Why Nature-Positive Business Strategies Matter and How Sustainable Procurement Can Drive Real Impact
Nature loss is rapidly becoming one of the biggest business risks of our time. While organisations around the world are working to reduce their carbon footprint, the decline of ecosystems, forests, water systems, soils, biodiversity – poses an equally urgent challenge.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), private-sector activities that negatively impact nature amount to $5 trillion every year. In contrast, only $35 billion is invested in nature-positive solutions , a staggering 140:1 imbalance.
For businesses, this matters more than most realise.
Over Half the Global Economy Depends on Nature
Research from PwC shows that 55% of global GDP , around $58 trillion, is dependent or highly dependent on nature’s ecosystem services.
These services include:
pollination
clean water
fertile soil
climate regulation
raw materials
flood protection
natural carbon sequestration
As climate change accelerates and ecosystems degrade, these services become less stable, increasing supply-chain risks, operational costs and long-term vulnerabilities.
This is why forward-thinking organisations are now prioritising nature-positive business strategies as part of their ESG and procurement frameworks.
Why Nature-Positive Procurement Matters
Most environmental impacts occur in the supply chain, especially within Scope 3 emissions. As a result, procurement teams are increasingly seeking:
suppliers with ethical and transparent sourcing
reduced-impact products
circular-economy practices
verifiable environmental reporting
alignment with net-zero and biodiversity goals
Nature-positive procurement is quickly becoming essential for:
ESG disclosures
risk management
compliance
stakeholder expectations
long-term resilience
Working with the right suppliers is one of the most effective ways businesses can reduce nature-negative impacts without increasing workloads or costs.
Red-Inc’s Nature-Positive Approach
At Red-Inc, our commitment to nature sits at the heart of everything we do. As one of the UK’s most sustainable and purpose-led office supplies companies and the first in our sector worldwide with validated SBTi net-zero targets – we embed environmental and social responsibility across our entire business.
1. Plant One, Protect One
For every box of paper sold, we plant and protect trees through Eden, Rainforest Trust UK and Trees for Cities.
So far, our clients have helped us achieve:
53,078 trees planted
25,099 acres of rainforest protected
3,763,340 trees safeguarded
504 work days created in vulnerable communities
This brings genuine, measurable biodiversity impact – not just carbon reduction.
2. Responsible, ethical sourcing
We screen all suppliers using a rigorous compliance questionnaire assessing modern slavery, sustainability practices, and net-zero progress. Our product portfolio strongly favours circular, recycled and low-impact options.
3. Transparent, Scope 3-aligned reporting
Our clients rely on us for detailed ESG and carbon reporting, including emissions per product category, delivery emissions, trees planted, CO₂ saved and year-on-year trends.
4. Nature-positive products
From treeless EnvoPAP paper to closed-loop recycling schemes , we help organisations reduce their environmental impact through everyday purchasing choices.
How Nature-Positive Business Strategies Benefit Organisations
Implementing nature-positive approaches offers clear advantages:
✔ Reduced environmental risk
Organisations become less vulnerable to nature-related supply-chain disruptions.
✔ Stronger ESG and sustainability performance
Nature-positive procurement directly supports Scope 3, biodiversity and climate-related disclosures.
✔ Improved resilience and reputation
Stakeholders increasingly expect organisations to protect and restore nature – not simply offset emissions.
✔ A more ethical supply chain
Choosing certified, transparent suppliers helps meet procurement and governance standards.
Looking to Strengthen Your ESG, Nature-Positive and Net-Zero Strategy?
Red-Inc can support your organisation with:
nature-positive workplace supplies
sustainable procurement solutions
verified Scope 3 carbon reporting
supplier ESG data for disclosures
SBTi-aligned net-zero partnerships
regular sustainability updates for your teams
If you’d like to explore how sustainable office supplies and nature-positive procurement can support your goals, we’d love to help.
Contact us to start your nature-positive journey.
FAQs
What are nature-positive business strategies?
These are approaches that not only reduce environmental harm but actively restore and protect ecosystems through sustainable sourcing, circular practices and responsible suppliers.
How does procurement influence nature-positive outcomes?
Over 80% of many organisations’ environmental impacts occur in their supply chain. Choosing sustainable suppliers is one of the quickest ways to reduce nature-negative impacts.
Why are office supplies relevant to ESG and Scope 3?
Office products sit within purchased goods and services – a key Scope 3 category. Sustainable alternatives and transparent reporting help organisations reduce emissions and demonstrate progress.