The PPiPL team spoke to 240 customers across two of our sites, and it became clear from their findings that consumers prefer packaging with recycled content, and the environmental impact and recyclability of packaging are major concerns to them. The results also highlighted where customers feel they need more information – on the effectiveness and potential downsides of recycling and plastic packaging, and on concerns over the potential health risks associated with the recycling process. Through the results we understand where to focus our attention in terms of the information that customers want when making decisions about the packaging on products they buy. We are keen to take this work further and ensure that we can educate our customers on the benefits of packaging recycling and that we work together with local authorities to ensure we harness the most sustainable habits for both our business and our customers. Through PPiPL, our teams have also had the opportunity to meet with likeminded businesses to share best practices and experiences, which is such a valuable exercise for all involved. Working on the project has been, and continues to be, so rewarding in terms of finding ways to improve for our business, customers, and our communities. HOW WE CAN CHANGE PPiPL has shown us that there is clear requirement for further support and information for customers about recycling. We now appreciate the importance of working with local authorities to ensure we have a joinedup approach on informing our customers to help them make clear choices around packaging recycling. There is a joint responsibility, from retailers, local authorities, and the government to help educate customers about the balance between food waste, convenience, and plastic pollution, as well as the effects continued extensive use of plastic is having on our environment. We need to simplify how customers can recycle their packaging, through standardisation. This project has been so interesting and rewarding, with clear benefits of being able to connect with important key stakeholders on the matter of plastic recycling, both from a supply chain point-of-view and from a customer perspective. It has given real insight into where to focus our attention on such an important subject. We hope that in future we will be able to offer more information to customers of the type they have told us through PPiPL they need. Our work with local authorities has already been positive, and we hope to influence changes at that level going forward. Most importantly, through our actions we aim to help change behaviours among consumers and our partners when it comes to recycled plastic use, recycling, and reuse. FIFTY FOUR DEGREES | 29 Katie Gwynne is Head of Business Risk and Compliance, and Jane Routh is Safety and Environment Manager at Booths. Booths is a family-owned Northern supermarket with one simple aim: “to sell the best goods available, in attractive stores, with excellent assistants.” They have 26 stores spread across Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, and North and West Yorkshire. The company was established in 1847. @Nifty Fox Creative 2024
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