TOTAL LICENSING
Sustainability
Sustainability is so much more than a buzz-word, and the industry is certainly growing more aware, not just of the steps needed to take now but also how to future-proof business. Here we catch up with some experts who share opinions and examples of how sustainability is become the norm.
The Sustainability In Licensing Conference 2021 took place in June, joined by over 500 attendees from around the globe - all on a mission to be updated, educated and informed on the latest movements as the consumer products industry heads for a more sustainable future. The conference was attended by brand owners, product suppliers and retailers from all core categories; toy, housewares, gift, greetings, apparel, textiles, and many, many more. We caught up with Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder of Products of Change about the conference and what the industry can take from it: “At the beginning of the year we thought we would be in a position to host SILC live, but alas that was not to be due to Covid. We did however welcome over 500 delegates across the platform from 20 countries for
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the two day conference, which was an increase from last year showcasing the focus from the industry to drive sustainable change, a poll on day one of the conference actually showed that 75% of the audience already have a team in place dedicated to building sustainable practices up from last year which is extremely encouraging to see. “Across the two days we learned what retail is driving and requiring of the industry from Asda, Tesco, Dayrize and Character.com to brand owners and manufacturers such as Lego and Zuru showcasing their current sustainable journeys. The Eden Project, the gaming industry and marketeers focused on how as brand owners we can use the industry to drive real social and environmental change, we also learned what government is requiring with new EU legislation. With over 70% of a manufacturers scope 3 emissions coming from their supply chain it was important that we focused on how to reduce this with 3 sessions across the two days showcasing solutions. “The two days were pack with insights to transform and advance the industry, taking feedback from last year’s conference and making sure we kept the conversation moving forward. Summing up the conference, Helena said: “Our industry has been given a great opportunity to drive social and environmental change through the brands we manage, a responsibility to use this opportunity to make a difference and
SILC is very much part of this. “Following the conference we are now creating specific workstreams within the Products of Change community to build change, and have already started working on the SILC22 agenda, more to be announced in the coming months.” Publishing In other recent achievements, Wastebuster’s not for profit, toy, and tech recycling programme, Recycle to Read, is now working with HarperCollins who will be supplying books as rewards to participating schools The Recycle to Read campaign aims to develop a UK wide infrastructure for the recycling of hard to recycle plastics and engage children in environmental education by showing them the value of their old and unwanted toys. Phase one of the programme, which is currently in the pilot stage, will see toy and tech takeback collections organised in schools throughout the UK. HarperCollins will be rewarding participating schools with a hand-picked list of fiction and non-fiction selected for the Recycle to Read campaign. Books from the Collins, Farshore and HarperCollins Children’s Books imprints are included, all available at 30% less than RRP for all schools collecting old toys and tech in exchange for vouchers to pay for books. In working with HarperCollins the programme ensures that participating schools will not only benefit from free
