WRAP invites retail partners to pioneer project
24 April 2009
Research to be undertaken by WRAP will identify the total amount of waste generated in the UK retail supply chain for the first time, and allow companies to accurately benchmark themselves against aggregated data
The UK retail sector and its supply chain could save as much as £1.3 billion by taking low or no cost actions to improve resource efficiency. However greater clarity on which areas to prioritise for action could help businesses identify opportunities to make cost and environmental savings.
The project, which is aimed at grocery and home improvement retailers and their suppliers, will assess packaging, product and food waste generated throughout the supply chain from manufacture through distribution to back of store.
WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) is urging businesses to take part in the research to help establish a dataset for the retail sector and inform sectoral best practice and common areas for intervention.
Charlotte Henderson, retail supply chain manager for WRAP said: "There is currently limited understanding around the total amount of waste generated within the UK retail supply chain and this new research will provide invaluable insight into priorities for action at a category level. The findings will deliver considerably benefit across the sector and we're keen for as many businesses as possible to get involved to provide a complete picture."
Data will be collected from participating companies from May onwards. The data received will provide a broad picture of the amount of packaging, product and food waste being generated, broken down by category and the specific stage of the supply chain.
Once the research is complete, best practice guidance and case studies will be developed and the data will be converted into equivalent cost, water, energy and carbon savings. The data will also be linked up with WRAP's household food and packaging waste data giving a whole life perspective.
DHL Environmental & Compliance Solutions (ECS) has been commissioned to undertake the research, in partnership with Cranfield University. Individual data sets will be kept confidential, and the findings are due to be published later this year.
Businesses interested in being involved should e-mail rscdata@wrap.org.uk. Further details are available on www.wrap.org.uk/retail
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