RCC Sustainability Conference Sets Path Forward

Over 500 attendees from the retail and the CPG industry, manufacturing, technology and policy landscape gathered on October 3^rd at the International Centre in Mississauga for the inaugural RCC Sustainability Conference.

The 40 plus speakers included highly recognized leaders effecting change in the retail and CPG industry, covering issues like sustainable packaging solutions, resilient supply chain options, navigating EPR and actionable paths to zero plastic waste and net zero emissions.

The full-day event was designed to empower retailers and value chain partners with sector-specific strategies to support a circular economy, build resilient supply chains, establish a route to net zero emissions, and to accelerate ESG solutions across all operations.

The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from The Honourable Andrea Khanji, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Michael Graydon CEO, Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada, Krista Scaldwell, Canadian Beverage Association and Diane Brisebois, President and CEO Retail Council of Canada.

For many in the grocery sector, one of the highlights was the presentation from Galen Weston, President and Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited, who addressed “Systemic Change in Plastics and Product Sustainability”. In an evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) landscape, industry led solutions are critical to addressing the urgent plastic waste challenge facing Canada. Weston shared how that sort of system change underpins Loblaws commitment to make all control brand and in-store plastic packaging recyclable and reusable by 2025.

Leadership’s Blueprint to Net Zero

In this session, speakers explored how true leadership transcends mere profitability by crafting a legacy. Geraldine Huse, President of P&G Canada, George Soleas, President and CEO of LCBO and Michael LeBlanc, Founder & President, M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. offered invaluable insights from their journeys, spotlighting both triumphs and tribulations on their paths to sustainable change. They addressed how top retailers and manufacturers are embracing EPR systems, managing product lifecycles, packaging, and navigating supply chain complexities.

Decoding ESG Reporting for Tomorrow’s Investors

In an era of heightened scrutiny, the demand for clear, concise, and comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is soaring. Michael Jantzi, a distinguished member of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), clarified the evolving landscape of ESG standards. Helping attendees to gain a deeper understanding of frameworks, rating agencies, and the relentless push towards unparalleled data transparency and comparability.

Understanding and Reducing Scope 3 Emissions

Every product holds an environmental story, often complex and hidden within its supply chain. This session by Matt Twist, Global Head of Sales and Marketing, Dayrize, outlined how the potent combination of technology and insight can guide retailers, their suppliers, and manufacturers towards mastering the challenge of Scope 3 emissions and steering the industry closer to net zero.

Decarbonizing Retail: Practical Steps for Scope 1 & Scope 2 Emissions

Achieving net zero emissions demands innovation. Speakers Mary De Guzman, Director, Environmental, Social and Governance, Sleep Country, Crystal Rasa,CSCMP, Customer Fulfilment Sourcing Manager, IKEA Canada, Jonathan Farkouh, Director, Environmental Sustainability Programs, The Estée Lauder Companies and Gabe Smith, VP, Client Development, Schneider Electric, explored how leading retailers in Canada are leveraging every means – from AI thermostats, sustainable building designs, and eco-friendly materials to decarbonize within Scope 1 and Scope 2. Attendees learned about the role of certifications in authenticating sustainability efforts and how initiatives, such as carbon offset flights, are actively reducing carbon emissions.

Retail’s Electric Future

This session looked at how incorporating battery-powered EV charging at various retail sites across Toronto has paved the way for substantial energy savings while serving the growing EV market. Himanshu Sudan, CEO & Co-Founder, Jule, talked about the seamless integration of this innovative technology in the grocery industry and how it unlocked EV charging and energy cost reduction opportunities for customers.

Tackling Scope 2 Emissions with Artificial Intelligence

Jean-Simon Venne, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, BrainBox AI, discussed how decarbonizing retail operations is crucial with many retailers progressing on Scope 1 emissions by electrifying fleets and aligning supply chains to meet Scope 3 needs. This session highlighted the benefits of applying artificial intelligence to real estate assets to contribute to an organization’s sustainability targets and how leading Canadian retailers including Sleep Country and SAIL Outdoors are using AI today.

Canada Post’s Path to Transparent Supply Chain Integration

The challenges of Scope 3 reporting reveal the intricate nuances of supply chain transparency. While retailers and manufacturers don’t always hold the reins with their partners in these data-driven endeavors, teamwork and collaboration is transformative. In this session, Carrie Chisholm, VP, Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) Canada Post, and Maya Colombani, Chief Sustainability & Human Rights Officer, L’ORÉAL shed light on the innovative ways they and their business partners are working together to align and achieve their ambitious goals.

Reducing Empty Miles in the Supply Chain

Jeff Doman, Director, Sustainability, CHEP Canada addressed how lowering emissions is about reducing empty truck trips during both inbound and outbound product/pallet flows. Collaboration is key in finding the right opportunities in the supply chain to tackle these issues. Jeff Doman from CHEP Canada will highlight how retailers are trimming these unnecessary trips, streamlining operations and going greener.

Digital Tools to Combat Climate Change

Nick Venditti, Account Executive, Google Cloud, Google, talked about how digitization of operations offers an opportunity to be more efficient, reduce impact and improve tracking and reporting of metrics. He shared how earth observation data is being used to better understand climate risks and provide insights to inform policies for adaptation strategies. Learn how these tools are enhancing energy efficiency, accelerating the circular economy, and how Google Cloud sustainability offerings are helping retailers reduce their carbon footprint.

Recycling Electronics to Steward a Sustainable Future

Recycle My Electronics programs support sustainability objectives for retailers, manufacturers and distributers within an ever-evolving EPR landscape. Cliff Hacking, EPRA President & CEO, shared how they are supporting resource recovery of critical minerals, accessibility to recycling, diversion from landfill, plus safe, secure data destruction for residents, businesses, and the circular economy.

Sustainability at the Core: Retail’s Path to Zero Waste and Net Zero

In an era where sustainability has taken center stage in corporate strategies, ESG experts from Canadian Tire, Maple Leaf Foods, and McDonald’s are at the forefront of change. Kim Saunders, VP ESG Strategy, Canadian Tire Corporation, Gemma Hinksman, Senior Director – Canada Impact Team, McDonald’s Canada, Joe McMahan, VP, Sustainability and Shared Value, Maple Leaf Foods and Michael Zabaneh, VP, Sustainability, Retail Council of Canada held a candid discussion about their current efforts, key challenges and future perspectives regarding critical topics such as sustainable packaging and waste reduction, the evolving producer responsibility landscape and climate mitigation throughout their supply chains.

Blue Water, Blue Fibers and the Blue Paradox: Addressing the Global Plastics Waste Crisis

In the final session, Dr. Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, delved into the problems of plastic waste, the frustrations of trying to create impactful change, and the steps needed to turn the tide.