BRC warns retailers over lack of biodiversity targets

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned in a new report that retailers must step up efforts to tackle biodiversity loss or risk undermining the resilience of their supply chains.

The trade body’s report, Planning for Nature, found that 76% of retailers have no targets in place to protect nature. It also showed that 52% have made no public commitments, while 67% lack a data-led strategy.

The BRC said the findings underline the scale of the challenge in halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, and achieving full recovery by 2050. It cited obstacles including limited budgets, difficulties in gathering data and ensuring suppliers take action.

The report also highlighted areas of progress. Nearly a third of retailers, 29%, are developing public commitments, the same proportion are working on a strategy, and a quarter are beginning to engage with suppliers on biodiversity. Another 25% said that nature is a top business priority for the year ahead.

The consortium said it would continue to monitor and publish annual updates on progress, while supporting retailers to develop policies, adopt standardised metrics, engage suppliers and build the business case for action.

The government’s revised Environment Improvement Plans, expected later this year, are also regarded as critical to future progress.

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC, said: “Despite the huge costs and pressures in supply chains, it is imperative that we maintain progress to protect and restore our environment.

“It is great to see such a number and variety of UK retailers stepping up to their responsibilities, working with their suppliers to make practical changes to reduce our impact on the environment, all the while maintaining affordability and choice for customers. We look forward to seeing the government’s revised Environment Improvement Plans, and working closely with them and retailers to make further progress in this critical area.”