The importance of going green

Brands and retailers need to meet expectations

CONSUMER concerns about the environment and climate change means shouting out about eco credentials has never been more important for both brands and retailers.

And the Scottish convenience channel is well-placed to prove that it can play a big part in the sustainability drive.

Firstly, retailers can highlight the products they stock that have been made in a way that is kind to the planet or that have a reduced carbon footprint because they are locally sourced.

Secondly, of course, community c-stores are ideal for those customers looking to cut their CO2 emissions and fuel bills by walking to get their shopping rather than driving to the nearest supermarket.

And, thirdly, there are numerous green measures that store owners can adopt to improve energy efficiency.

Brands big and small, international and local, have recognised the importance consumers place on being environmentally friendly.

As Tom Fiennes, commercial sustainability director at Britvic, said: “Consumers are expecting brands to demonstrate their environmental efforts through the products they manufacture and sell.”

Mars Wrigley, for example, is running a UK trial selling its Mars bars in paper packaging –reducing a significant amount of plastic the firm uses.

Adam Grant, the firm’s UK general manager, said: “From the test, we will derive insights for our sustainable packaging strategy.”

Mondelez International is another food giant on a mission to reduce its carbon footprint across the board.

Susan Nash, the firm’s trade communications manager, said: “We know that waste and the impact of our packaging on the environment is most visible for our consumers. We are committed to creating zero net waste packaging and working towards a circular economy.”

Diageo, meanwhile, has switched on one of the largest private solar panel arrays in the Scotland to power its packaging plant in Leven, Fife.

Stuart Galbraith, operations director at the site, said: “It’s fantastic to know that as we work to make some of the world’s greatest quality products, we are doing it with renewable energy.”

Tennent’s has carried out a number of initiatives and campaigns to ensure drinkers get the message that sustainability is at its core.

George Kyle, head of environmental, social and governance for the brand, said: “It is integral across everything we do from sourcing, brewing and waste management to packaging and transport.”

Porridge oats firm Hamlyns of Scotland has introduced paper packaging for its products.

Managing director Alan Meikle said: “As consumers increasingly look for sustainable brands, convenience retailers can help them to seek out such goods by flagging sustainable products across their stores, and by bringing together items that are both good for consumers and good for the environment.”

Scottish-based Nudie Snacks has highlighted how it is helping to reduce food waste by making use of “wonky vegetables” that would otherwise be discarded for its Cauliflower Crisps range.

Founder Tracey Hogarth said: “Our aim is to offer consumers healthy and delicious snacks packed with high protein and high fibre made from plant- based ingredients that actively support our effort to help the environment.”

Macsween of Edinburgh also prevented waste by sending a whopping 4.7 tonnes of surplus haggis and black pudding to the food distribution charity FareShare after Burns Night.

Sustainable practices are not only good for the environment but also for retailers’ businesses, says equipment and engineering firm Danfoss.

Investing in modern kit and smart solutions such as remote monitoring can save energy, cut costs and boost retailers’ reputation, said Danfoss marketing boss Gareth Ash.

A great example is the Premier Racetrack Pitstop at Bearsden, north of Glasgow, which was the Sustainability Champion at the 2022 Scottish Grocer Awards.

It has solar panels on the roof to power the store’s lighting, a heat recovery system for the slush machines to provide warmth in the winter and a rainwater tank that supplies the Jet Wash car wash.

The store also takes part in the Too Good To Go scheme, which sees bags of food close to its use-by date promoted on the app for a discounted price.