Ep 173: David Zhang - Eco Friendly vs Cost Reduction
In this episode of EGN Leadership Conversations: The Untold Secrets of the C-Suite, Nick Jonsson sits down with David Zhang, Director at METROPACK Indonesia, to unpack a question many leaders wrestle with:
Can sustainability and cost reduction coexist — or must leaders choose one over the other?
David brings real-world insight from the packaging and logistics sector, where sustainability decisions often come with tight budget constraints. He challenges the outdated belief that eco-friendly initiatives automatically increase costs and reduce profitability.
Breaking the sustainability myth
David explains that many companies hesitate to adopt sustainable practices because they assume:
Green materials are always more expensive
Process changes slow operations
Sustainability only benefits branding, not profits
But his experience tells a different story.
Through practical examples, David shows how smart sustainability strategies can actually reduce costs over time. From optimizing supply chains to improving material efficiency, he shares how small operational changes can generate significant financial impact while lowering environmental footprints.
Sustainability as a business advantage
David emphasizes that sustainability should not be treated as a “nice-to-have” initiative. Instead, it must be embedded into core business strategy. He explains how companies that integrate sustainability early gain:
Stronger customer trust
Long-term cost savings
Improved operational efficiency
Competitive market positioning
He also discusses how regulatory pressure and consumer expectations are reshaping how businesses must operate — making sustainability not optional, but essential for future growth.
Innovation that benefits both planet and profit
Throughout the conversation, David shares innovative approaches such as:
Redesigning packaging to reduce material waste
Investing in recyclable alternatives
Improving logistics planning to cut fuel usage
Partnering with suppliers who align with ESG values
These changes, he explains, don’t just help the environment — they strengthen the bottom line and build more resilient business models.
Key leadership takeaways
For leaders navigating sustainability decisions, David offers clear guidance:
Start with data, not assumptions
Focus on long-term ROI, not short-term cost
Engage teams in sustainability initiatives
Measure impact across financial and environmental metrics
He reinforces that leadership today requires balancing responsibility with results — and sustainability is where both intersect.
Why this episode matters
Whether you’re a business owner, operations leader, or sustainability professional, this episode provides:
Practical insights
Real-world case examples
Actionable strategies
A fresh perspective on sustainable leadership
🎧 Tune in to learn how sustainability can become a growth driver — not a cost burden — and how leaders can future-proof their businesses through smart, responsible decision-making.Contact David Zhang to collaborate with him:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zhang-%E5%BC%A0%E4%BC%9F%E5%BF%A0-a847baa8/
Visit our website to find more podcast https://www.nickjonsson.com/leadership-conversations-the-untold-secrets-of-the-c-suite