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COVID-19 FORCES REAPPRAISAL OF POSSIBILITY The pandemic has undoubtedly taken many things away from us. The ability to ‘do’ has been restricted like never before. The drive to ‘do better’, understandably, may feel out of reach. This is according to Unilever ANZ Head of Sustainable Business and Communications (home, beauty and personal care) Alex McDonald. “And yet, while there are many challenges coming from a world with Covid-19, it has also forced a reappraisal of possibility,” she told Retail World. “Many in our industry have taken rapid action by pivoting in ways that may have been unimaginable just a few months ago. Partnerships that may have once been considered unusual have evolved, and competitors across industries and sectors have worked together to support the community. “Alongside the natural anxiety and fear that exist, there also sits sheer determination, creativity and ingenuity. The adage of necessity being the mother of invention couldn’t be more true, and it’s been particularly heartening to see this mindset extend to opportunities for sustainability in the FMCG and retail sectors.” This is evident in ALDI recently announcing its renewables ambitions, including powering Aussie operations with 100 per cent renewable energy by the end of 2021. By the end of 2020, the aim is to have solar installations atop at least 250 stores and six distribution centres. In March, Coles flew the flag for recycled plastics, partnering with Clean Up Australia to educate and enable consumers to #getplasticswise with Unilever’s range of bottles made with locally sourced, post-consumer recycled plastic. The campaign, which encouraged consumers to ‘buy better’ with recycled plastic bottles across Dove, OMO, TRESemmé, Surf, and Toni & Guy, raised $76,000 for Clean Up Australia. In September, Unilever launched its ‘recycled for the planet’ activation with Woolworths, including an interactive branded shop that both educates and energises consumers to think more sustainably at the supermarket. “It’s all about encouraging the end market for recycled plastics, driving demand and, as a result, diverting plastic away from landfill,” Ms McDonald said. She says Unilever’s ambition to leverage its scale as a “force for good” has never been more relevant. Earlier this year, the multinational consumer goods company announced climate and nature targets and committed $1.62 billion to a new, dedicated Climate & Nature Fund, with projects to include landscape restoration, reforestation, carbon sequestration, wildlife protection and water preservation. “The announcement has seen us supercharge our efforts locally, with Unilever ANZ switching to 100 per cent renewable electricity to power all our operations earlier this year, well ahead of our end-of-2020 target,” Ms McDonald said. “As a result of making this switch, Unilever will reduce its greenhouse emissions by about 30,840 tonnes of CO2 each year. This is equivalent to the emissions generated by powering more than 3600 Australian homes or 6600 cars annually.” Meanwhile, retailers can expect some new developments from Unilever’s home care brands as part of its Clean Future program, another $1.62 billion investment, which will help enable it to achieve its goal of eliminating fossil fuels as a source of carbon in cleaning products. Beginning with a reformulated OMO range, which recently landed on retailer shelves, Clean Future will take shape in a slew of new products developed in Australia and New Zealand that have renewable carbon sources, biodegradable enzymes and recycled plastics content at their core, and which enable consumers to make more sustainable decisions for the home. “In 2021, we also look forward to partnering with TerraCycle and Woolworths to bring Australia’s first mainstream refillable system, Loop, to consumers,” Ms McDonald said. “As we start to hopefully turn a corner in Australia and New Zealand, we’re shifting our attention from surviving the crisis to playing an active role in the recovery, economically, socially and environmentally. With a long-term outlook and cross-industry commitment, we have an incredible opportunity to work together in unprecedented ways to galvanise a more sustainable, equitable, future-fit industry. “We can’t predict the future, but we can be committed to focusing our people and resources in creating a more positive one.” SUSTAINABILITY NOV, 2020 RETAIL WORLD 47