Transforming Retail for a Sustainable Future.

Introduction

The modern consumer is both environmentally and cost-conscious aware. Research highlights that 24% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, with Gen Z prioritizing sustainability over brand loyalty. However, the rising cost of living has also influenced purchasing decisions, with many seeking reusable and eco-friendly options that balance affordability and ethics.

As suppliers for the retail world we question how can we inspire and educate a global community of suppliers and stakeholders to do business more sustainably and to innovate for positive change in the retail design industry?

Eco-awakening

Emotional and social attitudes towards sustainability.

“The 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed to be achieved by 2030 are projected to be met as late as 2082.”

Research by the Social Progress Imperative | Source: The Future Laboratory, Sustainability Futures Report, 2024

Greenwashing:

Consumers are becoming more savvy about spotting greenwashing and are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability from companies. They want to see evidence of genuine commitment to sustainability, such as transparent supply chains, third-party certifications, and measurable environmental impact reduction efforts.

Cozzie Livs

According to a study conducted by Deloitte, (What consumers are doing to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle – Sustainable Consumer 2023), the cost of living crisis is having an impact on how consumers are adopting a more sustainable lifestyle:

• 55% repaired an item instead of buying a new equivalent item
• 46% bought second-hand items
• 42% paid more for longer-lasting products

Ethical Impact

the same study suggests that ethical concerns have a purchasing impact:

• 1 in 3 consumers (30%) stopped purchasing certain brands or products because of ethical or sustainability related concerns. This trend is particularly visible in grocery, beauty and hospitality.
• 32% of consumers check whether a product is made from recycled materials.
• 33% decide whether to buy a product based on how much plastic the product or its packaging contains

Implications for brands

Regulatory frameworks, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), push brands toward greater accountability, while challenges like greenwashing and eco-litigation demand transparency. Successful strategies include circular design, sustainable production, and tools for measuring environmental impact. Case studies from brands like Samsung, Tiffany, HP and Patagonia showcase the importance of community engagement and education in fostering a culture of sustainability.

Packaging

Samsung’s promise to further reduce its environmental footprint has been a resounding success following the impact of ‘eco-packaging’, a concept for the brand’s Lifestyle TV products portfolio introduced in 2019. The initiative has promoted and encouraged the efficient use of resources to contribute to environmental well-being worldwide, resulting in Samsung being recognized at the CES 2020 Innovation Awards.

The “endangered animals” collection repurpose Samsung packaging into furniture and household items. Recognising the importance of avoiding wasteful packaging, particularly as consumers continue to order products online, Samsung hopes to introduce a more circular approach to its business.

Recycled materials

Tiffany & Co. have designed this beautiful retail space, located in Changi airport, Singapore, which features a one-of-a-kind, 3D-printed façade created from an innovative mix of recycled fishing nets and plastic waste reclaimed from the ocean. This new building material is a tangible reflection of the brands’ efforts to preserve the beauty of the natural world, including precious corals & healthy marine ecosystems.

Sustainable dialogue

Highlighting HP’s longstanding Sustainability focus, ISI Global have created and delivered multiple Shop-in-shop retail spaces across EMEA. The stores features a central unit that presents facts about HP’s efforts to improve climate action, human rights and digital equity and allows consumers to view their sustainability report and further information via a QR code.

Community

Patagonia’s inaugural store in Amsterdam marks a pivotal moment for the renowned outdoor brand, serving as a hub for both retail and community engagement.

The store located Singel 465-467, showcases Patagonia’s technical apparel and accessories for climbing, snow sports, and trail running. Beyond commerce, the store is a platform for activism and sports communities, offering a vibrant space for:

1.Workshops: designed to educate and inspire the community diving into details from outdoor survival skills to sustainable fashion practices

2.Repairs: A permanent repair corner  set up next to the entrance where customers can bring damaged Patagonia gear to be repaired.

3.Film screenings, and talks:  .

4.Where we stand: An homage to the location with details on why did Patagonia have picked this building and where are the construction materials are coming from.

The store exemplifies the brand’s commitment to fostering positive change and environmental activism within the dynamic city.

Sparked your interest? Subscribe today to receive our Retail Vision newsletter.