OPINION
GREEN RECOVERY LIZZIE BARTHOLOMEW, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, TOMRA COLLECTION SOLUTIONS UK & IRELAND
BUILDING BACK BETTER IS A RESURGENCE IN INTEREST IN SUSTAINABILITY ON THE CARDS AS THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC BEGINS TO RECEDE, AND WHAT WILL IT MEAN FOR LOCAL RETAILERS, ASKS LIZZIE BARTHOLEMEW?
are showing an increased interest in sustainability following the impact of Covid-19, and how this could translate to business benefits.
MINDFUL SHOPPING
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uch has been said of a ‘green recovery’ for the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic, but what does this mean for retailers? Rightly, the focus for rt the beginning of the pandemic was on keeping shelves stocked, colleagues and customers safe and business running. Now, as we begin the slow exit from lockdown, it is becoming clearer that sustainability remains high on the agenda for consumers. In July, Zero Waste Scotland outlined its five-point plan for a green recovery from Covid-19. These measures focus on ‘building back better’ to create a robust and green economy in Scotland. The message here is clear: any sustainability initiatives must work hand in hand with getting business moving again. Here, we identify three areas where consumers
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One trend emerging from the pandemic is consumers becoming more conscious of where they spend their money, not just what they spend it on. While value, convenience and availability are key drivers for buying certain products, research by McKinsey highlighted that 44% of shoppers are now more mindful of where they spend their money compared to before the pandemic. This naturally represents a huge opportunity for local retailers who can highlight their strong connection to the community. The same research also showed that consumers are likely to spend more with a company who take care of their employees’ safety. This is a good reminder that sustainability is about people and community, as well as the planet. When it comes to making environmentally conscious choices, research by Accenture has highlighted that 45% of consumers say they are now making more sustainable choices when shopping and will likely continue to do so. Therefore, retailers who can offer a range of sustainable food choices are likely to be preferred by many shoppers.
EMBRACING LOCAL A shift to local shopping has been clear, necessitated by travel restrictions, long queues at supermarkets and a
