RCYCL’s Post

An amazing two days at the world's biggest B Corp festival in Oxford last week. Far too many great moments to mention, so three big takeaways: 🧨Biggest challenge: Patrick Grant (surely he should have been introduced as the sewing B) ripping into the damage caused by the global clothing industry. His mantra: Buy less Buy better Buy local That's one big challenge for us to think about as sales consultants 🤔 🧨 Biggest opportunity: Proactive collaboration between businesses that really want to transform practices in their industry Great to hear from Jo-Anne Chidley and Laura Crawford about the initiatives they are taking as part of the B Corp Beauty Coalition 🧨 Biggest buzz. Meeting so many friendly and collaborative people in one place. The level of trust and openness in the B Corp community is properly beyond words 😍 A question many people have asked me: When's the next one? #louderthanwords #bcorpfestival #bcorpuk #sustainablebusiness

https://lnkd.in/gKEzgBNb In a world rocked by a raging global health crisis and worldwide protests for social justice, how retailers approach issues from race to health, the supply chain and climate change can have a significant impact on society. To that end, global retailer Ahold Delhaize released this week its first annual #Human #Rights report, a 32-page document identifying what the Dutch retailer called six “salient human rights” that it will focus on as initial priorities as well as six additional relevant issues. The company also pledged to strengthen its governance to ensure human rights are fully embedded within its strategy and to support the company’s brands as they ensure that protection of human rights is an integral part of their business activities to be embedded into its strategic business plans.   Ahold Delhaize Ahold Delhaize USA   Blog – ESG – Mandates – Emissions – Australia - https://lnkd.in/gTBr6KVY

The Future is Fuelled by Jet. BDALondon has just returned from a productive visit with our new retail partners in the vibrant city of Johannesburg. Jet, the latest addition to the TFG family, is making waves in the value sector with its sharp focus. Our three-day workshop brought together key stakeholders for a series of enlightening sessions. Stuart Baird, the group's retail director, delivered an inspirational talk, shedding light on TFG's significant investments in logistics and procurement infrastructure. GG Alcock also presented, offering deep insights into the informal economy, challenging stereotypes and encouraging innovative thinking For more, refer to my LinkedIn post from April 16th, 'Is Polarisation Sustainable?' BDA's success hinges on our collaboration with local partners to develop a strategic, compelling, and commercially viable brand and product strategy for the local market. Together, we're forming an invincible team, as highlighted in my LinkedIn post from March 26th about the power of collaboration. We're applying the 80/20 principle (see my June 2023 LinkedIn post on 'Vilfredo Pareto') to hone a focused product range. This approach aims to enhance trading densities, stock turnover, clearances, maintained margins, and profitability—all while committing to zero landfill, embodying a sustainable model for business and the environment. Furthermore, we've meticulously curated well-balanced color palettes that meet customer needs while incorporating seasonal trend colors to cater to their desires (see my April 9th LinkedIn post on 'Colour Trend Forecasting'). This journey is exhilarating. We are eagerly anticipating being an integral part of this formidable team, driving profitable growth for TFG and its investors.   #repostion #sustainable #tfg #bdalondon #rangebuliding #colourforecast #80/20

✨ Collaborative Approach to Industry Challenges: Lessons Learned ✨ Reflecting on the vital role of collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders in the textile and garment sector, STTI continues to lead initiatives aimed at fostering fairer purchasing practices globally. Key Insights: - STTI's Initiatives: Our focus on creating fairer purchasing practices through collaborative efforts stands as a beacon in the industry. - 13 Key Recommendations: These recommendations, such as fair payment terms and transparent forecasting, empower suppliers in contract negotiations. - Policy Advocacy: STTI bridges the gap between policymakers and supply chain stakeholders, advocating for inclusive approaches and responsible purchasing practices. - Impact of Due Diligence Legislation: We emphasize the importance of involving suppliers in legislative processes to address human rights and environmental impacts effectively. By championing stakeholder engagement and equitable buyer-supplier relationships, STTI continues to drive positive change. Together, we're shaping a more sustainable future for the industry. #STTInow #PurchasingPractices #CommercialCompliance #ResponsiblePurchasing#TextileIndustry #GarmentSector #SupplyChainCollaboration #FairTrade

#UShistory #consumerculture #pursuitofhappiness #sellingtheAmericandream #advertising #plannedobsolescence #corporatecontrolofthemasses #individualism #socialorder #consumereconomists #goodsoverfreetime #economicgrowth '"We need things consumed, burned up, replaced and discarded at an ever-accelerating rate,” retail analyst Victor Lebow remarked in 1955. Bernays and his PR colleagues believed ordinary people to be incapable of logical thought, let alone mastery of “abstruse economic, political and ethical data,” and saw the need to “control and regiment the masses according to our will without their knowing about it”; PR could thus ensure the maintenance of order and corporate control in society. “The cardinal features of this culture were acquisition and consumption as the means of achieving happiness; the cult of the new; the democratization of desire; and money value as the predominant measure of all value in society,” Leach writes in his 1993 book “Land of Desire: Merchants, Power, and the Rise of a New American Culture.” Significantly, it was individual desire that was democratized, rather than wealth or political and economic power. As the popular historian of the time Frederick Allen wrote, “Business had learned as never before the importance of the ultimate consumer. Unless he could be persuaded to buy and buy lavishly, the whole stream of six-cylinder cars, super heterodynes, cigarettes, rouge compacts and electric ice boxes would be dammed up at its outlets.” In his classic 1928 book “Propaganda,” Edward Bernays, one of the pioneers of the public relations industry, put it this way: "Mass production is profitable only if its rhythm can be maintained—that is if it can continue to sell its product in steady or increasing quantity.… Today supply must actively seek to create its corresponding demand … [and] cannot afford to wait until the public asks for its product; it must maintain constant touch, through advertising and propaganda … to assure itself the continuous demand which alone will make its costly plant profitable." It was an idea also put forward by the new “consumption economists” such as Hazel Kyrk and Theresa McMahon, and eagerly embraced by many business leaders. New needs would be created, with advertising brought into play to “augment and accelerate” the process. People would be encouraged to give up thrift and husbandry, to value goods over free time. Kyrk argued for ever-increasing aspirations: “a high standard of living must be dynamic, a progressive standard,” where envy of those just above oneself in the social order incited consumption and fueled economic growth.'

This Women's Month, SATMC (South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference) is putting the spotlight on women trailblazers in the Automotive Industry especially the tyre industry who are making their mark, recognising their invaluable perspectives, creativity, empathy and resilience that drive innovation and foster a collaborative working environment.  GROBBELAAR Lorette has been managing Oliver Treads, a tyre fitment centre in Mossel Bay for 25 years. Her story takes us through how her resilience and determination have driven her despite challenges. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀  Oliver Treads was established in Mossel Bay in 1980. In 1999, Lorette took over the reins, bringing a fresh perspective and dynamic leadership to the business. Today, the centre not only thrives under her management but also champions female empowerment within the industry. Three other women play pivotal roles in the business activities: one in financial administration, another in logistics management, and a third in external sales. Their combined efforts and dedication significantly contribute to the success and growth of the business. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝘆𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 The opportunity to take over the tyre fitment centre presented itself as a promising career move for Lorette. Eager to embrace the challenge, she saw it as a chance to make a difference in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her passion for the industry and commitment to excellence have been driving forces in her journey, inspiring other women to pursue their ambitions in challenging industries. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 The tyre fitment industry is becoming increasingly competitive, which puts both staff and management under significant pressure to maintain profit margins and achieve sales and growth targets. These challenges require constant innovation, strategic planning, and a focus on customer satisfaction. Despite these hurdles, Lorette and her team remain resilient and motivated, consistently delivering high-quality service and staying ahead of industry trends. 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 The future of the tyre fitment industry looks promising with advancements in technology and sustainable practices leading the way. Lorette envisions a future where the business not only adapts to these changes but also thrives by embracing innovation and by continuously improving the customer experience. She is committed to expanding her team's skills and knowledge, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle new developments and maintain their competitive edge. Lorette aims to inspire the next generation of women to enter and excel in the industry. 𝑺𝑨𝑻𝑴𝑪: 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔. #Homegrown #DrivingLocal #localmanufacturing #SATMC

How do companies like Marks and Spencer, Starbucks, and adidas turn ethical labour practices into a competitive advantage? Leaders like Stuart Machin (M&S), Brian Niccol (Starbucks), and Bjørn Gulden (Adidas) are championing transparency, fair wages, and ethical sourcing to create sustainable and responsible supply chains. By prioritising people and planet alongside profit, they’re setting new benchmarks for global business. #EthicalSourcing #FairWages #Sustainability

Our CEO, Helge H. Sparsoe, recently sat down with Stephen Wynne-Jones at ESM - European Supermarket Magazine for an insightful interview. During the conversation, they discussed a range of topics, including the biggest challenges faced over the past four years, Fyffes vision of 'Shaping Wellbeing for the World, and our commitment to sustainability and human rights in our supply chain. The interview also covered Fyffes engagement with retailers, supply chain improvements, and the findings from our recent international consumer survey. You can read the full interview here and learn more about our initiatives and how we are shaping a healthier and more sustainable future for our communities and the planet. #sustainablefuture #humanrights #consumerinsights https://lnkd.in/eqcRqgJ8

What makes companies like Adidas, Patagonia and Marks and Spencer industry leaders in ethical labour practices? Leaders like Ryan Gellert of Patagonia and Bjorn Gulden of Adidas are driving change through transparency and community engagement. From fair wages to ethical sourcing, these practices redefine success as inclusive, sustainable, and human-focused. #Sustainability #EthicalBusiness

"A responsibility falls on retail leaders to move us forward" - Jeremy Meltzer, CEO & Founder of i=Change Thank you Power Retail for featuring iEqualChange (i=Change) and how we can help retailers give back easily this National Reconciliation Week and beyond. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g9W3SuqT Ready to create change with us? Learn how it works: https://lnkd.in/gQnnJAFS #iEqualChange #Whatdoyoucareabout #ShopForChange⁠ #BusinessForGood #WhatDoYouCareAbout