RTIH AI in Retail Awards Sustainability finalists include IBM Consulting and Nextail

We’re pleased to announce the shortlist for the RTIH AI in Retail Awards Sustainability category.

Traditionally, the biggest problem with sustainable technology solutions has been in the relatively high cost of implementation, often meaning that scaling them was not viable.

Things change, however, with incentives, targets and climate pledges as well as the rapid iteration of innovative AI technologies driving down costs in various areas.

This award will go to a retailer or brand that has worked with AI technology suppliers to put sustainability at the core of its values. The winning entry will show how a company has boosted its green credentials whilst also demonstrating the tangible business benefits of sustainable practices.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process. We received a huge number of impressive entries highlighting companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

It’s now over to our judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, taking place  at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room, presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Lucy Porter.

To book your place at the RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, click here.

Our runners and riders:

Global Intuition

Global Intuition integrates AI driven creative innovation with sustainable fashion practices to reduce waste and build conscious design at scale.

Working in collaboration with the AI powered creative engine of YiZhouStudio, the brand uses artificial intelligence for low waste concept development, forecasting, and digital first design to minimise overproduction and reduce its environmental footprint.

AI enhances material planning, improves inventory precision, and streamlines visual asset generation, enabling the brand to operate more efficiently and sustainably. This initiative positions Global Intuition as a leader in merging AI, sustainability, and cultural design within the global fashion ecosystem.

IBM Consulting

The IBM Smart Green Pallet (SGP) revolutionises logistics with an intelligent handling support system and advanced data services. Made from recycled and recyclable plastic in France, the durable pallet integrates IoT sensors for geolocation, temperature, and shock monitoring, and features a unique GRAI code for precise tracking.

By leveraging AI for data management on the IBM Cloud Platform, the SGP enhances supply chain resilience, efficiency, and sustainability, offering over 60 tangible and measurable benefits. This solution aims to improve end-to-end supply chain quality, reduce losses, and optimise delivery times, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and effective logistics ecosystem.

Nextail

Nextail enhances fashion retail by using AI and machine learning to optimise inventory management, demand forecasting, and merchandising decisions.

Its platform helps retailers reduce overstock, avoid stockouts, and maximise sell-through by predicting demand at the SKU store level. Since its launch, Nextail has delivered up to 40% sales growth and operational efficiency improvements for global brands such as Guess or Gina Tricot.

This AI driven solution turns reactive retail into proactive, data led strategies that enhance profitability, customer satisfaction, and reduce waste.

Retail Insight

In its ESG ambition to become zero waste, Southern Co-op wanted to reduce food waste. It turned to AI to drive this change, cutting waste and selling more reduced to clear items. 

It implemented Retail Insight’s WasteInsight, tapping the solution’s dynamic markdown feature, which uses advanced AI and cognitive technology to analyse data - from product type to seasonality - to calculate optimal discount prices and markdown timings. 

This reduced food waste, preventing 3.1 million meals (~3,083 tonnes of food) entering landfill in 2024.  It also stopped ~8,323 tonnes of Co2e from being emitted, all while helping the retailer improve sell-through rates.

Tahina

Tahina is approaching sustainable retail with cutting-edge AI at its heart. Its platform is engineered to slash food waste, supercharge supply chain efficiency, and shrink carbon footprints - all while delivering unmatched convenience and quality.

By harnessing AI powered demand forecasting, dynamic inventory control, and eco-smart logistics, it is proving sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Tahina isn’t just building a retail brand; it is creating a movement that sets new standards for responsible shopping in the 21st century, showing how smart technology can drive bold environmental change and real business growth.