Sustainability in the supermarket: Retail can do more

Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide an in-depth analysis of the second study by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) commissioned by the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA), which assesses the sustainability activities of the German retail trade industry. The study aims to evaluate the progress made by supermarkets in promoting sustainable practices and identify areas for improvement.

Effects on Industry
The findings of this study have significant implications for the German retail trade industry, as they highlight the potential for supermarkets to play a more substantial role in shaping the country’s food system towards sustainability. By examining the environmental impact of their activities, such as waste management, packaging, and supply chain transparency, retailers can identify opportunities to improve their sustainability performance and contribute to a more environmentally friendly food system.

The study shows that while some supermarkets have made progress in implementing sustainable practices, there is still room for improvement. The results suggest that retailers could enhance their environmental impact by adopting more resource-efficient production methods, reducing packaging waste, and promoting the reduction of food waste. This has far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole, as it could lead to increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services.

Relevant Stakeholders
The stakeholders affected by this study include:

• Retailers: The study’s findings provide an opportunity for supermarkets to reassess their sustainability performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Consumers: By promoting sustainable practices, retailers can contribute to a more environmentally friendly food system, which may lead to increased consumer demand for eco-friendly products and services.
• Environmental organizations: The study’s results highlight the potential for supermarkets to play a more significant role in reducing their environmental impact, which could contribute to a broader effort to protect the environment.

Next Steps
To comply with or respond to this update, stakeholders can take the following actions:

1. Retailers should reassess their sustainability performance and identify areas for improvement.
2. Consumers can demand sustainable products and services from retailers.
3. Environmental organizations can use the study’s results to advocate for greater sustainability in the retail trade industry.

Any Other Relevant Information
The study was conducted by FiBL on behalf of UBA, building on the first study published in 2022. The research aimed to evaluate the progress made by supermarkets in promoting sustainable practices and identify areas for improvement. By examining the environmental impact of their activities, such as waste management, packaging, and supply chain transparency, retailers can identify opportunities to improve their sustainability performance and contribute to a more environmentally friendly food system.

The study’s findings highlight the potential for supermarkets to play a more substantial role in shaping the country’s food system towards sustainability. By adopting more resource-efficient production methods, reducing packaging waste, and promoting the reduction of food waste, retailers can enhance their environmental impact and contribute to a broader effort to protect the environment.