Invested In Climate

Sustainable shopping momentum with Future & Back Market, Ep #56

Jun 13, 2023

46:38

Today’s episode focuses on sustainable consumption. I know what you’re probably thinking – that the climate crisis requires systemic change and that shifting consumer behavior is slow, it's difficult and it simply won’t add up to enough in terms of the emissions reductions we need. And, I agree – sustainable shopping isn’t enough, but it’s still essential. Demand for climate-positive products helps accelerate new markets. And when consumers see that their choices matter, it influences what they work on, invest in and vote for.

Over the years, there have been many attempts to get consumers to go green, but today’s guests have novel approaches that are gaining real traction. Jean-Louis Warnholz is the Co-Founder and CEO of Future, a recommendation and rewards engine driving sustainable purchasing. And Amandine Durr is the Head of Product at Back Market, an online marketplace serving the fast-growing interest in refurbished technology. We talk about both of their companies, how they got started, how they’re saving consumers money while protecting the environment, where they’re headed, how AI is helping, how refurbished goods have become a new category, the potential for everyday people to transform our economy and much more. Lots to learn and think about in this one. Enjoy.

In today’s episode, we cover:

[3:19] Future & the problem it’s aiming to solve
[4:27] Jean-Louis’ journey & how he got involved in climate work
[5:15] Back Market & the problem it’s aiming to solve
[6:48] Amandine’s journey & how she got involved in climate work
[8:01] Future’s products & what sets it apart
[10:13] Future’s traction & consumer adoption
[11:49] Future’s impact on climate & the environment
[13:34] Future’s rewards system
[14:39] Back Market’s products, its refurbishing process & how it stands out in the space
[17:47] How the market for refurbished & secondhand goods has changed
[20:17] Conveying Back Market’s refurbishment process to consumers
[23:38] Handling the issue of planned obsolescence
[25:55] The partnership between Back Market & Future
[29:01] Future’s personalized recommendations feature
[31:29] Spending areas where consumers could save money & improve their climate impacts
[35:37] What’s next for Back Market
[38:21] The B2B market
[40:54] The future of shopping in 5-10 years & what needs to change