Red-Inc at OPI European Forum 2024: Purpose-Driven Business, Sustainability, and Innovation
Last week, Red-Inc’s founder Adam had the privilege of stepping onto the stage at the OPI European Forum 2024 in London—one of the most significant gatherings in the European business supplies calendar. Hosted at the buzzing Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel, the event brought together movers and shakers from across the industry to discuss what’s next for us all. And spoiler alert: it’s all about purpose-driven business, sustainability, and innovation.
Purpose-Driven Business: The Core of Red-Inc’s Mission
At Red-Inc, “purpose” isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the very reason we exist. During a keynote session, Adam shared our journey of aligning a client-first approach with an ESG-focused strategy to drive not only ethics but also business success.
Let’s rewind a bit. When we launched Red-Inc back in 2008, the market wasn’t exactly clamoring for values-driven suppliers. It was all about low cost and fast delivery. But even as we faced uphill battles, we held onto the idea that how we do business matters just as much as what we sell.
Fast-forward to 2016, and we became one of the first in our sector to earn B Corp certification. For us, this wasn’t just a pat on the back; it was a springboard that pushed us to do more and be better. The icing on the cake? Joining a community of forward-thinking companies who share our commitment to making a positive impact.
At the Forum, it was inspiring to see the growing industry shift towards purpose-driven leadership. Companies now realise that prioritising purpose creates lasting value for all stakeholders, from customers to the planet.
Sustainability and ESG: The Business Imperative
One of the main points Adam drove home during his talk? Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) aren’t optional anymore. They’re the foundation for future-proofing our businesses.
Our signature “Plant One, Protect One” program exemplifies this ethos. Pairing reforestation projects with rainforest conservation, this initiative demonstrates how businesses can champion environmental stewardship while inspiring change across supply chains.
As we shared with the audience, tackling ESG isn’t just about compliance or reputation management. It’s about evolving the way we do business—adapting to meet the moment while delivering for our customers. And yes, you can grow while staying true to your values. In fact, it’s the only way to build something that lasts.
The Next Generation: Leaders of a Purposeful Future
One of the most inspiring parts of the OPI Forum was seeing the focus on young talent. A brilliant panel unpacked the motivations and challenges facing the next generation of leaders in our industry, and it struck a chord. These are the people who will take what we’ve built and make it better.
At Red-Inc, we value the energy, fresh ideas, and passion that young talent brings. That’s why we’re committed to fostering growth and development opportunities—not just within our team but for the broader industry. Empowering the next generation is key to driving innovation and sustainability forward.
Key Takeaways from the OPI European Forum 2024
The OPI European Forum reminded us why events like these are so important. They’re a chance to step out of the day-to-day grind and connect with the big picture. To debate, collaborate, and yes, dream a little bigger.
And for Red-Inc, it reinforced a simple truth: the world is moving in the right direction. Purpose, sustainability, and values are no longer niche—they’re mainstream. And we couldn’t be more ready to meet this moment.
About Red-Inc
Red-Inc is an award-winning, B Corp-certified office supplies company founded on the principles of sustainability and purpose-driven business. Through innovative programs like “Plant One, Protect One,” we empower clients to achieve their net-zero goals while creating a lasting positive impact. At Red-Inc, we believe that when business is good, it should do good.