Bopinc: business can drive sustainable consumer choices

How can businesses encourage consumers to make more sustainable choices? And what does it take to create solutions that are not only environmentally beneficial, but also commercially viable and accessible? These were some of the questions explored by Impact MBA students during a recent visit to Bopinc as part of the course Sustainability Transitions and Systemic Change, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Nicolas Chevrollier.

Bopinc is an organization dedicated to creating inclusive business solutions that improve the lives of low-income consumers. Working across sectors such as food, water, energy, and finance, the organization helps companies develop products, services, and business models that generate both commercial value and positive societal impact. During the visit, students were welcomed by Emile Schmitz and Hardik Parmar, who introduced the organization's mission and shared examples of projects from around the world.

Creating impact through inclusive innovation

Through these real-world cases, students gained insight into the challenges and opportunities of designing solutions for consumers at the Base of the Pyramid while ensuring long-term business viability. The session highlighted an important principle: creating impact requires more than good intentions. Sustainable solutions must also be accessible, affordable, and attractive to the people they are designed to serve. By combining business innovation with a deep understanding of consumer needs, organizations can create solutions that generate both economic and societal value.

From theory to practice

After the introduction, students put their knowledge into practice through an interactive challenge. Working in groups, they were asked to develop interventions that would encourage consumers to switch from purchasing new packaging to using refill solutions instead. Drawing on Bopinc's approach to behavioural change, each group explored different levers that influence consumer decisions. The exercise challenged students to think beyond traditional awareness campaigns and consider the wider factors that shape behaviour, including convenience, accessibility, incentives, and consumer habits.

The complexity of behaviour change

The challenge demonstrated that sustainability transitions are rarely driven by information alone. Even when consumers understand the environmental benefits of a solution, adoption often depends on whether sustainable alternatives fit naturally into everyday life. For many students, this was one of the most valuable insights of the day. Real change requires businesses, policymakers, and communities to work together in designing systems that make sustainable choices easier and more appealing.

Lessons for future leaders

The visit provided a practical perspective on concepts discussed throughout the Sustainability Transitions and Systemic Change course. By engaging with a real-world challenge and learning from practitioners working at the intersection of business and impact, students experienced firsthand how innovation can contribute to addressing complex societal issues. Reflecting on the session, students left with a deeper appreciation for the role of business in creating sustainable change. The visit encouraged them to think differently about consumer behaviour, systems thinking, and the importance of designing solutions that create value for both people and society.

We would like to thank Emile Schmitz, Hardik Parmar, and the entire Bopinc team for hosting the Impact MBA cohort and for providing an inspiring learning experience that brought the realities of sustainability transitions to life.