The new frontier in retail sustainability is “circular”.
By Luisa Cartel, Semcom
Net zero, offsetting, eco-friendly: we are all familiar with these terms.
But the new step in true retail sustainability is 'circular lifecyle'. In perfect circularity, what goes around, comes around, “reusable” beats “single-use” and nothing goes to waste.
“Single-use generally is bad. We need to move away from this idea that we can have a single-use item and it’s OK because it gets recycled, to realising that it’s not nearly as good as utilising reusable materials,” says Jennifer Macklin, senior researcher at Monash Sustainable Development Institute.
So, how can we implement circular solutions in the retail chain?
Victoria’s Unboxed project has provided 1,000 reusable plastic crates to transport fresh produce from farms to venues, wholesalers, and homes throughout Melbourne. This initiative minimises single-use packaging waste, including cardboard, plastic, and paper.
Packaging and recycling company, Pact Group, has won the Circular Economy Award at this year’s Chemistry Australia Industry Awards for recycling the equivalent of half a billion used milk bottles a year, and turning them into new milk bottles.
Point of Sale circular lifecycle solutions, like reusable displays, could bring a 75% cardboard waste reduction.
“Sustainability is the new creativity. After 25 years in business with major Australian brands, we invested in developing new, circular solutions.” Sanda Sgambellone from Semcom explains the need to help retailers and manufacturers meet their sustainability goals.
The new addition to Semcom's eco range family is displayCRATE, the quintessential circular lifecycle solution for retail point of sale. Made entirely in Australia from soft and hard plastic, this display lasts for years and can be customised with different designs.
“It’s a collective effort from agencies, retailers and brands, to partner together to lead the change to more sustainable retail. If this means circularity, that’s where we need to be.” Sanda Sgambellone, Semcom.
To learn more, visit www.sem.com.au.
