Packaging performs vital functions in protecting people and products, but excessive packaging creates needless waste. How can packaging maximise its contribution to sustainability? How should retailers and the supply chain work together to optimise packaging design and use of resources?

1. Sustainability and Waste: a UK Retail Perspective Jane Milne Director of Business Environment British Retail Consortium www.brc.org.uk/retailingclimate

6. What is sustainability?

9. Why a retail initiative? “ During the next three to five years, most companies in.. ..heavy industries will need to act on climate change in a major way. Sectors that have so far featured less prominently in the debate, such as consumer goods, high tech, and financial services, will have to get moving as well.” Business Strategies for Climate Change, The McKinsey Quarterly 2008 “ Few believe that retailers alone can resolve the issue and recognise that shoppers will also need to play a part.” Sustainability Issues in the Retail Sector, Ipsos MORI 2007