Is Sustainable Retail an Oxymoron?

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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.

Product Stewardship and Innovative Packaging: Striving for Zero Waste

Product stewardshipprograms 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.

Sustainable Consumerism: What’s Driving Demand for Today’s Eco-friendly Products and Services?

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?