Three quarters of retailers currently have no targets on protecting nature, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned.

The retail trade association has called for “urgent action” by British retailers to prevent further nature and biodiversity loss, or they risk jeopardising supply chain resilience.

According to a new report by the organisation, 52 per cent of retailers are yet to make any public commitments on nature.

A further 67 per cent lack a data led strategy due to barriers such as budget constraints, data gathering, and ensuring suppliers take action.

The BRC said the report marks the beginning of the industry’s journey in halting and reversing nature loss by 2030 and achieving full recovery by 2050.

The study also shows some momentum in the industry, with 29 per cent of retailers developing public commitments. Just under a quarter are also starting to engage with their suppliers on nature.

A further 29 per cent are working on a nature strategy, while 25 per cent say nature is a top business priority for the year ahead.

The BRC has said that over the next year retailers will focus on creating workable nature policies, establishing standardised metrics, improving supplier engagement, and building the business case for nature.

The government is also set to publish its revised Environment Improvement Plans, which the organisation says will be "crucial for progress."

“Despite the huge costs and pressures in supply chains, it is imperative that we maintain progress to protect and restore our environment," said Andrew Opie, director of food & sustainability, BRC. "It is great to see such a number and variety of UK retailers stepping up to their responsibilities, working with their suppliers to make practical changes to reduce our impact on the environment, all the while maintaining affordability and choice for customers.

"We look forward to seeing the Government’s revised Environment Improvement Plans, and working closely with them and retailers to make further progress in this critical area.”

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