A good majority (59 per cent) of consumers don't approve of the excessive use of plastic in stores, while most (63 per cent) recognise metal as a more sustainable alternative, states a recent report.
According to a Europe wide survey commissioned by metal packaging giant Eviosys, 57 per cent of consumers are willing to pay more for products in sustainable packaging, with 82 per cent more inclined to purchase a product if it is in metal packaging, knowing metal’s infinitely recyclable nature.
This preference is not just a nod to sustainability but also a reflection of the evolving consumer value system, where 70 per cent prioritise reusability and recyclability over luxurious or uniquely designed packaging.
On the business front, the survey shows a strong industry response to consumer demands, with 90 per cent of businesses investing in sustainable packaging research or implementation in the past year.
However, challenges remain, with a third citing cost constraints as a significant barrier to adopting more sustainable options. However, with 98 per cent of businesses now exhibiting an awareness of the recycling processes and the sustainability of packaging materials, the next step for businesses is to engage with their customers on these issues and foster a shared responsibility along the value chain.
Laetitia Durafour, marketing director at Eviosys, says, “There are only two permanent materials that can be recycled over and over again infinitely: glass and metal, the other packaging materials will end up in waste at one point in time. As a metal packaging producer, we need to support the brands in their transition to the powerful and truly circular packaging material that metal can be with more clarity and education for consumers."
“Our research and development focusses strongly on addressing the dual challenges of economic viability and environmental responsibility.
“We work with our customers to provide products which best meet their needs and the needs of their consumers, as well as educating them on how best to drive a sustainable transition in packaging. Ecopeel is a testament to our commitment to innovation that meets the market’s current and future needs," Durafour continues.
Cereal-maker Weetabix has announced James Bruce as its new Commercial Director and a member of its Executive Leadership team this November.
Previously working with Tropicana Brands Group as UKI Commercial Director and Commercial Strategy Director for Europe, James played a key role in piloting its creation as a new business following its separation from PepsiCo.
This follows over 20 years’ experience in senior roles with international food and drink company, Danone where he drove the success of flagship brands such as Actimel and Activia in the UK and a number of markets in Europe.
“We’re delighted to welcome James to the Weetabix team," said Colm O’Dwyer, Managing Director of Weetabix. “With strong experience in driving business growth, creating dynamic commercial strategies, and raising vital engagement with customers in both the UK and Europe, he is a perfect addition to the Weetabix family.“
I look forward to working closely with James as he brings his wealth of experience, energy and enthusiasm to his new role.”James will be leading the Weetabix Commercial Team in the UK and internationally, a role previously held by O’Dwyer, who became Managing Director in October.
Over 60 businesses have joined Polytag, a technology business specialising in sustainability initiatives, to call upon environment minister Mary Creagh to review Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) legislation. The open letter calls for the removal of “return-to-retail" prescriptions, framing plans in an open way and offering modern, digital solutions that would mean consumers would be able to recycle their plastic bottles at home and still get their deposits back.
The UK is on the brink of implementing a Deposit Return Scheme, a positive step toward a circular economy. But current DRS proposals lean toward a strictly “return-to-retail” model, where consumers would need to store plastic bottles and cans at home and then collect their deposits by using reverse vending machines (RVMs), which are usually only available at large retail locations.
In their open letter to the environment minister, Polytag call upon the Government to set the UK’s DRS up for success by allowing and encouraging at home digital scanning within the regulations, alongside the physical return of containers to shops. Polytag and Ocado Retail's world-first trial back in 2023 proved successful with over 20,000 rewards redeemed in 56 days, highlighting customers are ready for a deposit return scheme that embraces digital technology. Without the flexibility for digital solutions, retailers face significant challenges that could impede the success of the scheme.
“At Polytag, we are backing a digital future for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme," said Alice Rackley, Polytag CEO. “The introduction of a DRS is extremely welcome and will play a key part in the UK’s circular economy ambitions. However, without the flexibility for digital solutions, the scheme could make recycling harder, not easier, for consumers. A digital option would allow consumers to reclaim deposits conveniently from home, relieving pressure on retailers. Through innovation and digital integration, the Government can implement a blended DRS that works for both businesses and consumers.
“We hope to be able to work with the Government to improve environmental outcomes for all.”
Laura Fernandez, Senior Packaging and Sustainability Manager, Ocado Retail, said: “Ocado Retail and Polytag have already clearly demonstrated that shoppers have an appetite for a digital deposit return scheme; we fully support the need for a modern, flexible scheme that embraces digital innovation. A digital option is a convenient and a necessary step toward creating a recycling system that really works. This approach would empower consumers, reduce operational strain on retailers, and accelerate progress toward the UK’s circular economy goals.”
Seven in ten independent retailers across the UK are boycotting Black Friday this year, as rising operational costs and economic pressures continue to impact small businesses, according to the latest survey from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).
The annual survey reveals that 70.5% of independent retailers are refusing to participate in the pre-Christmas sales event, continuing a strong trend of resistance seen over the past four years. In 2021, 85.5 per cent boycotted the event, followed by 86.8 per cent in 2022, and 86.6 per cent in 2023. This year's figures show that while some retailers are testing the waters with Black Friday promotions, the majority remain steadfast in their opposition.
The survey also highlighted growing concerns about Black Friday's impact on independent retail, with 75.4 per cent believing it negatively affects the high street—a significant increase from 68.8 per cent last year.
"Our survey demonstrates that independent retailers are taking a strong stance against Black Friday discounting during these challenging economic times," said Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira. "With increased staffing costs and squeezed margins, many of our members are already operating on tight margins while offering competitive prices year-round. The pressure to slash prices further during Black Friday simply isn't viable for small businesses."
Retailers across the country shared their experiences and concerns about the impact of Black Friday. "Bike shops now go quiet in October and November because of Black Friday with an expectation of heavy discounting," reported one retailer, while another observed, "I suspect overall the industry will be flat on sales, with Black Friday simply causing a pause in sales in October and a reduction in December."
The pressure on brick-and-mortar stores was particularly evident, with one retailer saying: "As a bricks and mortar retailer, we get lots of consumers looking and choosing products but not purchasing. I believe they purchase them elsewhere on Black Friday."
The recent autumn budget has added to retailers' concerns, with one commenting: "It has just made everything worse. Simply can't afford to cut margins that are desperately needed to cover the extra expenses."
Despite these additional pressures, 87.7 per cent of retailers maintained their position that the autumn statement hasn't made them think differently about Black Friday.
"UK B2B price restrictions and tiered pricing dependent on volume hurt the consumer and smaller retailers, Black Friday just amplifies the effect," explained another retailer, highlighting the structural challenges faced by independent businesses.
Mr Goodacre said: "Independent retailers are the backbone of our high streets. Rather than competing in an unsustainable race to the bottom on pricing, especially during these economically challenging times, our members focus on providing quality products, exceptional service, and genuine value throughout the year. We encourage shoppers to support these local businesses that contribute so much to our communities."
Harrison Retail, a leading Point of Sale (POS) partner for retailers across the globe, has unveiled its state-of-the-art showroom located in Evesham, exhibiting 15 bespoke POS loss prevention solutions designed to combat opportunistic theft in-store.
Shoplifting and opportunistic theft, costing retailers an estimated £1.8 billion annually (BRC 2024), continue to pose immediate and long-lasting threats to retailers across the globe. Harrison said it recognises the urgency of addressing in-store vulnerabilities by identifying high-risk areas and integrating loss-prevention solutions to safeguard revenue, protect staff and curate a frictionless shopping experience for customers.
Last week, Harrison Retail marked the opening of its showroom with an exclusive inaugural retail loss prevention event, bringing together key stakeholders from across the retail sector and talks from industry experts: Simon Singleton, Former COO of H&B and Pepco Group UK, Simon Hedaux, co-founder of Rethink Retail and Adrian Beck, professor at the University of Leicester for the ECR Retail Loss Group.
Guests were invited to tour a fully operational supermarket replica, showcasing a selection of bespoke POS loss prevention solutions in-situ, designed to minimise the volume of products that can be removed from shelving without compromising customer shopping experience. The showroom also features a multi-functional space equipped to accommodate up to 50 guests for presentations, events, workshops and more.
“While retailers’ efforts to combat shoplifting through defensive merchandising are well-intentioned, we are seeing them trigger unintended consequences as a result of compromised shelf appeal, replenishment rates and customer selection, ultimately limiting business success,” Daryl Bedford, manager director of Harrison Retail, said.
“This is why we created our point-of-sale loss prevention solutions, which are equally as effective in deterring criminal activity. However, they preserve the integrity of store layouts and access to products, keeping customers at heart. We strive to secure retail spaces with our innovative fixtures designed to limit accessibility to high-value merchandise and reduce the volume of products stolen from displays, combatting stock shrinkage.
“We’re thrilled to open our showroom to prospecting and existing customers who can explore our product offering in a realistic retail setting from which we can collaborate to craft a customised solution tailored to each retailer’s targets.”
Supermarket Tesco is planning to open 150 new convenience stores across the UK over the next three years as part of a major expansion, creating more than 2,000 jobs in local communities across the country.
The supermarket chain has not confirmed where it plans to open any of these new stores. The supermarket chain announced the plans for its Tesco Express sites last week as it celebrated the 30th anniversary of its convenience store brand. Tesco has over 4,000 supermarket stores overall across the UK.
The supermarket opened the doors of the first Express store in Barnes and Norbury, London in 1994. Most recently, the supermarket chain opened a new Express in Burnt Oak in northwest London. The new site opened close to where Tesco's first-ever site - founded by Jack Cohen - opened in 1929. The Burnt Oak Express store in North London will be the supermarket’s 2,882nd UK store.
Tesco managing director of UK stores Kevin Tindall said, “I’m delighted that we have come full circle and returned to the street where it all began, with Jack Cohen’s first store in Burnt Oak. Burnt Oak has a special place in Tesco history, and we’re proud to be serving its local community once again – alongside thousands more across the country.”
The supermarket opened the doors of the first Express store in Barnes and Norbury, London in 1994.
Similar to other supermarket chains, Tesco has increasingly prioritized its convenience store offerings over the past year. Most recently, the retailer unveiled significant price reductions on staples like bread, milk, and chicken, spanning 200 product lines in its Express stores. According to Tesco, these prices have been reduced by an average of 10 per cent.
Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said at the time, “Today’s round of price cuts on more than 200 lines in our Express stores underlines our commitment to offering great value to Tesco customers.
"Whether you are picking up coffee and milk for the office or a loaf of bread and a tin of soup on the way home, our Express stores offer both convenience and great value.”