Giving Compass' Take:

• The author recaps the second day of the Sustainable Retail Summit, in which experts, CEOs, government and society leaders share best practices and challenges regarding social and environmental sustainability in business. 

• After these types of summits, what are the next steps for businesses? Who holds them accountable for producing targeted results in sustainability? 

• Read about how we can ensure more ethical supply chains. 

The Sustainable Retail Summit has successfully closed following two days of frank and open discussions about the role of the consumer goods industry in driving positive change on key challenges related to social and environmental sustainability and health and wellness.

Organised by The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), the Sustainable Retail Summit brings industry leaders together, alongside government and civil society actors, to share knowledge and best practices. Over 260 delegates participated in day two, which delivered on its promise of interactive breakout sessions and high-level keynotes.

Mike Coupe, CEO of Sainsbury’s began the day by talking about his company’s positive agenda and the power of collaboration. He said it’s not just about sources for competitive advantage, but it’s about finding ways to collaborate to drive positive, lasting change. Mike also talked concretely about what Sainsbury’s is doing in the areas of plastic waste, forced labour and collaboration for healthier lives.

Waste was the focus of the second parallel session. Representatives from Anthesis Group, Jerónimo Martins Group, Mars, Incorporated and World Resources Institute talked on how the ability of organisations to work together to share data can unequivocally reduce the challenge of food waste. It was noted how waste is a symptom of system of inefficiency and that a mindset shift was necessary. On measurement and action, the discussion focused on the FLW Protocol and the CGF’s Food Waste Resolution.

After a short break, more interactive parallel sessions took place, exploring innovation and technology to embrace sustainability, making responsible sourcing easier for the industry, re-thinking the plastics problem and inspiring healthier lives.

In the final session of the day, focus shifted to the big picture once again and implementing today for a sustainable tomorrow. John Ross, CEO & President at IGA got the ball rolling by talking about millennials.

Read the full article about the sustainable retail summit at CSR Wire.