A NEW app is providing tech-based solutions to sustainability challenges that are being faced by the UK’s retailers.
Ubamarket’s mobile technology is for both retailers and customers and aims to boost trade while bringing customers back in-store.
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Features on the app include “plastic alerts”, which allow shoppers to scan every product in-store for information on the recyclability of any packaging, thus granting them the opportunity to make more informed decisions before purchase.
Customers are then presented with an overall “sustainability score” at the checkout, to see where they can easily make changes to shop more sustainably.
The issue of sustainability is reported as one of the primary concerns for retailers, as growing demand for conscious shopping puts pressure on stores to ensure their plastic waste is reduced in a time of global climate consciousness.
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In addition to the ability to check packaging, the app also grants customers access to personalised discounts on products that they shop for the most, as well as a supermarket “sat nav” which guides the customer to products on their shopping lists.
This feature allows the customer to buy “more selectively”, and in turn, reduces excess food and plastic waste.
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Retailers can then view targeted insights into the shopping trends of their consumer bases, which gives them the opportunity to make decisions in order to achieve greater sustainability themselves.
Will Broome, Ubamarket CEO and founder, said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see some of Britain’s food retail giants such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s taking major steps towards creating a more sustainable future for the food retail sector, and retail across the board.
“It is imperative that other retailers take heed of this and work quickly to establish their own sustainability goals and action plan.
“We have also shown that customers spend 21% more on their shop using Ubamarket’s technology, but less of their shopping goes to waste as they purchase more of what they consume most.
“It is my hope that we see more sustainability initiatives such as those announced by Tesco and Asda in the coming weeks and months, and I strongly encourage retailers to look into the benefits of mobile technology, for sustainability and increased success.”
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