Retail Technology Show survey: Many Brits back online delivery tax to boost e-commerce sustainability
Half of UK consumers would support an online delivery tax, levied to offset carbon emissions associated with order fulfilment, according to research from Retail Technology Show.
Its research of over 1,000 Brits revealed that 76% believe retailers could do more to be sustainable.
67% said making fulfilment carbon-neutral was one of the main ways retailers could improve green retailing, with 50% now in support of online retailers being taxed to offset carbon emissions generated from deliveries, rising to 56% of Gen Z consumers.
At the same time, however, 68% flagged speed of delivery as their top consideration, followed by the cost of delivery not being too expensive (53%) or being free (51%).
This follows recent research by Asendia that showed while 48% would pay more for faster fulfilment, fewer (23%) would pay more for 100% carbon-neutral deliveries.
Circular retail was also a growing area that shoppers polled by Retail Technology Show felt businesses could improve, with 71% believing that offering repair services could help retailers become greener, a service many retailers have started trialing as part of their sustainability efforts.
44% of UK shoppers are already use recycling services from retailers, while 38% are choosing recyclable or products using minimal packaging and 34% are using refill packs to cut down on packaging waste.
With demand for resale retail formats also booming, 35% of people are now buying pre-loved or reconditioned items, while a further 30% are opting to buy second-hand to reduce the number of new items they buy and minimise the environmental impact of their consumption.
Matt Bradley, Event Director at Retail Technology Show, comments: “The green retailing imperative continues to grow and is now a mainstay in consumers’ demands when shopping.”
“This means it will increasingly impact wider areas within the retail business, from the supply chain to returns and new retail formats, operations and services.”
Speaking on Retail Technology Show’s conference programme, Stefanie Sahmel, Head of Sustainability & B Corp Ambassador at Abel & Cole, will be exploring how to build a sustainable supply chain that can mitigate against supply chain risk.
While Ikea’s former Head of Innovation joins rental software provider, Rentle, to discuss how retailers can evolve their strategies from linear to circular to enhance sustainable services and offerings.
In addition, as part of its recent partnership with the British Retail Consortium (BRC), set up to champion the role of innovation in driving retail forwards, Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the BRC, will be discussing the key sustainability questions retailers should be asking themselves in 2023 in a separate keynote debate.
To register to attend Retail Technology Show 2023, which will take place on 26th and 27th April at London’s Olympia, click here.
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