Consumers around the world are concerned about their planet, especially the visible problem of plastic waste. The concerns, but also the efforts of consumers to avoid plastic waste in their everyday lives, can be easily shared via social media. As a result, the topic reached an unprecedented peak in German-language social media conversations in the fall of 2019. The avoidance of plastic and the use of alternative packaging materials was by far one of the most important topics on social media in 2019, and the plastic report for 2020 shows that concerns about plastic waste have increased again after the coronavirus pandemic dominated conversations in the first half of the year.

After a steady increase in conversations around plastic waste prevention since 2018, April 2020 saw a slump in social media conversations. It was the month in which the coronavirus pandemic captured the attention of consumers worldwide. In the months that followed (May to August 2020), conversations in Germany slowly rose again and are now at the same level as in January 2020. Concerns about plastic waste remain high worldwide, as a direct consumer survey of more than 7,000 consumers shows. After France and Spain, German consumers are still very concerned, only citizens from the USA are less worried.

Understandably, one may find the aforementioned figures somewhat bleak, as the pandemic is distracting consumers from the global plastic waste problem and all the consequences that come with it, Brandwatch concludes. Nevertheless, there is also positive news. A high proportion of respondents say they care and are taking action to reduce waste.

The desire to avoid plastic waste remains high despite the coronavirus pandemic and German consumers in particular see it as their duty, and increasingly that of companies, to take appropriate measures in the fight against plastic waste. 79 % of German consumers stated that they avoid plastic waste. This puts them above the global average. In the survey, they confirmed that they do not use plastic bags (66 %) or disposable coffee cups and plastic straws (61 % each) in order to reduce plastic. Delivery service food in plastic packaging is also avoided, with over 40 % of the German consumers surveyed using this measure to combat the increase in plastic waste.

Brand companies are held responsible

Brand companies are more likely to be held responsible for reducing or limiting plastic waste and its impact than governments, NGOs or other players. Fast food chains are cited as particularly responsible from a consumer perspective: Consumers believe that fast food brands need to do more to reduce their plastic consumption (54 %). In addition to the fast food industry, the focus is on companies that produce soft drinks (49 %) or household and cleaning products (39 %) as well as brands from the fashion industry (38 %). German consumers name fast food (67 %), fruit and vegetables (59 %) and fashion (51 %).

Authenticity is important

One of the researchers' conclusions is that people are still discussing online how various plastic products affect the environment and consumers are increasingly holding brands to account. In our recent Brand Purpose study, 55 % of consumers surveyed were asked what is important to them about a company and influences their purchasing decision, with their attitude to sustainability and environmental protection being the second most important point. Over half of those surveyed also stated that it is important to them that a company acts authentically according to its values and principles. This shows that words are more important to consumers than actions and if words are not followed by actions, consumers will switch brands.

Accepting economic consequences to avoid plastic

63 % of respondents in the direct survey agreed with the statement that brands should use more recyclable material in their packaging. Another exciting result of the survey is that German consumers would accept economic consequences if they could avoid plastic waste. This means that 70 % of German consumers would pay more for a product that is offered in alternative packaging. Unfortunately, however, the efforts of the major players are still far from sufficient. The Waste & Opportunity 2020 report by the non-profit organization As You Sows shows that hardly any progress has been made. Out of 50 major companies from the beverage, fast food, consumer goods and retail sectors, just one company received a B-. 74 % of the companies received a D or worse.

#sustainability #sustainable #vegan

The hashtags used to avoid plastic waste have changed compared to last year. Today, the focus is on food, which is also reflected in the most frequently used hashtags. Half of the top 10 hashtags relating to plastic waste are about food.

Thomas Grünberg, Senior Marketing Manager for the DACH region at Brandwatch, believes that companies have a duty to do more to combat plastic waste: "Even if awareness has dropped somewhat this year, consumers are demanding responsibility from brand companies. They need to take action to retain their customers because, as our study shows, consumers are now willing to accept economic consequences if it means they can avoid plastic."

Risk

How to make the right decisions. 

• Author: Gerd Gigerenzer
• Publisher: Pantheon Verlag, 2020
• Pages: 400
• ISBN: 9783570554425

The age of enlightenment is far from over. Gerd Gigerenzer, who has spent a lifetime studying the topic of "decision-making", reveals how we still harbor illusory expectations in our struggle for certainties. We believe that there is certain knowledge about the future - namely from experts. However, these "guardians of knowledge" often think and act irrationally and thus frequently harm the common good. The Berlin psychologist's book is far more than an appeal to readers to finally follow their own reason and face the facts of everyday life with an alert and critical mind. It is pure enlightenment. Using his impressive research findings, Gigerenzer not only shows how immature modern man is. He also shows them a way to free themselves from wrong thinking. GetAbstract recommends this enlightening read to all entrepreneurs and managers as well as anyone who does not want to lose track of their life and business in a world of uncertainty.

Accelerate

The DevOps mindset. 24 key competencies to develop and scale high-performance technology companies. 

• Author: Gene Kim, Jez Humble and Nicole Forsgren
• Publisher: Vahlen Verlag, 2019
• Pages: 212
• ISBN: 9783800659630

The gap between high and low performers is widening in software development. But what is the difference between high-performing and low-performing development teams? The authors of this book investigated this question as part of their four-year research project. They were able to identify 24 key competencies that make a decisive contribution to higher performance. In addition to the results, they also present their methodology, which is unfortunately somewhat lengthy. Nevertheless, this is an inspiring book for software developers who are prepared to break new ground.

Boost!

What managers can learn from top athletes. 

• Author: Michael Bar-Eli
• Publisher: Wiley-VCH, 2019
• Pages: 264
• ISBN: 9783527509720

In competitive sport, performance-enhancing or performance-reducing factors have a direct effect and can be recognized immediately on the basis of competitive success. This is very different in the world of work. Nevertheless, companies and managers can learn a lot from successful athletes and teams. Despite all the differences, the mechanisms of action are similar and have been well researched. Israeli sports psychologist Michael Bar-Eli shares his experiences in this interesting textbook for managers.

Clear edge

Lead employees courageously and at eye level. 

• Author: Ines Eulzer and Thomas Pütter
• Publisher: BusinessVillage GmbH, 2019
• Pages: 237
• ISBN: 9783869804606

Poor leadership is the most common reason why employees resign. According to the authors, leadership in companies is often not clear enough. In their book, they show what is important if you want to motivate employees to perform at their best and make the company a success. They also provide many practical tips. There are also some old hats, such as the right way to give feedback. Overall, however, the book is recommended for all managers looking for new impulses.

"By merging the two teams, we want to further strengthen the area of moving images and make better use of synergies between the teams that previously worked independently," says Tom Schneider, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Development and Technology, explaining the decision. "NZZ Format has been a firm part of the German-language television landscape for over 25 years, and our web video team NZZ Video will benefit from the great experience and networks it has built up. But of course, digitalization is not bypassing linear TV formats. In the development of format web videos and contemporary storytelling, NZZ Format will learn from the know-how of the NZZ Video team."

Stein heads new department

Markus Stein took over as head of the new "Video & TV" department on October 1. He has already headed the NZZ Video team since September 2018. He now also leads the team of the TV program NZZ Format. The head of NZZ Format ad interim, Andrea Wagner-Hauner, becomes deputy head of department Video & TV together with Jörg Walch, video editor NZZ.

Before joining the NZZ, Markus Stein worked for a long time in video and TV journalism. From 2009 to 2018, he was graphics editor at ZDF. For the news formats Heute and Heutejournal, he developed explanatory pieces and rooms in the virtual news studio. He was also heavily involved in the redesign of ZDF's late news program Heute+. Markus Stein studied visual communication at the Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach. In his diploma thesis he dealt with the fusion of web and TV and the resulting effects on news formats.

In "Ein Ball für zwei" ("A Ball for Two"), comedian Kiko and, alternately, Manuel Rothmund and Florian Künzi look every Friday at the sporting events of the upcoming weekend and explain which highlights the sports-interested public should definitely not miss. On "What to Watch - Weekend," the audience discovers the best new movies, series and entertainment formats together with hosts Vania Spescha and Serap Yavuz - newly supported by Anthony Ackermann and Frank Richter.

Social media personality Raffa Plastic gets her first own mini-show on "What to Watch - Weekend," "Raffa glotzt und motzt," in which she sums up her view of media productions.

"We want to inspire and provide guidance with a curated selection of great films and shows," says Claudia Lässer, Chief Product Officer Sports and News at Blue. "With Raffa, Manu, Kiko, Frank and Anthony, five strong character heads join our young team.".

Since September 22, 2020, Teleclub, Bluewin, Kitag Cinemas and Swisscom TV have been appearing under the joint name "Blue (Werbewoche.ch reported). "A Ball for Two" and "What to Watch" are available on Bluenews.ch, on Blue's social media presences, on free TV on Blue Zoom and live or replay on TV boxes.

There are opportunities in every crisis: in the best-case scenario, overdue structural change is accelerated and innovations that were previously unthinkable are made possible. How a brand can be managed during and after a crisis is one of the many topics at the Swiss Brand Congress.

Under the motto "Local Heroes, Global Players", 30 experts from successful national and international brands are expected to take to the stage. Representatives of major brand names such as Geberit, Facebook, Heineken, Zurich Film Festival and BVB Borussia Dortmund will present current trends and developments in the industry at first hand. Successful approaches and strategies in brand management will be presented. Practical knowledge, Swissness and global brands shake hands. Which brands have a bright future ahead of them? Which ones are losing relevance? Topics such as live experiences, influencer marketing, big data, Generation Z, storytelling and many more will be discussed in the eight forums.

Live at a distance and online

In accordance with the current Corona guidelines, the congress will take place live at "The Dolder Grand Hotel" in Zurich - as far as possible in the "fresh air" and in the largest rooms of the Dolder. All presentations will be streamed and will be available to all participants 365 days on-demand. Online participants can also exchange ideas and network virtually.

Award for practice and science

Two coveted prizes from the Academy of Marketing Science will be awarded on site. The "Rigour & Relevance Research Award" is presented to a research paper that is of the highest relevance to companies. The "Swiss Academy of Marketing Science Award" goes to marketing practitioners for their special commitment to academic marketing education and research.

Following the success of the campaign with Charles Nguela as the "poster clarifier," Wingo is once again relying on the comedian - and the Heimat Zürich agency - for the new campaign. This time, the offer is "Wingo Swiss," the hammer subscription available for a short time only, with unlimited calls, SMS and equally unlimited Internet throughout Switzerland.

In French-speaking Switzerland, a version of the film shot with actor Xavier Alfonso will be used. In addition to the main films, short versions will be shown in various digital advertising formats. Further measures with the same cast are already on the way, according to Heimat Zürich.

The 58-year-old Engler is running for mayor of Davos. Provided he is elected in the second round of voting on November 29, he would have to take up political office on January 1, 2021. Engler's resignation is therefore "a logical consequence", announced Bergbahnen Lenzerheide on Wednesday.

The FDP politician can hope to win the election, especially as the middle-class ranks have closed for the second round of voting. He came second in the first round, just behind the SP candidate Philipp Wilhelm.

Engler worked at Lenzerheide Bergbahnen for a total of eight years. He spent the first three years as Deputy CEO and the last five years as CEO. The mountain railroads intend to advertise the position publicly in the next few days to fill the vacancy. (SDA)

As Chief Digital Officer, 39-year-old Moersch has been responsible for the development and implementation of Ringier Axel Springer Switzerland's digital strategy since 2017. From November 1, 2020, he will also take over the management of the business titles and become a member of the Executive Board. Nina Ranke, the previous Head of Business Media, is leaving the company at her own request to pursue a challenge outside the media industry.

Michael Moersch will continue to be responsible for all of the media company's digital business areas and offerings - including the management of overarching departments such as Business Intelligence, SEO, UX/UI, Video and Social Media. With international expertise in digital revenue models, the law graduate will also focus on the further development of business media in the future. This includes publications such as Handelszeitung and Bilanz as well as their digital offerings and the financial platform Cash.ch.

In addition to taking on his additional role as Head of Business Media, Michael Moersch will become a member of the Executive Board of Ringier Axel Springer Switzerland.

"The Corona crisis is a watershed for tourism, the likes of which have never been seen before," said Baden-Württemberg's Tourism Minister Guido Wolf. Never before in the past decades had the travel industry faced comparable challenges.

Nevertheless, there is also reason for optimism, he said: "In recent months, our tourism stakeholders have demonstrated their creativity, solidarity and innovative strength to a high degree. What has been set up here in the shortest possible time in terms of initiatives and campaigns to save the industry has impressed me deeply. I am therefore confident that with good ideas and creative solutions we can also be successful in a changed travel world."

Tourism to Corona: a sketch

An idea of how travel and tourism could develop with and after Corona was then outlined by sociologist and futurologist Andreas Reiter in his keynote address. He divided the future of travel into two phases, the current transit phase and a post-pandemic phase.

"In the transit phase, reduction reigns supreme," says Reiter. The travel radius and expectations of guests are manageable, and basic motives such as freedom, nature and safety, "small, manageable worlds," are decisive for the travel decision. At the same time, the transit phase brings a boost in digital innovations that enable a vacation with distance as well as regulated time windows for experiences without crowds.

For the post-pandemic phase, Reiter expects a new growth spurt for tourism: "The bustling life is returning and with it the unbridled desire to travel." Smart visitor management, however, which was tried out during the pandemic, will be maintained afterwards. Social distancing is being replaced by a new yearning for haptic experiences, communal experiences and extraordinary experiences. "People are looking for places that hold the unpredictable, the surprising and the magical as a vacation promise - a precious narrative in a world that has become predictable and therefore boring due to algorithms and artificial intelligence," Reiter said.

At the center of the campaign are surprising stagings of the digits 0 and 1. These are already included in the company logo and are therefore predestined to play an important role in the creative concept: After all, a true digital head goes through everyday life with the binary code in his head.

Several films for use in paid and owned media have already been created, as well as a variety of motifs that can be used online and offline.

With this commercial, Jung von Matt/Limmat is creating another story for Mobiliar's roof campaign. The latest claims story takes viewers on a wild canoe trip that begins on the roof of a car and ends in the trunk. The same plot was already used for the surplus fund campaign in the spring (Werbewoche.ch reported). Back then, however, the story had a happier and damage-free ending than it does now.

Memories of the summer

The trilingual TVC addresses a topical issue: Many Swiss families started their summer vacation this year with a fully packed car and did not travel by plane. It seems self-evident that one or two things can go wrong. Just as self-evident is the quick and uncomplicated help provided by Mobiliar in the event of a claim. The commercial has been broadcast throughout Switzerland since Monday and is supplemented by a wide-reaching online campaign, a cinema spot and DOOH measures.

The new service consists of an email address and collaboration tools, including Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Drive, Docs, Spreadsheets, Presentations, Forms and Sites.

The main competitor is Microsoft with its Office 365 and Teams products. However, Google Workspace also competes with special services such as Slack, Trello or Zoom.

In July, Google had already expanded its Gmail email service and positioned it as the "New Home for Work". This was the first step toward uniting collaboration, communication and content creation on one platform and creating added value for users, said Google manager Javier Soltero.

Today, he said, this new way of collaborating is available to all Google Workspace business customers and will be rolled out to individuals in the coming months. "This is the end of the traditional office as we know it," Soltero said.

With its cloud offerings, Google is trying to break away from its dependence on the advertising market, which has so far accounted for the lion's share of revenues. Customers have to take out a subscription with Google Workspace, which starts at 4.68 euros per month per employee account. For a larger cloud storage space of two terabytes, the subscription costs 9.36 euros per user per month. (SDA)