Principle sustainability adviser, Forum for the Future
The announcements last week from Marks & Spencer and Tesco reveal a new arena of competition between the food retailers - the race towards sustainability. But will these announcements really deliver lasting impacts? I believe they will.
When leaders such as Stuart Rose and Sir Terry Leahy talk about the importance of environmental and social issues, other business chiefs listen. To have them nail their colours to the mast on climate change sends an important message that will definitely be heard across the global business community.
The sheer size and clout of these companies also means they can radiate impacts up and down their supply chain. If used in the right way, the powerful position of retailers will enable positive change across the food industry.
Retailer reach allows these companies to achieve mainstream sustainability. Supermarkets can help millions to make straightforward, affordable and more sustainable choices. Ethical consumption will finally move from being an elite to a mainstream activity.
Embedding sustainability into the heart of their operations will also be good for the long-term success of these businesses. It will help them to differentiate their brands, encourage the development of new products and services that meet the needs of consumers in living more sustainable lives, and prove essential in securing their licence to operate in the future.
But most importantly, only a sustainable approach to business will secure the markets, products and services necessary for their operations to continue into the future.
Sustainability is fast becoming an essential part of any forward-thinking business model. The question now is, will it be enough to deliver the changes needed with the urgency required?
The announcements last week from Marks & Spencer and Tesco reveal a new arena of competition between the food retailers - the race towards sustainability. But will these announcements really deliver lasting impacts? I believe they will.
When leaders such as Stuart Rose and Sir Terry Leahy talk about the importance of environmental and social issues, other business chiefs listen. To have them nail their colours to the mast on climate change sends an important message that will definitely be heard across the global business community.
The sheer size and clout of these companies also means they can radiate impacts up and down their supply chain. If used in the right way, the powerful position of retailers will enable positive change across the food industry.
Retailer reach allows these companies to achieve mainstream sustainability. Supermarkets can help millions to make straightforward, affordable and more sustainable choices. Ethical consumption will finally move from being an elite to a mainstream activity.
Embedding sustainability into the heart of their operations will also be good for the long-term success of these businesses. It will help them to differentiate their brands, encourage the development of new products and services that meet the needs of consumers in living more sustainable lives, and prove essential in securing their licence to operate in the future.
But most importantly, only a sustainable approach to business will secure the markets, products and services necessary for their operations to continue into the future.
Sustainability is fast becoming an essential part of any forward-thinking business model. The question now is, will it be enough to deliver the changes needed with the urgency required?
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