BHETA news

Below: Root’s website highlights the circular economy in action at cosmetics brand Lush.

BHETA’s focus on sustainable packaging

Reognising demands from consumers, retailers and the Government for more sustainable alternatives to previously accepted standards of packaging, BHETA’s webinar programme includes a thorough focus on the topical subject of packaging. Tracy Sutton and Sarah Greenaway from the sustainable packaging consultancy Root are providing BHETA members with insights into the changing marketplace (June 8), looking at sustainable packaging strategies to ensure a positive brand future. Root works in partnership with many UK companies to create low-impact circular packaging solutions and blueprints for business sustainability, and has delivered projects for Diageo, Pukka and PepsiCo. As an independent consultancy it can critique all aspects of the packaging cycle objectively. From legislation to implementation, it prides itself on providing clear, workable, and immediate actions. Root was founded by Tracy Sutton in 2013 to help organisations use less and focus on becoming regenerative, inclusive, and kinder. Tracy is a regular speaker at international conferences and a respected commentator in national and trade media. Meanwhile, Sarah combines an extensive commercial background with 30 years’ experience working in sustainability, retail and brand development for brands, including Boots, Kingfisher and Simplyhealth. BHETA’s chief operating officer, Will Jones commented, “Consumers are increasingly choosing brands who operate responsibly in all areas including packaging – this issue is no longer just a question of compliance. In addition, retailers such as Tesco have introduced demanding packaging standards and the Government is introducing extended producer responsibility and significant cost pressures with the 2022 Plastic Tax and a proposed revamp of the Packaging Waste Regulations. As a result, this is a very timely webinar giving BHETA members the opportunity to discuss their options with independent consultants. Alan Roper, managing director of Blue Diamond is the next major retailer to address members of BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) in a webinar on Tuesday June 15 at 10.30 am. Alan is to update members on the garden centre group’s trading performance, provide insights into its strategic direction and plans, and look at consumer and garden centre retail trends. He is also to outline specific opportunities for suppliers in his 20-30 minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session. Above: The Blue Diamond Group With 40 locations and a turnover of over £180m in 2019, Blue is building two new garden centres in 2021: Scotch Corner, near Diamond is one of the UK’s largest garden centre groups. It acquired Richmond in North Yorkshire and 17 garden centres from Wyevale in 2018 and 2019. Elveden in Thetford, Norfolk. Urging suppliers to book as soon as possible prior to the event, Will Jones, chief operating officer of BHETA commented, “I’m delighted that BHETA can secure fantastic garden industry speakers like Alan Roper, and I know there will be a great turn out to hear him talk about Blue Diamond’s plans.” The event follows the informative webinar with Claire Fletcher, category manager at Ocado, which attracted a large audience in May (see News). Like others in BHETA’s popular programme, the Blue Diamond webinar is a member-only event, but interested non-member housewares and SDA suppliers can contact Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares and small domestic appliances on 07946 078566.

Above: Family cooking with Princess from the Smartwares Group.

Smart addition

With its world-renowned brands including Princess and Tristar, the Smartwares Group has joined BHETA. The Group originates from The Netherlands and creates affordable, well-designed appliances for daily life at a various price points. Smartware’s product range spans six brands and 14 categories, including domestic appliances. The Group has offices in The Netherlands, Belgium, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Lebanon, Turkey, Hong Kong and China, and exports all over the world. Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares and small domestic electrical said, “I’m delighted that a company with such a wide-ranging commitment to innovation and smart technology in so many categories recognises the benefits BHETA provides in terms of UK retail, export and business service contacts.”

Flavoursome new member

Iconic French brand Peugeot Saveurs has also joined the association. Peugeot Saveurs started making pepper mills in 1840 has expanded from tableware into bakeware, barware, knives and kitchen accessories. It now offers a wide selection of manual and electric salt, pepper and spice mills in sleek and elegant designs, both contemporary and traditional – and all with a lifetime guarantee. It also has a range of coffee grinders - including the Peugeot Kronos (from Burton McCall), which scooped the Top Tool and Gadget trophy in The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2020 - and wine accessories including decanters, corkscrews and tasting glasses. Recently the Peugeot Saveurs name has started to appear on oven and bakeware, kitchen knives and kitchen giftware. BHETA’s Seema Grantham stated: “I’m delighted to see such an established name in tableware and kitchenware joining BHETA. Peugeot Saveurs has a wonderful reputation for French style and gourmet quality.”

Above: Top Tool: 2020: Peugeot Kronos Coffee Mill.