Sustainability
Sprouts Reaches Cage-Free Egg Commitment
Kim Coffin, SVP of Grocery at Sprouts Sprouts Farmers Market, which has been at the forefront of sourcing cage-free or better eggs for many years, is now sourcing all shell and liquid eggs sold across its more than 370 stores from cage-free, organic or free-range farms. The specialty grocer’s Sprouts branded eggs have been cage-free or better since 2016. “Sprouts shoppers are conscious of where their food comes from and we’re pleased to now offer cage-free or better eggs across the category as part of our ongoing commitment to improved animal welfare,” said Kim Coffin, SVP of Grocery
Retailers Bring Suppliers on Their Retail Brand Sustainability Journeys
Retailers can’t ace sustainability efforts on their own. It requires engaging Retail Brand (private brand) suppliers throughout almost every stage of complex sustainability journeys. In presentations at the Velocity Institute (RBI) Sustainability Summit retailers from Wakefern Food Corp., Walmart and Tesco outlined how they are bringing suppliers along on these initiatives. Wakefern Provides Supplier Guidance “We are collaborating with suppliers beyond the transactional and bringing them along on our sustainability journey,” said Robert Zuehlke, Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, Wakefern. Wakefern is actively mapping its packaging footprint to develop a baseline and working with the supplier community to provide guidance
Ethical spending hits record highs in UK
The UK ‘green pound’ has reached record levels, breaking through the £100 billion for the first time, with ethical consumer spending and finance in the UK amounting to £122bn but brand boycotts on ethical grounds have risen sharply to almost £4bn, up 18% in the year. According to the Co-op’s Ethical Consumerism Report which has tracked consumer shopping habits since 1999, in just ten years, the ‘green pound’ has more than doubled from £51bn but Britons are withholding cash at record-levels to boycott brands due to social or environmental concerns. In particular, ethical shoppers have got their teeth into
Walmart Eyes Private Brands for Sustainability Progress
Walmart is looking to Retail Brands (Private Brands) as a key area for making progress on its ambitious sustainability goals. That was the take from two executives who spoke at the Velocity Institute (RBI) Sustainability Summit and answered follow-up questions from RBI President Christopher Durham. The executives outlined Walmart’s initiatives and the impacts on Private Brands. “Private Brands are integral to every pillar on our path to becoming a regenerative retailer,” said Sarah Paskell, Senior Director, Private Brands, Packaging Design and Sustainability. Walmart’s Sustainability Journey The executives shared highlights from a sustainability journey that spans more than 15 years.
RBI Sustainability Summit Now Available On Demand
If you missed last week's RBI Sustainability Summit, all of the presentations are now available to view On Demand. With more than 2 dozen executive speakers you will not want to miss this exciting event. Watch Now!
10 Key Takeaways From the RBI Sustainability Summit
Retail Brands have the opportunity to play outsized roles in leading sustainability efforts to protect the environment and boost customer engagement. This point was emphasized during the Velocity Institute (RBI) Sustainability Summit, which featured speakers from retailers including Walmart, Wakefern Food Corp., CVS Health, Tesco, Carrefour and Giant Eagle. Here are ten key points from Summit speakers. Have a Bold Ambition: It’s hard to make a big difference if you aren’t fully committed. Walmart is fully on board and pursuing a wide range of bold initiatives on topics ranging from renewable energy to waste reduction. “In private brands, we
Sustainability Summit – On Demand
DAY ONE The Call to Action - Be Bold! Christopher Durham, President, VELOCITY INSTITUTE Christopher outlines the bold opportunity for the future of sustainability and the Retail Brands Industry. Accelerating Sustainability at Wakefern Own Brands Robert Zuehlke Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, WAKEFERN Robert Zuehlke, Wakefern Food Corp. Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, will present the sustainability vision at Wakefern Own Brands Retail Brand Owners and Sustainability - WAKEFERN, CARREFOUR Tatiana Ryfer, Head of Branding & Visual Identity at
Relaying Sustainable Brand Strategies at the RBI Sustainability Summit
Retailers outlined their commitments and strategies during the closing day of the virtual RBI Sustainability Summit – making it clear that sustainability journeys in Retail Brands are well underway. Speakers from retailers including Walmart, Tesco, CVS Health and Giant Eagle relayed unique takes on Retail Brand sustainability approaches while acknowledging that a lot more work lies ahead. Walmart Eyes Supplier Collaboration Executives from Walmart communicated how the company is advancing its Retail Brand commitments and seeking supplier partnerships. “In private brands, we are committed to driving towards a regenerative future,” said Cheryl Lam, Walmart’s Sustainability Packaging Leader, Private Brands.
Retailers Communicate Bold Ambitions in Day One of RBI Sustainability Summit
Retail Brands need to play big roles in driving sustainability — and this is the time to start making substantial progress. Speakers in Day One of the Velocity Institute (RBI) Sustainability Summit relayed the importance of enhancing efforts in areas including packaging, recycling and waste reduction. They said retailers embracing sustainability will be viewed by shoppers as environmental stewards. Major Benefits for Retail Brands “There are important benefits for own brands,” said Robert Zuehlke, Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, Wakefern Food Corp. “It enables us to connect with customers who are now demanding more sustainability efforts. It also helps
Tesco’s Plastic Packaging Reduction Program is on a Roll
A new way of winding toilet paper more tightly onto cardboard tubes is helping Tesco reduce the size of its Retail Brand large multipacks – without changing the number of sheets. The new rolls mean that: Less plastic is needed to pack them Customers won’t get caught short, as they can fit more in their cupboards Double wind rolls will last twice as long on the holder Tesco needs fewer lorries to transport them In total Tesco will save 67 tons of plastic packaging each year as a result of either fitting more paper onto each roll or winding rolls
