NET ZERO GAME CHANGER – Tackling the hidden carbon footprint in European retail and wholesale value chains

This joint report aims to shed light on the carbon footprint of the sector in Europe and its value chains around the world. Besides providing insights into the status quo, it aims to set out a path towards a more sustainable future across four retail and wholesale subsectors: food and beverage and health and beauty, textile and apparel, consumer electronics, and home and do-it-yourself (DIY). This study presents a compelling vision of a future in which the sector can operate with minimal carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2e) emissions. By outlining this aspirational goal, we aim to inspire and guide practitioners in the sector towards adopting low emission practices.

It is our hope that this study will not only serve as a useful resource for practitioners in the value chain but also provide policymakers with actionable insights. By targeting both audiences, we aim to foster collaboration and drive meaningful change. The challenges posed by climate change require a collective effort, and this study seeks to empower stakeholders across the full value chain with data and analysis that will allow them to take decisive action towards a more sustainable future.

This report is the result of a collaboration between EuroCommerce and Oliver Wyman, combining EuroCommerce’s policy and sector knowledge with Oliver Wyman’s business understanding, sustainability expertise, and analytical rigour.