not only eco-friendly but also high-quality and durable. Additionally, you need to ensure your suppliers are transparent about their sourcing and supply chains, as customers are increasingly interested in the origins and environmental impact of the products they purchase.

Incorporating eco-friendly practices isn't just a smart business decision—it's a step towards a greener, more sustainable future. By embracing sustainability and innovation, businesses can not only drive profitability but also contribute to positive environmental change. This can include reducing the use of non-renewable resources, minimising waste, and supporting sustainable farming and manufacturing practices. Ultimately, businesses that prioritise sustainability will be better positioned to meet the evolving needs and values of customers, while also making a positive impact on the planet.