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It's Sustainability Week! Dominic Santschi, MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance alumnus and Ampliphi co-founder discusses his sustainable business and shares advice to others on starting sustainable companies:
Climate change and plastic pollution are two of the most pressing issues of our time, and the Imperial College Business School Master’s programme Climate Change, Management & Finance helped me understand the complexities and solutions to these global issues. Thanks to this programme, I gained a deep understanding of the economic, financial, and policy aspects of sustainability, and I was inspired to use my knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.
After graduating from Imperial College Business School, I decided to start my own company, Ampliphi. Our mission is to help consumer brands become more sustainable by providing innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and circular economy integrations. At Ampliphi, we are convinced that by harnessing the power of technology and data, we can help the consumer goods industry make more informed decisions about their plastic usage and curb plastic pollution.
One of the key ways we do this is through our proprietary software, which uses machine learning algorithms to analyse brand-specific data and identify opportunities for cost savings and plastic waste reduction. By analysing data from a brand’s product, packaging and supply chain, we help consumer goods leaders identify inefficiencies and reduce their plastic footprint.
When we started Ampliphi in June 2021, we were challenged to convince potential customers of the value of our solutions. Many brands were skeptical of the benefits of sustainability analytics and data-driven strategy development, and they were hesitant to invest in our digital services. However, we were able to overcome this challenge by demonstrating the cost savings and environmental benefits of our solutions through detailed case studies and pilot projects.
Another challenge we faced was navigating the complex and rapidly changing regulatory environment around corporate sustainability disclosures, and, more specifically, extended producer responsibility policies. The Specialised Master’s at Imperial helped me understand the policy and regulatory landscape, and this knowledge has been invaluable in navigating the challenges faced by Ampliphi.
Advice for others when starting a company with sustainability in its DNA:
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Clearly define your mission and values: it is essential to have a clear understanding of why your company exists and what it stands for. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and it will also make it easier to communicate your message to potential customers and strategic partners.
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Be prepared to face challenges: starting a sustainability services company is not easy, and you should be prepared to face a range of challenges, from technical and financial to regulatory and marketing. It is important to be resilient and to have a strong team of people who can help you overcome these challenges.
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Focus on delivering value: it is essential to understand the needs of your customers and to deliver solutions that meet those needs. This is especially important in the sustainable sector, where many organisations are skeptical of the business benefits beyond marketing campaigns and improved brand reputation.
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Keep up with the latest trends and regulatory developments: the corporate sustainability landscape is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay informed about the latest trends and regulatory developments. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of your customers.
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Network, network, network: building relationships with your customer segment, other businesses, academia, and experts in your target industry is vital for success. This can help you learn from others, find partners and clients and stay informed on the latest developments in the industry.
In conclusion, building Ampliphi has been an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience. The MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance programme provided me with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue my passion for sustainable business, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. I encourage others who are interested in starting a sustainability services company to pursue their dreams and stay focused on delivering value to their customers and the planet.
Written by Dominic Santschi
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