More and more suppliers are realising that following a model that places sustainability at the heart of the business is the only way to do business long term. It’s a stance Unilever has been vocal in championing since the launch of our Sustainable Living Plan in 2010.
One part of the plan was designed to take responsibility for the environmental footprint of our products right across the value chain. When it comes to sustainability within the retail environment, we have gone far beyond the usual considerations such as packaging and are now considering the role of PoP.
With so many displays in store, the need for a straightforward measure of sustainability performance is clear. For four years, Unilever has been working with POPAI UK & Ireland to understand how we can improve our environmental performance at the point-of-purchase. This has culminated in the launch of the POPAI Sustainability Standard (PSS).
For the first time, there is an independent industry benchmark and auditing scheme that offers access to comparable environmental data about the production of retail displays - enabling us to improve the way we produce display materials.
The ConVert tool forms a key part of PSS and with it we can deliver tangible performance improvements by re-engineering the way displays are designed, manufactured, implemented and recycled. In one example alone, we were able to reduce the embedded carbon in a display unit by 56%, while also achieving significant weight reductions and cost savings.
Each PSS module assesses a key phase of the life-cycle for PoP displays and how associated activities, including efficient manufacturing methods, energy and waste monitoring and supply chain management, can affect sustainability performance. It is also the first standard to include the design process within its auditing scope.
Collectively, the benefits will help to drive the sustainability agenda in positive, new directions - ensuring a real and lasting change lies in-store for grocery display.
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