Retailers must urgently address the accelerating loss of nature and biodiversity or they risk jeopardising supply chain resilience, according to a new report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). 
 
These warnings come as this flagship report, “Planning for Nature” reveals that three quarters (76%) of retailers have no targets for protecting nature.

The BRC says the report marks the beginning of the industry’s journey in halting and reversing nature loss by 2030 and achieving full recovery by 2050. 
 
But it also unveils the scale of the challenge ahead. Half of retailers (52%) are yet to make any public commitments on nature, and two thirds (67%) lack a data led-strategy. This is due to barriers such as budget constraints, data gathering, and ensuring suppliers take action.
 
While much work lies ahead, the report shows some momentum. Nearly a third (29%) of retailers are developing public commitments with an equal number (29%) working on a nature strategy. 24% are starting to engage with their suppliers on nature and a further quarter (25%) say nature is a top business priority for the year ahead.

“Despite the huge costs and pressures in supply chains, it is imperative that we maintain progress to protect and restore our environment. It is great to see such a number and variety of UK retailers stepping up to their responsibilities, working with their suppliers to make practical changes to reduce our impact on the environment, all the while maintaining affordability and choice for customers.”

Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability, British Retail Consortium

Over the next year, retailers – with support from the BRC – will focus on creating workable nature policies, establishing standardised metrics, improving supplier engagement, and building the business case for nature. The Government is also set to publish its revised Environment Improvement Plans, which, the BRC says, will be crucial for progress.

“We look forward to seeing the Government’s revised Environment Improvement Plans, and working closely with them and retailers to make further progress in this critical area,” Opie added.

By continuing to track progress and hold retailers to account, this report will help begin the process of driving positive change in the industry. The BRC will continue to track and publish annual updates.