New Zealanders, empowered to shop more responsibly, will find it more convenient than ever with the launch of the first nationwide B Corp retail activation presented by Unilever New Zealand and Foodstuffs New Zealand.
This initiative will take place in 130 New World stores to highlight the significance of B Corp certification in helping New Zealand consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.
Research has indicated that over half of New Zealand respondents intend to consider the environmental impact of their purchases more seriously. However, 55 percent of respondents stated that misleading information and confusion obstruct sustainable shopping.
The retail activation, led by Certified B Corp Unilever ANZ, will include in-aisle and digital marketing to guide shoppers to a range of products such as Persil, Surf, Continental, TRESemmé, and Radox, which will be discounted by up to 50 percent.
Cam Heath, the Managing Director for Unilever New Zealand, said that while New Zealanders have good intentions when it comes to conscious shopping, it can be challenging for them to identify better choices. This activation will make it easier, accessible, and affordable to make sustainable purchases.
Obtaining B Corp certification is a rigorous process that involves evaluating every aspect of operations, from reducing plastic waste and emissions to ethical sourcing and community support.
Unilever ANZ has made efforts in New Zealand, such as eliminating 3.7 million plastic scoops from Surf laundry powder, reducing 14.9 tonnes of plastic waste each year. They have also transitioned to using more recycled plastic in TRESemmé shampoo and conditioner bottles to reduce reliance on virgin plastic. Unilever also undertook a Four-Day Work Week trial to improve productivity and staff wellbeing.
Sandy Botterill, Head of Environmental and Social Governance at Foodstuffs Co-operative Affairs, stated that customers are interested in making better purchases, but the abundance of information can be confusing.
Foodstuffs fully support Unilever NZ in this initiative to promote awareness and educate shoppers. It has committed to being 'Here for New Zealand', which aligns well with the important work done by Unilever NZ.
The B Corp retail activation will run in selected New World stores across New Zealand until mid-June.
