Retailers must urgently address the accelerating loss of nature
and biodiversity or they risk jeopardising supply chain
resilience, according to a new report by the British Retail
Consortium (BRC).
These warnings come as this flagship report, “Planning for Nature” reveals
that three quarters (76%) of retailers have no targets on
protecting nature.
The report marks the beginning of the industry's journey in
halting and reversing nature loss by 2030 and achieving full
recovery by 2050.
But it unveils the scale of the challenge ahead. Half of
retailers (52%) are yet to make any public commitments on nature,
and two thirds (67%) lack a data led-strategy. This is due to
barriers such as budget constraints, data gathering, and ensuring
suppliers take action.
But while much work lies ahead, the report shows some momentum.
- Nearly a third (29%) of retailers are developing public
commitments
- A quarter (24%) are starting to engage with their suppliers
on nature
- Nearly a third (29%) are working on a nature strategy
- 25% say nature is a top business priority for the year ahead
By continuing to track progress and hold retailers to account,
this report will help begin the process of driving positive
change in the industry. The BRC will continue to track and
publish annual updates.
Over the next year, retailers - with support from the BRC - will
focus on creating workable nature policies, establishing
standardised metrics, improving supplier engagement, and building
the business case for nature. Government are also set to publish
their revised Environment Improvement Plans, which will be
crucial for progress.
Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability at the
BRC, said:
“Despite the huge costs and pressures in supply chains, it is
imperative that we maintain progress to protect and restore our
environment. It is great to see such a number and variety of UK
retailers stepping up to their responsibilities, working with
their suppliers to make practical changes to reduce our impact on
the environment, all the while maintaining affordability and
choice for customers. We look forward to seeing the Government's
revised Environment Improvement Plans, and working closely with
them and retailers to make further progress in this critical
area.”
Notes:
- Download ‘Planning for Nature' here
