NEW Episode | How this retail giant is using their power for good and how you could too

This is a sponsored article from SustainabilityTracker.com member Sustainable Transformation Podcast.

Want to know how one of Australia’s largest retailers hit their 100% renewable energy target in 2024? 

Kicking off Season 3 with a bang, Kiarne sits down with Fiona Lawrie, Head of Corporate Affairs and ESG at Officeworks to break down the enormous responsibility major retailers have to shift consumer behaviours and exactly what Officeworks is doing about it.

As businesses across the country face increasing pressure to balance cost, environmental impact and good social outcomes, Officeworks is leading the way in innovating and driving change within their own brands and across their major suppliers.  

Listen in as the pair discuss everything from building and structuring a sustainability team and prioritising the most material environmental issues to the importance of communicating authentically with customers. Kiarne asks the tough questions, do customers really care and.. will they pay for it? 

Fiona shares how Officeworks has a major focus on circularity with hundreds of return and recycle facilities across the country, and that’s just what customers can see – there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes to drive circular outcomes and true sustainable development and they’re not done yet. 

Tune in to hear how this iconic Aussie retailer is using its power for good, driving fundamental change within its own brands and forcing its global suppliers to follow suit. Plus, find out what brings the two to tears when talking about how initiatives within the businesses have inspired truly impactful change throughout their supply chain. 

If you’re feeling like it’s all a bit too hard or a bit too expensive, this conversation is a must-listen. The team at Officeworks is proving that sustainable transformation really is possible and when it’s done right, it can and should be profitable.

Join them as they discuss:

• Personal Background: Fiona reflects on her upbringing in Singapore, her experiences in China, and how these shaped her passion for making a significant difference in large organisations.
• Role and Responsibilities: Fiona’s multifaceted role in sustainability and corporate affairs, and how she integrates sustainability into the core operations of Officeworks.
• Sustainability in Business: How Officeworks is embedding sustainability into their operations, achieving 100% renewable energy targets, and the commercial benefits of sustainable practices.
• Eradicating Modern Slavery: Fiona emphasises the importance of ensuring that Officeworks’ supply chain is free from modern slavery and the proactive steps taken to achieve this goal.
• Ethically Sourced Products: The commitment to sourcing products ethically and the role of corporate social responsibility in shaping consumer trust and loyalty.
• Respect for Indigenous Lands: The opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous suppliers and the commitment to inclusivity in business practices.

Key Statistics:

• Officeworks has achieved its 100% renewable energy target, with 170 stores set to be powered by renewable energy by January 2025.
• Since collaborating with Greening Australia in 2017, Officeworks has helped plant 1.75 million trees as a result of customers purchasing from the People & Plant product range. Their goal is to plant 2 million trees by 2025 (Source).
• Since 2020, Officeworks has recycled over 11,800 tonnes of waste through their Bring it Back Scheme.

MENTIONS:
Officeworks
Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO)
Wesfarmers
Officeworks Initiative: People & Planet Positive
Officeworks Initiative: Bring it Back Program and People & Planet Recycling Pop-Up Days
Brother Australia – long-term supplier at Officeworks
Officeworks Partner – Greening Australia
Mandatory Climate Disclosure (PDF from The Treasury – Australian Government)
Handy Guide to a Materiality Assessment (written by KPMG)
The EU’s new Digital Product Passport (DPP)

LINKS:
Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com 
Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast
Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial

CREDITS:
Host: Kiarne Treacy
Guest: Fiona Lawrie
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au.

Produced by the Nova Entertainment Network, Season Three will bring new episodes in the coming weeks! Season Two episodes feature guests from Edge Impact, Who Gives A Crap and plenty more. Don’t forget to check out season one to hear interviews with Coles, Country Road, Energy Locals, Banksia Foundation, Telstra, Bared Footwear plus more. Tune in to the Sustainable Transformation podcast, available now on your favourite podcast platforms!