Sustainability isn’t a ‘nice to have’ anymore. It’s quickly becoming a core expectation – from consumers, regulators, and supply chain partners alike. Retailers are under growing pressure to prove that they’re acting responsibly, reducing waste, and improving transparency. The challenge is, much of this depends on having the right systems in place. That’s where technology steps in. For those serious about building a sustainable retail model, your tech stack can either be a barrier, or a powerful enabler.
Better Data = Smarter Decisions
A big part of sustainability comes down to knowing the right information. Retailers need accurate, detailed product data – not just to meet new regulations, but to make better decisions every day. Where was this product made? What’s it made from? Can it be recycled? How was it shipped?
This is where many businesses get stuck. If your data is scattered across spreadsheets or hard to access, it’s nearly impossible to answer those questions consistently.
That’s why systems like Product Information Management (PIM) matter. A modern PIM gives you one place to manage everything from materials and certifications to packaging and disposal info – all in a structure that can be used across teams and channels. It’s not just about having the data, it’s about having it in the right format, in the right place, when you need it.
Getting Ready for Digital Product Passports
Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are on their way – and they’re likely to become a legal requirement for many product categories in the near future. These passports will need to hold detailed information about a product’s makeup, origin, environmental credentials and more.
Trying to pull this together without a proper data system will be painful.
A good PIM makes this process easier. It allows you to collect, manage and share all the data needed for DPPs in a standardised format – helping you stay compliant and ahead of the curve.
Cutting Waste, Not Corners
Sustainable retail also means reducing overproduction and waste – something that’s closely tied to how you manage stock. Overstocking leads to unnecessary markdowns, warehouse costs and eventually landfill. Understocking creates missed sales and inefficient fulfilment.
Retailers with better inventory visibility and order management tools can make more accurate decisions. That might mean rerouting orders to cut down on transport, adjusting ranges to reflect actual demand, or automating replenishment to avoid overordering.
These small changes add up – both in terms of cost savings and environmental impact.
Sustainability as Standard
Shoppers are getting more informed and more selective. They want to buy from businesses that share their values, and they’re asking more questions about what goes into a product and how it’s made.
With the right technology, you can answer those questions clearly and confidently. Whether it’s showing sourcing details on a product page or making it easier to offer repairs and returns, technology helps you build trust and loyalty – not just tick boxes.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable Retail
For retailers looking to build a genuinely sustainable retail strategy, technology isn’t a side note – it’s the foundation. The systems you invest in now will shape how easily (and credibly) you can meet expectations in the future.
At Retail247, we help retailers put the right tools in place – whether that’s for product data, order management or stock visibility. And increasingly, those tools are playing a key role in sustainability too.
Want to explore what that could look like for your business?
We’re happy to talk – just get in touch.
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