Fireside Chat: How Can Retailers Merge Sustainability & Philanthropy To Make a Bigger Impact?

03 Apr 2025
Wondrous Stage
SUSTAINABILITY, SUPPLY CHAIN & EFFICIENCY

The moderator will ask some of the following questions as well as asking the audience to offer some questions of their own:

  • Retailers are under increasing pressure to improve sustainability practices. How can donating surplus stock to charities like Newlife contribute to both sustainability goals and social impact?
  • Many retailers already have corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. How can they integrate stock donations into their existing sustainability strategies?
  • How can industry-wide collaboration between retailers, charities, and policymakers drive a more systematic change in this space?
  • How do you see the role of charities like Newlife evolving in the future of retail sustainability?
  • Would you like to see more retailers embracing this model, and if so, how can the industry collaborate to make it more widespread?
  • Can you start by telling us what led you to partner with Newlife and the main motivation behind donating surplus stock to a charity rather than choosing other disposal methods, such as discounting or recycling?
  • Apart from Newlife, are there other Asda success stories that showcase the tangible impact of this model for both retailers and the communities they support? 
  • What role does consumer perception play?
  • Beyond reducing waste, how has this partnership supported your broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy?
  • How do you see the future of sustainable stock management evolving in the retail industry?

 

Speakers
Julian Burnett
Julian Burnett, Founder - Quercus Advisors
Fiona Robinson
Fiona Robinson, CEO - Newlife -the Charity for Disabled Children
Jade Snart
Jade Snart, Senior Sustainability Manager, Clothing, Home & General Merchandise - George at Asda