Unitas produces Focus on Sustainability guide for retailers

Unitas has produced a guide to support retailers to run more sustainable stores.

55% of Gen Z shoppers make sustainability a priority (Mintel), and 57% of UK adults see climate change and the environment as major concerns (ONS).

The latest in Unitas’s Plan for Profit series of Focus On guides includes insight and retailer-specific advice on sustainability, including the latest on the proposed Deposit Return Scheme, due to launch in October 2027.

It also features advice on energy efficiency and waste management, and includes an overview of consumer attitudes towards sustainability.

David Cooke, chief operating officer at Unitas, said: “All the data shows that sustainability is a key priority for consumers, and convenience retailers need to reflect this or risk losing customers to the bigger supermarkets who shout about the green credentials.

“This isn’t just about offering the right choice of products in store; consumers also want to see their local store adopting day-to-day sustainability measures such as reducing plastic use, recycling waste and installing energy-efficient equipment.”

Cooke added: “We recognise how challenging the trading landscape is right now for retailers, and we wanted to summarise the latest data around sustainability to make life a little easier. In the guide, we share insight and advice to support our members’ retail customers to adopt more sustainable practices as well as products, to meet rising consumer demand.

“Not only will this lead to a more sustainable future, but these measures will also save retailers money, boost their reputation locally, attract new customers and future-proof their business, so it’s a clear win-win.”

Focus On Sustainability is available on the Plan for Profit website and app.