A new report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) calls on retailers to “urgently” address the accelerating loss of nature and biodiversity, which is jeopardising supply chain resilience.
The ‘Planning for Nature’ study reveals that 76% of retailers have no targets for protecting nature. It also finds that 52% have yet to make public commitments, while 67% do not have a data-led strategy. Barriers cited include limited budgets, difficulties in data gathering, and challenges in engaging suppliers.
However, 29% of retailers are in the process of developing public commitments, while 24% have begun engaging their suppliers on nature. 29% are working on a dedicated nature strategy, and 25% said that protecting nature is a top business priority for the year ahead.
BRC noted that the report marks the beginning of the industry’s journey in halting and reversing nature loss by 2030 and achieving full recovery by 2050. “By continuing to track progress and hold retailers to account, this report will help begin the process of driving positive change in the industry,” it said, adding it will continue to 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. The government is also set to publish their revised Environment Improvement Plans, which are seen as crucial for progress.
“Despite the huge costs and pressures in supply chains, it is imperative that we maintain progress to protect and restore our environment,” said Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability at the BRC.
“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.”
