Environmental Sustainability

As consumers and government regulations call on companies to adopt increasingly sustainable practices, fashion brands need to rethink their approach to reducing their environmental impact. One of their key challenges is to achieve full visibility into all stages in the life cycle, from fiber-origin to retail. Without perfect traceability of the materials used, it's extremely…

It’s that time of the year when retailers ready themselves for a surge in sales and roll out festive promotions. But after the cash registers stop ringing and the holiday lights turn off, many concerns surface, such as gift returns and ongoing sustainability challenges. Retailers are estimated to throw away around 25 percent of their…

The fashion industry doesn’t have a good reputation when it comes to sustainability. According to the United Nations Environmental Program, fashion industry processes account for up to 10 percent of global carbon dioxide output, and the industry is accountable for 20 percent of the 300 million tons of plastic produced each year around the globe.…

In episode 429 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jeremiah McElwee, chief merchandising officer of Thrive Market, a leading online marketplace specializing in a highly curated assortment of organic and non-GMO products. During the wide-ranging episode, McElwee provides an overview of Thrive Market and his role within the organization (0:55), including how merchandising…

There's an unpredictability of winter weather that makes the upcoming season especially interesting for meteorologists, and far less enjoyable for anyone who has experienced the shock of a significantly higher energy bill thanks to extreme weather events like those that experienced Texas’ February 2021 storms. When we look ahead to the colder months, there’s some…

In episode 425 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Eric Bjorling, director of brand marketing and public relations at Trek Bicycle, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of bicycles and related products. Listen in as Bjorling discusses the genesis of Trek Bicycle's new bike trade-in and refurbishment program, Red Barn Refresh (0:52)…

All of us are familiar with the phrase, "Nothing in life is free," (including lunch), but this sentiment truly resonates when examining the intricacies of free shipping in e-commerce. What if we changed the script on free shipping, viewing it not merely as a business maneuver, but instead as a catalyst for eco-conscious evolution? It…

The LEGO Group announced last week its pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 as part of its continued efforts to reduce environmental impact. The pledge is an extension of its existing near-term climate target to reduce GHG emissions by 37 percent by 2032 from a 2019 base, according to a company…

The fashion and logistics sectors have both become increasingly concerned with sustainability. According to Deloitte, almost one-third of consumers have stopped shopping at specific retailers due to ethical and environmental concerns. As such, retailers are now searching for ways to introduce greener processes. With customers becoming more aware of the role they play in the…

For some, the decision by the Biden Administration to enact the Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing came as a welcome surprise. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable strides made by biotechnology to quickly develop effective COVID-19 vaccines, the order broadcasts an intent to leverage government expertise and resources to pave the way for a…