More than 25 leading UK retailers including Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Dixons Carphone have pledged to “lead the fight” in sustainability, signing up to a raft of initiatives.
The retail industry has become one of the first to take collective action in tackling global challenges sustainability challenges laid out by the UN.
The “Better Retail Better World” campaign has used the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to establish its own strategy for tackling issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and modern slavery.
It is set to be launched at an event in Parliament today that will be attended by government representatives and campaigners.
Retailers involved in the initiative will share knowledge and best practice regarding these issues, while publicly disclosing the ways in which they are supporting people from underrepresented backgrounds.
“This is part of a growing movement for change,” British Retail Consortium’s chairman Richard Pennycook said.
“It is time for the retail industry to show what it can do for the common good. We are taking collective action to build a better, more prosperous and sustainable world, and demonstrating how we are making a positive contribution to society, in terms of the supply chain, food packaging, and waste.”
The World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) chief executive Tanya Steele added: “We are delighted to support the Better Retail Better World industry goals which provide BRC members with some of the best information and guidance to engage with the Sustainable Development Goals.
“The goals are what the SDGs are all about: bringing business, civil society and government together to bring about change in the world. Retail businesses working with consumers are key to the success of the SDGs and key in the race to restore nature.”
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