The Retailer Winter 2018/19

Reuse can bring valuable benefits. Recycling 10 tonnes of fridges will cost at least £500; reuse could generate around £1,000.

Increasing numbers of organisations are embedding circular economy targets into their businesses and this trend is set to become the norm. Under circular economy thinking, reuse takes priority. Managed correctly, it also brings extra benefits; if retailers choose the reuse route, a compliance scheme is able to write evidence against those products, which can be used to offset their wider WEEE obligation. Navigating disposal options can be daunting, and it is easy to focus on new product sales, but retail is changing fast. Moving forward, consumers will expect outlets to demonstrate their environmental credentials and finding ways to cut wastage and maximise income will become even more important. Tackling customer returns can be an effective place to start.

MATT LUNTLEY // 03450 682572 // valpak.co.uk

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