Keith Loiselle, the CEO of greenre™, brings a wealth of experience in consumer products and a career dedicated to the licensing and branding industry, particularly with a focus on environmentally conscious consumer products. His professional journey has provided him with the opportunity to collaborate with major brands and licenses such as Disney, Marvel, Warner Bros., MGA’s LOL, Lucas, Mattel, and Emoji. This extensive background has been instrumental in shaping greenre’s approach to sustainability and product innovation in the realm of environmentally conscious consumer goods.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Tell us about greenre™ and its mission. What inspired you to start this company?
greenre™ is an environmentally conscious consumer products company located in Canada. Our mission is to lead, prioritize and use sustainable materials in our consumer products, including recycled materials, bio-fibers, natural materials, recyclables, and eco-designed alternatives. We are committed to making a positive impact on the environment while offering high-quality, licensed products in various categories, such as publishing and activity toys.
The inspiration behind greenre™ came from recognizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the consumer products industry. Witnessing the environmental challenges our planet faces, including climate change, plastic pollution, and resource depletion, I felt compelled to create a company that would make a difference. greenre™ was founded with the belief that businesses can play a significant role in addressing these challenges by offering consumers environmentally conscious alternatives without compromising on quality or affordability.
What strategies do you employ to ensure that greenre™ remains competitive in the market?
At greenre™, we focus on several key strategies to maintain our competitive edge in the market:
- Sustainability Leadership: Our commitment to using sustainable materials and our emphasis on environmental responsibility set us apart from competitors. We continuously innovate our product designs and materials to reduce our environmental footprint.
- Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with major brands and licenses like Disney, Marvel, and Warner Bros. allows us to offer unique and highly sought-after products that appeal to a wide audience.
- Consumer Education: We believe in educating consumers about the importance of sustainable choices. By raising awareness and providing environmentally conscious options, we empower consumers to make informed decisions.
- Market Expansion: Expanding our distribution channels and entering new markets, such as the United States, ensures our products reach a broader audience.
- Certifications and Programs: Our participation in programs like the United Nations Global Compact and the Climate Ambition Accelerator demonstrates our commitment to global sustainability standards and initiatives. Ensuring our supply of raw materials are FSC responsible forestry, fsc recycled and GRS certified recycled plastic
How do you foster a culture of innovation and adaptability within your organization, considering the rapidly changing landscape of the business industry?
Innovation and adaptability are core principles at greenre™. We foster a culture of innovation through:
- Research and Development: We invest in research and development to discover new sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and product designs.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: We’ve developed an Environmental Impact Assessment toolkit that provides meaningful environmental impact data on our retail programs. This data drives innovation and informs our decisions.
- Collaboration: We collaborate with organizations like Products of Change and participate in industry events to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in sustainability.
- Employee Engagement: We encourage our employees to contribute their ideas and insights. We believe that everyone in our organization plays a role in driving innovation.
- Adaptability: We recognize that the business landscape is continually changing, and we remain flexible and adaptable in response to market shifts and evolving consumer preferences.
What steps do you take to attract and retain top talent in the industry, and how do you encourage professional growth and development within your organization?
Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for our success. We achieve this by offering competitive compensation, opportunities for advancement, and a supportive work environment. We also encourage professional growth and development through:
- Training and Development: We provide industry training and development to help employees enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
- Mentorship Programs: We apply mentorship that enable experienced team members to guide and support employees in their career journeys.
- Recognition and Rewards: We recognize outstanding performance to motivate and retain our top talent.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: We recognize inclusivity and diversity in our practices and company culture, creating an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.
How do you address the increasing importance of digitalization and technology in the sector, and how does it influence the company and its operations and customer experience?
Digitalization and technology play a significant role in our sector, and we embrace these advancements to enhance our operations and customer experience. Some key initiatives include:
- E-Commerce: We’ve expanded our online presence through platforms like Amazon to reach consumers directly, providing a convenient and efficient shopping experience.
- Data Analytics: We use data analytics to gain insights into customer preferences and market trends, enabling us to tailor our product offerings and marketing strategies.
- Environmental Impact Tracking: We leverage tracked indicators and report our environmental impact, user feedback while providing transparency to consumers and stakeholders.
- Sustainable Packaging: We explore innovative packaging solutions, including environmentally conscious materials and reduced packaging waste, to improve sustainability and reduce environmental pressures.
- Consumer Engagement: Through digital channels and social media, we engage with consumers to share our sustainability journey, educate them about our products, and gather feedback.
As CEO and Founder of greenre™, what is your overall vision for the company and future and how do you plan to achieve it?
My vision for greenre™ is to become a global leader in environmentally conscious consumer products. We aim to inspire positive change by providing sustainable alternatives that empower consumers to make environmentally conscious choices. Our future involves:
- Expansion: We plan to expand our market presence, both domestically and internationally, reaching a broader audience with our sustainable products.
- Innovation: Continuously innovate our products and materials to further reduce our environmental impact and offer cutting-edge, sustainable solutions.
- Advocacy: Advocate for environmental responsibility within our industry and collaborate with like-minded organizations to drive positive change.
- Certification: Achieve B-Corp certification to further demonstrate our commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
- Education: Continue educating consumers about the importance of sustainability and empower them to make informed choices.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders or individuals looking to join the industry?
I would offer the following advice to aspiring leaders and those looking to enter the industry:
- Passion for Purpose: Find your purpose and passion. In the sustainability sector, a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the environment can drive your success.
- Continuous Learning: Stay curious and committed to learning. The industry evolves rapidly, and staying informed is key to innovation.
- Network and Collaborate: Build relationships within the industry and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations. Together, we can achieve greater impact.
- Embrace Innovation: Embrace technological advancements and innovative solutions that can enhance sustainability efforts and customer experiences.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability through your actions and decisions. Authenticity is valued by consumers and peers alike.
Please Visit: https://greenre.ca/
