BRC urges retailers to ramp up their efforts to prevent further nature and biodiversity loss

UK retailers must urgently address the accelerating loss of nature and biodiversity or they risk jeopardising supply chain resilience, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Its report, Planning for Nature, reveals that 76% have no targets on protecting nature. 52% are yet to make any public commitments on nature, and 67% lack a data led strategy. This is due to barriers such as budget constraints, data gathering, and ensuring suppliers take action.

At the same time, however, 29% of retailers are developing public commitments. 24% are starting to engage with their suppliers on nature. 29% are working on a nature strategy. 25% say nature is a top business priority for the year ahead

Over the next year, retailers - with support from the BRC - will focus on creating workable nature policies, establishing standardised metrics, improving supplier engagement, and building the business case for nature. The UK government is also set to publish its revised Environment Improvement Plans.

Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability at the BRC, says: “Despite the huge costs and pressures in supply chains, it is imperative that we maintain progress to protect and restore our environment.”

“It is great to see such a number and variety of UK retailers stepping up to their responsibilities, working with their suppliers to make practical changes to reduce our impact on the environment, all the while maintaining affordability and choice for customers. We look forward to seeing the government’s revised Environment Improvement Plans, and working closely with them and retailers to make further progress in this critical area.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.