By Francesca Walker

The MRS Sustainability Summit 2023 brought together thought leaders and innovators in sustainability. Impact’s Tom Gould, Francesca Walker and Darryl Swift were among the attendees, absorbing vital insights. This article captures the essence of the summit, spotlighting significant talks and their implications for the future of sustainability.

1. Consumer Sustainability Amidst Economic Challenges

Kate Bayliffe and Lucy Hobbs presented a study conducted for Samworth Brothers, a prominent provider of foods for renowned retailers like Tesco, Waitrose, Starbucks, and Costa. Their research delved into consumer sustainability behaviours amidst economic challenges, uncovering the gap between consumer perceptions and actions. To effectively communicate these insights internally, they employed an innovative approach using podcasts.

2. Sustainable Payment Solutions: A STRAT7 and Visa Europe Collaboration

The collaboration between Sarah Emmerson from Visa and Dan Cooper from STRAT7 highlighted the importance of clear communication and partnerships in promoting sustainability. Their project on sustainable payment solutions demonstrated the power of a unified approach in addressing environmental concerns within the business sector.

3. The Impact of ESG in Hospitality Choices

A session on consumer demand for sustainability in hospitality, presented by Dr. Crispian Tarrant, Louise Burns, and Patrick O’Meara, revealed fascinating insights. Their study showed that integrating ESG elements like carbon neutrality, sustainable energy use, zero waste to landfill, and promoting social equality can significantly influence hotel selection decisions. Notably, incorporating these ESG factors, even with a price increase, can neutralise the choice advantages of competitors who do not offer ESG benefits and even lower their prices. This key takeaway emphasised the growing impact of ESG considerations on consumer choices in the hospitality sector.

4. Reuse and Refill: A Sustainable Retail Strategy

Mark Roberts and Gill Redfern presented the Reuse & Refill initiative, sponsored by Innovate UK and involving companies like Asda. Their session focused on the trial of refill stations in retail settings, with the blend of environmental benefits and consumer engagement. Key findings highlighted the importance of a fun and practical shopping experience in influencing sustainable consumer behaviours. The initiative demonstrated the necessity of clear pricing, informative signage to ease customer apprehension, and an enjoyable shopping environment. This Innovate UK-sponsored project showed how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into consumer-friendly retail practices.

Appreciation for Our Hosts

We extend our deepest thanks to Rhys Hillan and Carina Ealam for their excellent stewardship of the MRS Sustainability Summit 2023. Their dedication and organisational skills were vital in steering this important sustainability dialogue.