NEWS EXTRA


the manufacturer and companies should put together a long-term sustainability plan that enables the use of more eco-friendly materials to produce their products. Mr Green continued: “With all the


current press surrounding plastic, it makes sense for retailers to show that they are doing their bit for the environment. This will help them relate to their customers and build a stronger relationship with those who are particularly interested in changing their shopping habits by supporting retailers who are making a difference. We have shown at Hug Rug that, if you make that change and are prepared to do things differently, then you can do your bit for the environment whilst benefiting your business at the same time. What has been key for us is telling the story of what we’re trying to do, which helps build that connection with the customer who buys into what you’re doing... They are more likely to become repeat customers, as they feel emotionally involved with the brand.


“I believe that the onus should be on retailers to step up and show some progress as to how they themselves are working towards cutting plastic use and improving their environmental footprint. It’s a long process that retailers will start on and changes won’t happen overnight but all retailers should have a clear strategy that gives them the framework to set out how they aim to make the changes over a set period of time,” said Mr Green. In addition to the industrially- generated waste project, six months ago What More UK sourced a continuous supply of usable domestic plastic waste, and the company then decided to create another range of storage boxes and lids using these materials, and named it “Upcycle”. What More UK director Tony Grimshaw OBE said: “We launched


“Not all plastic is drastic. Retailers are well aware of their responsibilities; probably more so than some in the media. They will always support schemes that benefit their communities and the environment.”


ranges at Spring Fair 2018. It created an immediate interest from a lot of our independent customers. They are very aware of the problems. They have supported both ranges very well, and orders at the exhibition confirmed it had a place on the shelves.” Talking of the Government’s 25 year environmental plan, Mr Grimshaw said: “Politicians are


notorious slow coaches. Yet they expect everyone else to do things yesterday. Plastic bags are becoming a thing of the past.”


He continued: “Not all plastic is drastic. The problem is that some elements of the media love to point out the problem, at the same time being unwilling to highlight possible solutions. Retailers are well aware of their responsibilities; probably more so than some in the media. They will always support schemes that benefit their communities and the environment.” This year, Crown Paints celebrated the 10th anniversary of its ‘earthbalance’ sustainability programme, which set out a commitment to be more sustainable, less wasteful and to help customers make responsible decisions about our world environment. Crown corporate communications executive Josie Cawdry said: “With plastic becoming an increasing concern to our customers in both the trade and retail spheres, it seemed like a perfect time to look at new ways we could reduce our plastic consumption by investing in innovative ways to


lead the market in this area. She added: “Becoming the first paint manufacturer in the UK to introduce plastic cans manufactured from 100% recycled post-consumer waste (PCW) plastic earlier this year could potentially save many thousands of tonnes of PCW plastic from otherwise ending up in landfill. It is a significant improvement from the plastic paint containers manufactured from 25% recycled plastic, which are currently available in the UK and it’s an achievement we’re very proud of. “For retailers, managing waste in an effective way should be paramount,” said Ms Cawdry. “It is estimated that, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than sea life, which is shocking. In order to take control of this, retailers need to make the first move by showing consumers that plastic packaging can be environmentally friendly. As the need to reduce plastic waste has become more important to consumers, retailers who can demonstrate their sustainability credentials by providing sustainable packing solutions will go far.”


www.diyweek.net


26 OCTOBER 2018 DIY WEEK 9


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