Sean Millard, Chief Growth Officer at The Royal Mint, and Mark Stringer, CMO and Co-Founder of SkootEco, joined Professor Yiannis Ioannou from London Business School for an episode of the "Think Ahead" podcast. They discussed how eco-innovation is shaping the future of business.
- Eco-Innovation as a Business Imperative
For both The Royal Mint and SkootEco, sustainability is more than a corporate responsibility—it’s a fundamental business strategy. This episode highlights how adopting eco-innovation as a core principle strengthens relevance, drives profitability, and secures long-term viability. - Transforming E-Waste into Valuable Resources
The Royal Mint is breaking new ground by repurposing electronic waste. Sean shares how they extract precious metals like gold, aluminium, and palladium from discarded electronics, transforming potential environmental hazards into new revenue streams and valuable resources. This process exemplifies how industries can adopt circular economy principles to reduce waste. - Sustainable Jewellery Production
The Royal Mint’s entrance into the luxury jewellery market sets a new standard for ethical sourcing and sustainable manufacturing. Traditional jewellery production often has significant environmental costs, but The Royal Mint has redefined its approach, focusing on minimising impact. This commitment is reshaping the jewellery sector by offering sustainable yet luxurious options. - Humanising Carbon Impact
SkootEco’s Strings emphasises the importance of making carbon emissions relatable. He illustrates that the average individual’s annual carbon footprint could be visualised as a dozen 10-metre balls above their home—a striking image that brings home the real-world impact of personal emissions and underscores the need for action. - Empowering Climate-Positive Choices
SkootEco’s tech platform enables companies and individuals to make climate-conscious decisions. From carbon offsetting to tree planting, SkootEco's tools make it easy for users to contribute positively to the environment. This approach breaks down the barriers to sustainability, making impactful choices accessible to everyone. - The Power of Storytelling in Sustainability
Strings explains that storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging stakeholders and fostering loyalty. By making sustainability personal and compelling, SkootEco shows how companies can motivate customers and employees alike to commit to positive change, proving that the right narrative can drive collective action. - Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Supply Chains
Sean discusses the critical role of sustainable supply chains, highlighting a shift in even smaller companies who are eager to showcase their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) credentials. Embracing sustainability at every step in the supply chain not only meets rising consumer expectations but also opens new market opportunities. - Innovation Beyond Technology: Process and Business Model
Eco-innovation isn’t just about the latest tech. Both Sean and Strings underscore the importance of rethinking traditional processes and business models. By innovating these core elements, companies can create lasting value that benefits both the environment and society at large. - Making Sustainability Affordable and Profitable
There’s a common misconception that sustainable products are inherently more expensive. Sean and Strings counter this by pointing out that eco-friendly choices, such as lab-grown diamonds, can be affordable and profitable. Sustainable products don’t have to cost more—they can even offer greater value to both companies and consumers. - Driving Systemic Change from the Ground Up
Through SkootEco, Strings advocates for a grassroots approach to climate action, inspired by the “nudge theory.” Small, incremental changes, like switching suppliers or adopting tree-planting initiatives, collectively create large-scale impact. SkootEco empowers individuals and businesses to take manageable steps that add up to systemic change.
