As more retailers adopt sustainability guidelines, brands are finding it crucial to align their practices with these requirements. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and REI have established environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria for the products they carry, often making it a prerequisite for continued shelf space. At Emerger Strategies, we specialize in helping brands not only meet these compliance standards but also create genuine impact, enhancing their reputation and marketability. Here are five ways we help brands stay ahead in retailer sustainability compliance.
1. Conducting Sustainability Assessments to Understand Current Standing
We have heard our clients say, “This is Greek to me! I can’t answer the questions, because I don’t even understand what they are asking for!” We hear you, and our approach starts with a deep dive into the brand’s current practices. We guide companies in responding to Ecovadis, THESIS, Project Gigaton, CDP, and other assessments. These assessments help identify gaps in compliance, whether it’s related to emissions reduction, understanding your impact on nature and biodiversity, or social standards within your supply chain. With these insights, we build a clear, actionable roadmap to reach compliance, but that’s just the beginning.
2. Measuring and Reporting Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Many retailers now require brands to track and report their scopes 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions, set science-based targets, create a climate action plan, and report through CDP. Our team supports brands by implementing measurement frameworks, guiding data collection, and facilitating transparent reporting processes. By accurately calculating and reporting GHG emissions, brands can show commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, which is increasingly essential for retailers who have established emissions reduction targets.
3. Supporting Sustainability Regulatory Compliance
Sustainability regulations are increasing, especially around greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and PFAS. Here’s a brief overview of upcoming sustainability regulations:
- Federal & State Greenhouse Gas Reporting: The SEC will begin requiring publicly traded companies to measure and report their scopes 1 & 2 GHG emissions, and California’s SB-253 (Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) requires large companies to report their Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions starting in 2026 (Scope 1 and 2), with Scope 3 reporting phased in by 2027. SB-261 mandates climate risk disclosure starting in 2026 for entities with revenues over $500 million.
- Extended producer Responsibility (EPR): Several states are adopting EPR regulations to address waste management and recycling, particularly for packaging materials. Maine and Oregon have implemented such laws, with Oregon’s program slated to take effect in 2025. Colorado is developing its own EPR system, which will require companies to finance recycling programs. California, meanwhile, has EPR laws targeting specific waste streams, such as single-use plastics and pharmaceuticals, with phased implementation timelines through the next several years.
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) Regulations: Both federal and state governments are tightening controls on PFAS due to their environmental persistence. The EPA is expected to finalize national drinking water standards for PFAS in 2024, and has introduced a proposed rule requiring PFAS reporting under the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). Meanwhile, California, Maine, and Washington have implemented or proposed PFAS restrictions in products, especially those marketed to consumers, with various deadlines from 2025 onward.
Emerger Strategies helps brands prepare for these policies by measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advising on packaging choices, recycling options, and product take-back programs, and providing guidance on PFAS best practices. We work with your team to mitigate regulatory risks, and enhance your company’s sustainability credentials.
4. Creating a Transparent Supply Chain
Retailers are placing a stronger emphasis on transparency, expecting brands to disclose information about their sourcing, labor practices, and environmental impacts like nature, biodiversity, and GHG emissions. Emerger Strategies assists brands in building a transparent and traceable supply chain by vetting suppliers, establishing sustainability criteria and procurement policies, and encouraging supply chain partners to share data. By ensuring each part of your supply chain aligns with responsible practices, your brand not only meets retailer standards but also builds greater consumer trust, and mitigates risks.
5. Developing a Tailored Sustainability Plan for Continuous Improvement
Beyond achieving compliance, we work with brands to embed sustainability deeply into their operations, products, packaging, and culture. We create tailored sustainability plans that go beyond retailer requirements, addressing areas like energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable product development. These plans are designed to help brands continuously improve, strengthening their value proposition to retailers and consumers alike.
Why Compliance is Just the Beginning
Retailer sustainability compliance is more than a checklist; it’s an opportunity to showcase your brand’s commitment to a sustainable future. By partnering with Emerger Strategies, brands not only meet retailer standards but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability, and differentiate from competitors. Our comprehensive approach—from assessments to tailored sustainability planning—ensures your brand is ready to meet retailer demands today, prepared for the evolving expectations of tomorrow, and is able to make the business case for sustainability.
Interested in working with us? Reach out to Emerger Strategies to learn more about how we can help your brand align with retailer sustainability standards and turn compliance into a strategic competitive advantage.
