Green Retail World has covered some big stories from the likes of Amazon, H&M, and Asos this week. But here are five additional news-in-brief items to round up recent weeks in greener retailing.
Fully electric truck service between Tesco DCs in Wales
Freight company FSEW is working with Tesco to provide a fully electric distribution service lane between Maesteg and Magor, in Wales.
A statement released by FSEW this week revealed it will operate four trucks using a combination of 37 tonne Volvo, DAF and Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric vehicles. They will transport hygiene paper products from Tesco’s site in Maesteg to its distribution centre (DC) in Magor, Wales and Tesco stores across Wales.
It represents the second electric vehicle project that FSEW has undertaken with Tesco, after launching the first commercial use electric HGVs in 2021 which involved the movement of rail boxes from Wentloog rail terminal in Cardiff to Magor DC and Tesco stores.
Geoff Tomlinson, managing director at FSEW, commented: “The trucks operating between Maesteg and Magor will provide 85,680 emission-free miles and save 169 tonnes of CO2 each year.
“To power this we’ll use our charging points at our South Wales site which will deliver enough energy to power a range of 100 miles before needing to charge again. By embracing electric vehicles we’re helping Tesco to curb their supply chain emissions and demonstrate how important electric vehicles are for the future.”
He added: “It’s a significant step forward for both of our businesses and our paths to net zero. In addition we’ve also recently started the trial of a second fully electric lane from Maestag to Tesco Lichfield.”
You can hear from Geoff Tomlinson in Green Retail World’s next Greener Retailing Champions feature – coming next week
Watches of Switzerland Group launches pre-owned jewellery collection
The Watches of Switzerland Group has launched a pre-owned jewellery collection.
Visitors to the newly opened Mappin & Webb jewellery showroom in Manchester’s St Ann’s Square will be able to access the second-hand offering – as the wider group begins its circular economy journey.
Spanning 700 sq m, the store is the largest Mappin & Webb showroom to date.
Craig Bolton, UK president at Watches of Switzerland Group, said: “The space reinforces the brand’s status as a custodian of tradition and modern innovations, and we are thrilled to be bring this experience to Manchester, a city with rich heritage and vibrant spirit.”
Currys adds electric truck to fleet
Currys has said the first of two brand new, 100% electric trucks has entered its fleet – calling it “a big step forward in our journey towards a more sustainable logistics operation”.
The DAF XD Electric tractor units are long-range EVs that the tech retailer said will help it reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
In a LinkedIn post announcing the EVs, Currys namechecked GXO Logistics, Inc., Ford & Slater, GRIDSERVE, Innovate UK , the Department for Transport (DfT), and DAF Trucks UK as partners helping bring the vision to life.
Centre:MK and Stickerbook partner for sustainability education
UK shopping destination Centre:MK is working with educational platform Stickerbook to help boost its staff’s sustainability knowledge and influence positive change within the business.
NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe
NRF’s Big Show comes to Europe for the first time later this month, with the event taking place in Paris between 16-18 September.
The theme is ‘Retail Together’, and there is a focus on how to build a more responsible and sustainable retail ecosystem.
New European regulations on circularity, product durability, and ESG obligations are forcing retailers to rethink their entire value chain and adopt a long-term vision built on resilience, diversification, and positive impact. And many of these themes will be reflected in the three-day show in France’s capital.
Sessions from Rakuten France, Save Your Wardrobe, and Tesco are among the presentations that are set to cover sustainability and the wider ESG agenda.
Green Retail World will be on the ground in Paris. Contact editor, Ben Sillitoe, if you’d like to catch up during the event.
[main image credit: Watches of Switzerland Group/www.kalory.co.uk]
