Sustainability Content Hub

Impact23 Sustainability Summit

POPAI’s flagship Sustainability event took place in June 2023 and welcomed a number of top retailers, brands and agencies. The day was filled with insightful discussions, inspiring presentations, and collaboration.

Impact23Contributors Guide

Presentations can be downloaded from the event below (members only)

Procter & Gamble - Transforming our display value chains into circularity at lowest carbon

Kellogg's - How Kellogg's POS is making sustainability grrreat

Mars Wrigley - How smart design is changing the way we think about thelifecycle of displays

The Body Shop - Pathway to reaching your businesses' sustainability targets

Nectar360 - How important is sustainability to customers during an economic crisis?

Esteé Lauder - ELC Italy: Our Sustainable Journey

POPAI Awards - Sustainability winners

Discover all of the winning POPAI award entries from the Sustainability category.

The POPAI Awards are the ultimate symbol of creativity, innovation and best practice – a hallmark of excellence that provides the benchmark for success and the catalyst for continuous improvement.

In this gallery you can view the case studies of all bronze, silver and gold award-winning sustainability entries since 2013.

Sustainability POPAI Awards Gallery

Sustainability Net Zero

"NET ZERO - What it means & help to achieve it"As news reports repeatedly remind us, there is an urgent need to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) to limit global temperature rises.In December 2015 at COP21, the Paris Agreement set the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.

At COP27 Parties agreed that limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires rapid, deep, and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, reducing them by 43 percent by 2030 relative to the 2019 level.

In this document we briefly outline GHG emissions by scope and we give a rundown of how to achieve Net Zero within a business.

This is broken down in a five-step strategy within the PDF.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Non-members Report: Download here

Carbon Jargon

As news reports repeatedly remind us, there is an urgent need to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) to limit global temperature rises. In December 2015 at COP21, the Paris Agreement set the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.

It is worth remembering that some of these terms still don’t have globally acknowledged definitions and the meaning of some can change depending on the context, for example whether one is looking at a global, country, or corporate level.

We have looked from a business perspective as well as trying to capture those terms used across the wider media and in academic circles.

We have included what we consider to be the most reliable and respected definitions available, but in some cases alternative definitions also exist.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Non-members Report: Download here

Retail Recycling Research - Permanent Display and Fixtures

Global brands and retailers produce thousands of tonnes of display campaigns each year.

But what happens once an in-store campaign has finished? And what happens at end of life?

The second phase of this ground-breaking project determines the current realities and challenges of end of life for permanent display and fixtures in UK and Ireland.

Using a combination of desk research, senior level interviews and store level investigation, we have established the industry benchmark and provided recommendations.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Non-members Report: Download here

Temporary POSM & Packaging Recycling Report

POPAI UK & Ireland’s research into the recycling and recyclability of temporary point of sale display materials and secondary packaging.

The report covers all aspects of recycling from the perceptions of retail recycling compared to the realities, the recycling dialogue taking place between suppliers and clients, design practices being used to promote recyclability, through to if and how recycling rates are being measured.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Non-members Report: Download here

Image Reports Talks to... Martin Kingdon, Chair and Sustainability Director

This summer, on 15 June, POPAI UK & Ireland will run its biggest ever sustainability summit - ‘Impact22’.

Topics on the agenda include the greening-up of retail POP and sustainable materials.

In this article POPAI Chair and Sustainability Director, Martin Kingdon, talks about how large-format PSPs fit into the current sustainability landscape.

Published to the Sustainability Hub in April 2022.

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Plastic Packaging Tax Roundtable

The new Plastic Packaging Tax was introduced on 1st April 2022.

POPAI have been working with the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) to establish the potential impact on the P-O-P industry.

This presentation given by the BPIF, covers all aspects of the tax's implementation, how it is calculated, who it affects and how.

Published to the Sustainability Hub in April 2022.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Sustainability Glossary
Terms & definitions

Prepared by POPAI UK & Ireland.

A comprehensive list of terms and the definitions, covering a broad range of sustainability and environmental topics.

Published to the Sustainability Hub in April 2022.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Recycling Logos Research Report

As we become more globally environmentally conscious, we are seeing an emergence of labels and logos to encourage recycling and other eco-friendly activities, or to offer information about the green credentials of a product or its packaging. But is this creating deeper understanding or simply causing confusion?

POPAI conducted extensive research into the use, clarity, and purpose of these symbols, asking: which logos are leaving their mark?

Published to the Sustainability Hub in March 2022.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Factsheet

On 23 February 2022, the EU Commission adopted a proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence, which aims to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour throughout global value chains. This factsheet outlines which companies will be affected, what their new obligations will be and what benefits the new directive will bring.

Published to the Sustainability Hub in March 2022.

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Human Rights & Environment in Global Value Chains

On 23 February 2022, the EU Commission adopted a proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence.

A number of Members States have already introduced national rules on due diligence and some companies have taken measures at their own initiative. However, there is need for a larger scale improvement that is difficult to achieve with voluntary action. This document provides the background to the Directive, information regarding the companies that will be impacted and what the next steps will be.

Published to the Sustainability Hub in March 2022.

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Questions and Answers

Further to the adoption of the new EU Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence, announced on 23 February 2022, this document provides a comprehensive list of questions and answers pertaining to the new Directive.

Published to the Sustainability Hub in March 2022.

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Planet Positive Beauty Guide - How to make greener choices

The British Beauty Council’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition launches the Planet Positive Beauty Guide to help consumers avoid “greenwashed” products.

Beauty consumers are more conscious of their purchasing choices now than ever before, yet many beauty brands continue to “greenwash” shoppers by making misleading claims about the sustainability of their products.

Published to the Sustainability Hub in January 2022.

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Download the Guide

Driving Sales with Re-Generative Platforms

This presentation explores:

CHEP's circular economy
Britvic's vision
Re-generative display platforms

Originally presented by Gemma Doyle, Customer Partnerships Manager for CHEP and Peter Doherty, Head of Sales - Northern Ireland for Britvic at POPAI Irish Seminar - Sustainability on 3rd November 2021.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Goal 13 - Impact Platform
Executive Summary

The Goal 13 Impact Platform is the result of a partnership between the Confederation of British Industry, Deloitte, Chapter Zero, The Prince’s Accounting for Sustainability Project, Dell Technologies, Boomi, and the Met Office and is based on 420 interviews with leading global organisations.

Six key areas were covered:

What are the drivers that are stimulating businesses to act on climate?
What targets and commitments has the business made?
How are businesses organising their climate programs?
What are the most impactful climate initiatives being undertaken?
What barriers exist that prevent more being done?
What lessons have been learned?

POPAI to like to acknowledge HH Global for both their participation and in the report and allowing it to be shared via the POPAI Sustainability Hub.

Published to the Sustainability Hub in November 2021.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

The Purposeful Consumer

This presentation explores:

The rise of the purposeful consumer
A sustainable purpose and how this has evolved our approach to design
Sustainable design examples

Originally presented by Niamh Higgins, Managing Director for Tap Creative at POPAI Irish Seminar - Sustainability on 3rd November 2021.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Designing Packaging for a Circular Economy

This presentation explores:

Legislation and opportunities.

Originally presented by Brian Walsh for Repak at POPAI Irish Seminar - Sustainability on 3rd November 2021.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Maybelline & Wilko's Sustainability Journey

This presentation explores:

Fit-for purpose sustainable material use
Design with necessity at the heart
Material reduction processes
Measuring carbon impact

Originally presented by Rachel Addison, Account Manager, Leonardo Remidios, Senior Account Manager and Sam Hawkins, Development Designer for Willson & Brown | array at POPAI Irish Seminar - Sustainability on 3rd November 2021.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Case Studies in Sustainable Substitutions

This presentation explores:

Understanding the impact of existing activities
Working with the supply chain to examine alternatives
Implementing and measuring the effect & planning for the future

Originally presented by Conor Callinan, Managing Director for Delta Group Ireland at POPAI Irish Seminar - Sustainability on 3rd November 2021.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Temporary POSM & Packaging Presentation

This presentations explores the findings of POPAI Recycling report.

Full report found in box file.

Originally presented by Anthony Earl, Sustainability & Insights Manager for POPAI UK & Ireland on 3rd November 2021 at POPAI Irish Seminar - Sustainability.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Recycling Glossary

Terms & Definitions

Prepared by POPAI UK & Ireland.

A comprehensive list of terms and the definitions, associated with recycling and the recycling industry.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Goal 13: Impact Platform emerging findings

A report by Deloitte & CBI.

The next ten years will throw up so many climate change opportunities and challenges, and you have to start somewhere. We will never have the answers, so much of the learning will happen along the way.

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Insight into: Sustainable Point of Sale Materials

A report by The Consumer Goods Forum.

Wouter Schaekers, P&G Director of Product Supply & Sustainability, and Reinhard Wesp, P&G Director of Physical Distribution and Customization (DACH), give their insight into two aspects of sustainable supply chain innovation that are changing the game.

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Examining Material Evidence
The Carbon Footprint

A report by Imperial College London.

Only 2% of British people consider plastic, compared to other materials used in packaging, to contribute the least greenhouse gases to the environment from its production, use, and post use treatment. Whilst in absolute numbers it is a fact the least impactful.

Plastics do have a large carbon impact - accounting for 3.8% of global greenhouse gases emissions - but it is wrong to assume that alternative packaging materials would perform better, and it is important to consider the carbon benefits that arise from plastics use.

Originally published: January 2021

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shop! White Paper

Full Report

This white paper from shop! addresses issues of sustainability for retail at a global level, offering a roadmap for change, exploring in detail the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and highlighting the implantation of POPAI France and POPAI UK & Ireland Eco-Standard initiatives.

The paper looks at the importance of sustainability from the perspective of brands/retailers, designers and suppliers.

Originally published: January 2021

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shop! White Paper

For Brands & retailers

An abridged version of the white paper from shop!

The paper looks at the importance of sustainability from the perspective of brands/retailers.

Originally published: January 2021

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shop! White Paper

For Designers

An abridged version of the white paper from shop!

The paper looks at the importance of sustainability from the perspective of Designers.

Originally published: January 2021

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shop! White Paper

For Suppliers

An abridged version of the white paper from shop!

The paper looks at the importance of sustainability from the perspective of Suppliers.

Originally published: January 2021

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Industry Report
Spotlight on Sustainability

As corporate social responsibility (CSR) continues to loom large in the minds of retailers, brands and consumers, this report shines the spotlight on the role P-O-P plays in today’s sustainability conscious retail environment.

How have P-O-P designers and manufacturers adapted their practices to improve the sustainability credentials of display equipment?

We also explore the opportunities for P-O-P to help brands and retailers convey their CSR messaging.

Originally published: August 2020

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Webinar Recording
Sustainability Snapshop

This 30-minute webinar includes the latest POPAI research which looks at how brands and retailers are communicating their sustainable activities to the shopper in-store.

This session includes:

Shopper attitudes to sustainability
In-store messaging – communicating with shoppers
Pledges to reduce waste
Sustainable products and retail marketing techniques
Looking ahead: How sustainability is changing retail

Originally published: April 2020

Watch the recording

Campaign Report
Sustainability In-Store

With sustainability and environmental credentials firmly under the spotlight, retailers and brands must not only up their CSR activity, but shout about it to shoppers.

Our report looks at just how well they are getting the message across.

Originally published: January 2020

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The agenda affecting & driven by retailers and consumers

This presentation explores:

Retail marketing’s role in driving change
Principles for driving consumer behaviour change
Using the store to “show and tell” what‘s being done and to encourage consumers to do their bit too
Examples of best practice, (and potentially some that don’t quite hit the mark)

Originally presented by Alex Cullen and Liza Freudmann, Directors, BLA London at POPAI Shopper Seminar on 10th December 2019.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Product choices for a responsible display industry

A presentation looking at environmental product choices for displays.

It explores:

Rethink. Recycle. Reuse- It doesn’t have to be plastic
Challenge the norm to rethink POS production

Originally presented by Neil McCarthy, Head of Sales & Marketing, Pyramid Display Materials at POPAI Shopper Seminar on 4th April 2019.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Sustainable design principles in practice

A presentation looking at sustainable design principles in practice.

It explores:

Why designers need to get it right from the start
Design for disassembly and what this really means
How it’s simple to adopt sustainable thinking into your work

Originally presented by Dudley Roberts, Creative Director, Displayplan at the POPAI Shopper Seminar in London on the 4th April 2019.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Global Trends
Cardboard as a channel

During the last decade there has been a real shift in consumers’ expectations of how brands approach sustainability and waste.

Plastics have been the real villain of the piece since The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s 2016 study famously revealed that there will be more plastic than fish in our seas by 2050. This has intensified the focus on brands’ sustainability efforts, the ingredients they use in their products and the materials and practices they use in their production processes.

Originally published: September 2018

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Sustainable display materials in P-O-P

A presentation covering sustainable materials in P-O-P:

The transition to environmentally friendly materials
What’s driving the transition
P-O-P product alternatives
The challenges of getting a new product into the market

Presented by Neil McCarthy, Head of Sales & Marketing at Pyramid Display at the POPAI Shopper Seminar on the 21st September 2017 in Manchester.

FREE for POPAI members Report: Download the FULL report here

Global Guidance on Environmental Claims

The Global Guidance on Environmental Claims identifies six key principles that marketers need to follow to make sure they are seen as trustworthy and to avoid their brands being accused of greenwashing.

The goal is to provide marketers with a clear set of rules to follow when they decide to communicate the actions that their company is taking to drive more sustainable outcomes.

Thanks to the WFA, icas, VoxComm, The European Advertising Standards Alliance and the ASA for giving us permission to publish this article.

Published: April 2022

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