Sustainability Resources

Explore NRF’s research, resources and tools designed to help retailers in advancing their sustainabilty initiatives.

circular economy icons
 
Retail Circularity: An Action Guide for Retailers

NRF and Deloitte collaborated to develop a guide for retailers that provides an industry-wide perspective on emerging circular business models. The report allows companies to explore relevant circularity activities they can directly control and those they can only influence. It also provides additional insights on resale, repair and recycling opportunities.

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Carbon footprint in retail
 
The Carbon Footprint of Retail Products

Retailers face increasing supply chain disruptions and risks associated with a changing climate, and many are taking action to curb emissions. The aim of this report is to review literature and studies on the life cycles of a broad range of retail products and summarize the major GHG emissions hotspots.

 
Skyscrapers reflect forest trees
 
Retailers Reaching for Net-zero

The impacts of unchecked climate change are extensive. With investors, regulators and consumers seeking action, retailers are focusing on pragmatic ways to mitigate their climate change risks.

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Aerial image of forest representing ESG initiatives
 
ESG Tool Kit

This tool kit includes resources for retailers around ESG and sustainability. Consumers, investors, employees and regulators are increasingly interested in learning what retailers are doing to address sustainability concerns. In response, retailers are adopting environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies, frameworks and metrics to quantify sustainability progress.

Includes additional members-only content.

 

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For more information on how to participate in the work of the Center, contact sustainability@nrf.com.

Browse more sustainability content

Laying the foundation for modern resale with ThredUp
 
A woman shopping.
Retail Gets Real episode 354: ThredUp co-founder and CEO James Reinhart on the outlook for the secondhand industry.
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5 takeaways from NRF’s inaugural Big Show Asia Pacific
 
NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay at Big Show APAC 2024.
Asia Pacific is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets with limitless opportunities to expand stores and production.
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Retail Circularity: An Action Guide for Retailers
 
circular economy icons
NRF and Deloitte collaborated to develop a guide for retailers on emerging circular business models.
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5 key findings from the NRF and Deloitte retail circularity action guide
 
A circularity puzzle.
NRF and Deloitte map the future of circular retail.
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How Ikea is leading the way on sustainability
 
IKEA
Retail Gets Real episode 348: Ikea U.S. Country Sustainability Manager on the role of retail in the circular economy.
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Going circular: The future of retail returns and reverse logistics
 
Sustainability focused icons representing a circular economy.
Retailers find ways to optimize returns, reducing costs and creating new opportunities.
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A glance into consumers’ views on sustainability
 
Earth Day
New GfK research finds most Americans say concern for the environment is a priority.
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Retailers close the loop on creating a circular retail economy
 
Reusable tote filled with garments.
The industry is making significant investments to build tools and business models to power future circular solutions.
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3 things retailers need to understand about the world of reverse logistics
 
Customer returning a product.
The backbone of a circular economy provides a roadmap for sustainable retail.
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How Reformation sticks to its mission and stays ahead of the pack
 
Reformation CEO Hali Bornstein speaks at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show.
CEO Hali Borenstein on making a great product, enabling a fast supply chain and using data-informed manufacturing.
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Walmart provides a peek at a connected, sustainable supply chain
 
Jane Ewing and David Guggina at NRF Supply Chain 360 Summit.
Collaboration ensures a company-wide commitment to leaving things ‘better than we found them’.
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3 ways retailers made it matter at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show
 
Sara Eisen of CNBC and Raj Subramaniam of FedEx Corporation at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show.
Impactful retail is driven by efficient tech and meaningful experiences.
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