TRBusiness is pleased to announce that registration for the first Travel Retail Sustainability Forum (TRSF) is now open.

The Forum, which is kindly supported by IAADFS and ASUTIL, will be held on Monday 30 March at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando during the 2020 Duty Free & Travel Retail Summit of the Americas.

The inaugural TRSF meeting will address the critical issue of single-use plastic pollution and the associated challenges facing DF&TR through the lens of the retailer, brand and most importantly, consumer.

A panel session featuring travel retail brand and retail representatives will discuss how their respective companies are addressing the issue – from consumer-facing solutions to behind-the-scenes initiatives to help reduce single-use plastic footprints. 

Swiss research agency m1nd-set will share insights from a study commissioned specifically for the TRSF focusing on what consumers are saying about their shopping behaviours and attitudes towards sustainability.

In addition, panellists and participants will have a unique chance to share examples of best practice and discuss priorities relating to single-use plastic reduction and elimination – and how these can be achieved – via a collective ‘green-storming’.

CHANCE TO SHAPE THE DEBATE

In response to an increase in consumer-led environmental activism, TRBusiness in association with Duty Free Innovation (DFI) launched two trailblazing initiatives last year to help the DF&TR industry tackle its impacts on the environment, with a particular emphasis on plastic wastage.

The TRSF and Plastic Pledge galvanises stakeholders to join a long overdue ‘green movement’ that seeks to encourage greener ways of operating and to Reduce, Re-use and Recycle plastic [to sign the Plastic Pledge, click here].

Nigel Hardy, Co-owner and Joint Managing Director, TRBusiness said: “Sustainability is no longer a boardroom buzzword. It is now an integral part of most company strategies and five-year plans, from major corporations to SMEs.

Entry to the inaugural Travel Retail Sustainability Forum is complimentary to all Summit badge holders, but early registration is advised to avoid disappointment.

“While some are fast-tracking initiatives and investing in R&D to improve sustainable practices, many are still contemplating and debating how they can address the issues. Consumers are increasingly discerning about their choices and, as multiple consumer research studies demonstrate, they not only expect companies to offer sustainable solutions and services but also say they’re willing to pay a premium for them.

“One of the key sustainability challenges for travel retail is single-use plastic usage. The Travel Retail Plastic Pledge and TRSF were both initiated with the aim of helping the industry better understand the multitude of ways in which the sector is contributing to single-use plastic pollution and to encourage and help the industry find alternative sustainable solutions.”

Thought leaders and game-changers in duty free are taking action now on plastic waste reduction. Hear how and why from some of these forward-thinking companies by attending the maiden TRSF. Click here to register.

All industry delegates attending the Summit of the Americas show are invited to attend the Forum. Entry will be complimentary to all Summit badge holders, but places are limited so early registration is encouraged.

Further details on the programme to follow.

For information on partnership and sponsorship opportunities contact:

Nigel Hardy: [email protected]

Ben Webb: [email protected]

Michael Barrett: [email protected]