Today's conscientious consumers are fuelling demand for
sustainable products and services. This, in turn, is requiring
manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers alike to work together in
developing forward-thinking solutions to solve complicated and
interrelated end-to-end challenges. In the process of becoming more
sustainable, companies can benefit from innovation that reduces
operating costs and risks while increasing profits and shareholder
value. Some of today's leading manufacturers, suppliers, and
retailers froma host of different segments will explore the
opportunities and challenges for adopting sustainability into their
core operations.
Roundtable: Is Sustainable Retail an Oxymoron?
Time:
Thursday, March 15
13:30 - 15:00
Sponsored by
The sector-wide shift from viewing sustainability as a cost
centre to recognizing it as an opportunity to reduce risk, improve
relationships with customers and employees, and spur business
growth and innovation is gaining momentum. Potentially a key
way to differentiate in a competitive market and build brand value,
are retailers finally recognizing the merits of a sound
sustainability plan in ensuring long-term business success? Or
is the overarching need to reduce consumption simply at odds with
the very foundation of retailing? Find out as leading
retailers discuss how and why sustainability is being incorporated
into their companies on their paths to a better business model.
Andrea Bolger, Head of Business Financial Services, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Canada
(Moderator)Diane Brisebois, President & CEO, Retail Council of Canada, Canada
Tyler Elm, Vice President of Business Sustainability, Corporate Strategy & Business Development, Canadian Tire Corp., Canada
Clint Mahlman, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, London Drugs Ltd., Canada
Esther Speck, Vice President of Business Sustainability & Community, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canada
Product Stewardship and Innovative Packaging: Striving for Zero Waste
Time:
Thursday, March 15
10:30 - 12:00
Product stewardship programs such as Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR) are encouraging organizations to be
increasingly accountable for products at the end of their lifecycle
in order to minimize waste and reduce toxins entering into the
environment. What is the role for the retail sector in this more
holistic approach? How are these companies striving to minimize
waste? This session will discuss how leading organizations are
addressing environmental concerns through innovative packaging and
stewardship practices that are designed to cut costs and reduce
waste.
Eric Olson, Senior Vice President of Advisory Services, BSR, USA
(Moderator)Elisabeth Comere, Director, Environment & Government Affairs, Tetra Pak Inc., USA
Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director, California Product Stewardship Council, USA
Charlene Wall-Warren, Sustainability Leader, BASF North America, USA
Sustainable Consumerism: What’s Driving Demand for Today’s Eco-friendly Products and Services?
Time:
Wednesday, March 14
15:30 - 17:00
Today's consumers are more selective, better informed, and
expect companies to be doing more for their communities and the
environment. What are the factors shaping the evolving
consumer demand for eco-friendly products and services? How can
companies effectively communicate with and sell to consumers who
are taking environmental and social considerations into account
when making their purchasing decisions? How can companies position
themselves favourably based on their environmental and social
performance while avoiding the risks of overstating their
achievements?
Anthony Watanabe, President & CEO, The Innovolve Group Inc., Canada
(Moderator)Ben Packard, Vice President of Global Responsibility, Starbucks Coffee Company, USA
Andreas Souvaliotis, President, AIR MILES for Social Change, Canada
Gabe Wing, Director of Environmental Health & Safety, Herman Miller, USA
Brian Zeiler-Kligman, Director of Sustainability, Canada's National Brewers, Canada