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Electronic labels could cut carbon by over 35pc, retailers told
17 June 2008
Eco-friendly retailers could reduce the carbon footprint of their in-store labelling by more than one-third by switching from paper labelling to electronic point of purchase displays (EPOPs), research has found.
In addition, intelligent use of the EPOPs’ flexibility to adjust prices quickly and easily could help retailers slash in-store food wastage with more major CO2 benefits, researchers said. The news could come as a welcome boost to high-street names, many of whom are keen to demonstrate their environmental credentials.
The study conducted by Greenstone Carbon Management, the environmental consultant, compared the lifecycle emissions from the EPOP electronic label displays produced by British technology supplier ZBD with a range of different sizes and types of the traditional paper labels widely used by supermarkets and other retailers.
Greenstone discovered that a ZBD EPOP produces lifecycle carbon emissions of only 1,420 grams over its lifespan of five years – 37 per cent less than those of A6 paper tags over the same period. The reduction in CO2 is even more striking when compared against larger-sized or laminated paper labels.
Better still, Greenstone found that when EPOPs are refurbished for reuse at the end of their original battery life, their carbon usage for the next five years drops to just 576 grams of CO2.
Matthew de Villiers, chief executive at Greenstone Carbon Management commented: “Working with ZBD, we recognised that individual retailers and stores achieve widely different usage levels of paper labels. These depend on the frequency of pricing, promotion and product information updates, as well as the number of paper tags actually used from each A4 perforated paper sheet put through the printer. To respond to real-life conditions, we have developed a methodology that enables retailers to make realistic assessments of their paper-label carbon emissions compared with those of ZBD’s EPOPs.”
“We examined the entire lifecycle of EPOPs to assess their associated carbon savings. They showed a clear advantage over paper labels, and if their full functionality is exploited, the potential reductions in food and packaging waste make them an even more attractive option for environmentally-aware retailers,” he continued
“Preventing the waste of just 1kg of beef at a deli counter is equivalent to the carbon footprint of 24 EPOPs over five years,”
de Villiers explained. “So the carbon saving through reducing food wastage has the potential to far outstrip the carbon savings of the EPOP device itself.”
David Rogers, ZBD Vice President Sales and Marketing, said: “This research validates the ‘green’ benefits of switching to EPOPs – reducing the use of paper labels, minimising food and packaging waste and using virtually zero power. It means retailers who choose EPOPs can prove to their customers that they are making real efforts to reduce their carbon footprint right to the door of the store.”
“In addition, customer response surveys at existing UK store installations have demonstrated a very positive level of satisfaction and confidence in the presentation of information electronically on EPOPs,” he added.
ZBD has an end-of-life programme in place that is fully compliant with the requirements of the WEEE Directive in order to decrease the impact of the product’s eventual disposal – safe waste disposal and recycling accounts for around 10% of the embodied carbon, according to Greenstone.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The full report by Greenstone Carbon Management is available in PDF format on request from press@zbd.co.uk
About ZBD
ZBD is a leader in the design and supply of point of purchase electronic displays and associated software solutions for the retail industry. The company blends strategic vision and commercial focus with world-class scientific, engineering and manufacturing expertise. Through contemporary design, innovative technology and sound engineering, ZBD’s product portfolio offers an environmentally-friendly, 21st century alternative to the traditional paper labelling usually employed in the retail environment. The company is supported by a team of leading venture capital groups – DFJ Esprit LLP, QinetiQ Ventures LP, TTP Ventures and the Dow Chemical Company.
For more information please visit www.zbd.co.uk
About Greenstone Carbon Management
Greenstone Carbon Management is a business carbon solutions provider, working in partnership with major organisations to measure and drive down carbon, mitigate the impact of emissions, and realise significant operational cost savings.
Greenstone’s scientists and engineers advise organisations on measuring and reducing their carbon footprint. Greenstone Acco2unt software helps organisations to account for and take control of their carbon footprint.
For more information about Greenstone Carbon Management please visit www.greenstonecarbon.com
For further press information and photographs please contact:
Michael Haig, ZBD Marketing Department
+44 (0)1344 887 685
michael.haig@zbd.co.uk
ZBD, Orchard Lea, Winkfield Lane, Windsor, SL4 4RU
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