Two thirds (66%) of UK retailers believe it will take their business three years or more to achieve true sustainability, a major study of retailers’ views on sustainability has revealed. Of 1,896 national and independent retailers that took part in the study, 73% said they had made changes to their operations to become more sustainable, but they were realistic that total sustainability was still out of reach.
In the study, conducted by Pure London and Spring and Autumn Fair, UK retailers hoped to increase the percentage of their products that are sustainable by 33% on average by the end of next year. For fashion retailers this goes up to 40%, a seven percent increase on the wider retail industry. Sustainability has rocketed up the retail agenda in recent years, as brands and retailers come under mounting pressure to reduce their impact on the environment.
Julie Driscoll, UK Regional Director for ITE Group, organisers of Pure London and Spring & Autumn Fair, said: “Our study confirms that the UK retail industry is passionate about taking action on sustainability. However, there are significant barriers to overcome. To achieve true sustainability takes significant resource, time and investment, arguably, it’s a continuous process for improvement, rather than a destination. Retailers aren’t shying away from that responsibility, but they are being realistic when it comes to how quickly the change can happen.
“Through the launch of the Power of One campaign at both Pure London and Spring Fair last year, ITE Group has committed to driving small, individual yet powerful, steps towards a sustainable future, by giving others the power to speak up and to focus on long term changes in the retail and fashion industries. It’s clear that retailers are changing. Our study found 73% have improved their recycling or reuse efforts, and that 54% have reduced the use of environmentally damaging materials in products.”
In the study, respondents estimated that to make their products sustainable they would have to increase retail prices by 19% on average. In contrast, they estimate consumers would only be willing to pay 9% more for those sustainable products. 20% believed the failure of suppliers to act sustainably or transparently was the biggest challenge.
Julie continued: “The greatest challenge to sustainability for the retail industry often comes from their supply chains. This is where Spring and Autumn Fair and Pure London can help by bridging the gap between suppliers and retailers. As well as continuing our Power of One campaign, all our future shows will be focusing on educating and upskilling both retailers and suppliers on sustainability issues, so that real change becomes easier.”
The latest edition of Pure London took place from the 21st – 23rd July, filling Olympia London with over 700 international brands and designers showcasing SS20 womenswear, menswear, youth and kid’s collections, and a host of new trends. With an enduring focus on supporting and championing responsible fashion and sustainable brands, the Pure Conscious section continued to offer the best in ethical fashion while global sourcing and manufacturing area, Pure Origin, united over 200 manufacturers and suppliers with buyers and has evolved into the UK’s number one destination in fashion for sourcing and manufacturing, knowledge and solutions.
