Case Study: How ELK Successfully Integrated Recycled Products into Their Operations with Resourceful Living

In an era where sustainability is not just a trend but a crucial business imperative, companies are increasingly seeking innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact. One such company, ELK, has partnered with Resourceful Living to integrate recycled products into their Visual Merchandising operations, demonstrating the power of sustainable practices in driving business success.

The Challenge

With increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and store fit-outs, ELK, a leader in sustainable fashion, was looking to adopt more sustainable practices through creation of unique display elements across their retail stores. 

Integrating recycled display products into their operations posed several challenges:

1. Supply Chain Adjustments: Transitioning to recycled materials required sourcing reliable local suppliers who could service their needs and share their vision.
2. Product Quality: The company wanted to mirror the high quality standards of their product onto the quality of their display products.
3. Cost Management: While committed to sustainability, ELK needed to ensure that the transition would not significantly increase costs.

The Solution

Resourceful Living stepped in to provide a comprehensive solution that addressed these challenges and enabled ELK to successfully integrate recycled products into their Visual Merchandising operations.

1. Sustainable Material Sourcing: Resourceful Living worked with ELK to produce products that used the collected waste from ELK employees. 
2. Innovative Product Design: To maintain product integrity, Resourceful Living collaborated with ELK  to develop new product display designs optimised for recycled materials. 
3. Cost-Effective Integration: Resourceful Living worked closely with ELK to identify cost-saving opportunities throughout the production process. By optimising material usage and streamlining operations.
4. Education: Resourceful Living provided video sessions to highlight the benefits of using recycled materials and equipped staff with the knowledge needed to seamlessly integrate these materials into their daily operations.

The Results

The partnership between ELK and Resourceful Living yielded impressive results.

1. Reduced Environmental Impact: By integrating recycled products into their visual merchandising operations, ELK reduced their consumption of virgin materials, saving 2165KwH of energy, 6.3 barrels of oil and diverting 10.5 cubic metres of waste from landfills.
2. Enhanced Brand Reputation: The integration of recycled materials throughout their stores further reinforced ELK’s position as a leader in sustainability within their industry.

The case of ELK illustrates how a strategic partnership with Resourceful Living can enable companies to successfully integrate recycled products into their operations. By addressing

supply chain challenges, ensuring product quality, and managing costs, Resourceful Living supported ELK in finding more sustainable solutions in their journey toward greater environmental responsibility.