A new report from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) warns that UK retailers are not yet ready to tackle environmental and biodiversity risks, potentially undermining supply chain resilience.
The “Planning for Nature” Year 1 report reveals that 76% of retailers have no targets for protecting nature, while 52% have yet to make any public commitments on biodiversity.
The report highlights the scale of the challenge facing the retail sector in addressing nature loss.
Two thirds of retailers (67%) lack a data-led strategy to measure and manage environmental impacts, reflecting barriers such as limited budgets, difficulties in data collection, and challenges in ensuring suppliers adopt nature-friendly practices.
Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability at the BRC, said: “Despite the huge costs and pressures in supply chains, it is imperative that we maintain progress to protect and restore our environment.”
Gaps in retail commitments and strategies
While the report shows slow adoption of nature protection measures, some retailers are beginning to take action.
Around 29% are developing public commitments, 24% have started engaging suppliers on environmental practices, and 29% are working on a dedicated nature strategy.
However, only one in four retailers considers nature a top business priority for the year ahead.
Opie emphasised the importance of collaboration: “It is great to see such a number and variety of UK retailers stepping up to their responsibilities, working with their suppliers to make practical changes to reduce our impact on the environment.”
The BRC notes that these early steps are part of a broader industry journey aimed at halting nature loss by 2030 and achieving full recovery by 2050.
Tracking progress and holding retailers to account will be central to accelerating change.
Risks to supply chains and operational resilience
The absence of clear nature targets leaves retailers exposed to risks affecting supply chains, including agricultural and raw material sourcing, soil quality, and water availability.
The report stresses that nature loss is a material business risk that must be integrated into operational strategy, alongside climate and carbon considerations.
Barriers such as budget pressures, supplier compliance, and data collection continue to slow action, creating potential vulnerabilities.
As Opie notes: “All the while maintaining affordability and choice for customers, retailers must continue working to reduce environmental impacts.”
Next steps for retail and government engagement
Looking ahead, the BRC will support retailers in establishing workable nature policies, standardised metrics, and improved supplier engagement, while helping to build a compelling business case for nature protection.
Government initiatives, including revised Environment Improvement Plans, are expected to be pivotal in guiding sector-wide progress.
The BRC will continue to track and publish annual updates, aiming to drive practical change in the retail industry and encourage consistent adoption of biodiversity and environmental measures.
Opie added: “We look forward to seeing the Government’s revised Environment Improvement Plans, and working closely with them and retailers to make further progress in this critical area.”
