Retailers have promised to develop new targets on employment and environmental issues in support of the United Nations sustainable development agenda.
More than 25 retailers today signed up to the Better Retail Better World initiative, spearheaded by the BRC.
So far signatories include Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Morrisons, M&S and Sainsbury’s. Tesco has not yet added its name.
The BRC said it was the first industry-wide commitment to tackle the UN’s sustainable development goals, though it admitted specific targets in several key areas of the programme had yet to be developed.
The pledges include a move to tackle inequalities, with a pledge to “publicly disclose how we are supporting people from under-represented demographics” by 2020.
They also include measures aimed at tackling slave labour and reduce waste going to landfill, though again a specific target has not yet been announced.
This launch of Better Retail Better World follows the announcement of the first industry-led Retail Sector Council last week.
“This is part of a growing movement for change,” said Richard Pennycook, BRC chairman, who also chairs the new body.
“It is time for the retail industry to show what it can do for the common good. We are taking collective action to build a better, more prosperous and sustainable world, and demonstrating how we are making a positive contribution to society, in terms of the supply chain, food packaging and waste.”
Retail minister Andrew Griffiths MP added: “Retail is a driving force for our economy and our recently launched Retail Sector Council will seek to boost the industry’s economic health and sustainable growth.”
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