Business Information Analysis on Woolworths' Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

This research project analyzes Woolworths' environmental sustainability initiatives and their impact on the retail industry in Australia. The literature review covers the company's efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastic products and educate customers on environmental concerns. The research objectives include analyzing the environmental impact of Woolworths' business operations, decreasing the usage of single-use plastic products, educating customers on environmental concerns, and becoming the most sustainable brand in the global retail industry.

Running Head: BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 1
Business Information Analysis

BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 2
Section 2:
As mentioned in the section 1 of the research project, a leading retail giant Woolworths is facing
the business issue related to adverse impact of its business operations on environment and natural
resources. Now, the company is making various efforts to overcome the issue and it has
established various business objectives. This section reviews the literature on the given research
questions and objectives.
Literature Review
According to the Scutt (2018), the retail sector contributes considerably to the economy of
Australia. Recently, the industry contributed approximately 5% to the Gross Domestic Product of
the country. There are various leading players which are operating their business successfully
(Scutt, 2018). These players are such as Woolworths, Coles, Aldi etc. To stay competitive in the
industry, the companies have avoided the adverse impact of its business operations and practices
on environment and living things. In the context, Rangan, Chase and Karim (2012) stated that
each and every company needs to adopt and implement corporate social responsibility practices
with the aim of protecting the environment and its resources (Rangan, Chase and Karim, 2012).
Under this, the major objective of the companies is to develop the value for their different
stakeholders but in such a manner that it forms value for society and natural environment as well.
Anselmsson and Johansson (2007) mentioned that there are three dimensions for CSR practicing
such as product responsibility, human responsibility and environmental responsibility
(Anselmasson and Johansson, 2007). Wong and Zhou (2015) explained that positive image of
the company resulting from CSR engagement has a good impact on the customers’ intention to
buy the products from CSR-engaged firms. It shows that companies can attract more customers
towards its products by engaging in CSR and environmental protection activities (Wong and
Zhou, 2015).
As per the article published in The Guardian (2018), considering the customers’ consciousness
and environmental impact of business, Woolworths has announced that it will ban single use of
plastic bag from its stores countrywide, including retail store Big W and liquor outlet BWS. With
this declaration to eliminate the single use of plastic bags, the company will continue its
commitment to the environment and sustainability (The Guardian, 2018). In this context, Alcron
(2018) explained that by eliminating the utilization of single use bags and reducing the plastic

BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 3
packed vegetables and fruits, this retail giant is following current market trends on eco-friendly
consumerism and sustainability. Woolworths has aimed to decrease the use of single used plastic
products by 80 percent by the year 2019 (Alcron, 2018).
As per the report of Woolworths Holding Limited (2018), to enhance environmental
sustainability, it is very important to educate the people regarding this issue. Previously, the
company is already engaged in introducing different educational programs to assist the people
learning about the nutrition and healthy living. Now, this organization is aiming to educate its
shoppers on the significance of reduced use of single use plastic (Woolworths Holding Limited,
2018). It will inspire the customers to utilize reusable shopping bags every time when they do
shopping. For this, it has developed various commercial ads to encourage the Woolworths’
shoppers to make sure that they carry their reusable bags with them every time.
Moreover, Cormack and Singhal (2017) entailed that when shopping online, the customers will
be given the alternative of thick plastic bags or crates to be unloaded at home (Cormack and
Singhal, 2017). Additionally, there will be more options in the place of single use bags such as
canvas bag, thick plastic reusable bags, chiller bags etc. According to SBS News Australia
(2018), Woolworths is able to practice tis environmental sustainability initiative in its operations.
Company’s team is working very hard so that they can make a positive impact on environment
(SBS News Australia, 2018).
In this relation, Sarkis and Daou (2013) said that today’s modern population is very much
concerned about the environment and related aspects. So, providing education to customers can
support the company to implement its CSR activities in practice. Woolworths’s engagement in
CSR activities can lead it to various advantages like enhanced profits and sustained strong image
(Sarkis and Daou, 2013).
Santos (2011) these sustainable practices implemented by Woolworths assist the organization to
meet the legislation requirements of government. The business can use this approach and
practice to drive the innovation, develop its brand reputation, and increase the effectiveness and
efficiency and cost savings (Santos, 2011). As per Woolworths (2018), it can be stated that by
making these sustainable efforts, Woolworths wants to become more sustainable brand and it is

BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 4
offering eco-friendly bags to its shoppers choosing for home deliveries by the year 2018. It is the
best strategy that company should continue to use in the future (Woolworths Limited, 2018).
Assessment on the findings
Objectives Biasness Timeliness Scope Justification
To analyze the
environmental
impact of
Woolworths’
business
operations
This objective
does not have
biasness because
the data founded
is verified with
different
resources.
The research has
completed within
time period of 2
months.
It indicates the
issue faced by
Australian
retailers
including
Woolworths.
For each and
every
organization, it is
very important to
focus on the
environmental
sustainability
activities.

BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 5
To decrease the
usage of single
use plastic
products by
80% by 2019
The objective
does not have
biasness as it is
very clear
according to
organization’s
data.
The research has
been completed
in timeframe of 3
months.
It will assist the
organization to
reduce the
adverse impact
of plastic bags on
environment and
living things.
Woolworths is
focusing on
reducing the use
of single use
plastic bags.
Considering the
environmental
impact, it is
focusing on CSR
activities so that
it can contribute
to the
sustainability and
CSR practices.

BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 6
To educate the
customers
regarding
environmental
concerns and
decreased use of
plastic bags
This question
uses selection
bias.
It is completed in
2 months.
The major scope
of this research
objective is very
broad and
significant as
company is
planning to
educate the
people towards
environmental
sustainability.
To gain the
support of
community and
shoppers in
environmental
protection.
To become the
most sustainable
brand in global
retail industry
There is no
biasness in
attaining this
objective.
It is
accomplished in
5 months.
It will be
assisting the
organization to
gain a strong
brand image all
over the world.
The company
aims to enhance
a strong brand
presence and to
become the most
sustainable brand
in global retail
industry.
In this research, the gap is found that the research can emphasize on other practices with the
environmental sustainability and CSR activities. Still, there is some information which the
researcher did not find. For example, the effectiveness and outcomes of these initiatives are still
not found out. The position of company after these efforts is not revealed. The quantitative

BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 7
research can be regarded more appropriate than qualitative research to resolve the problem of
Woolworths Limited.

BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 8
References
Alcron, G. (2018) The plastic bag ban is not going to kill us. Here's why Andrew Bolt is so
wrong, Available from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jun/27/the-bag-ban-is-
not-an-end-in-itself-its-the-beginning-of-a-revolution [Accessed on 14 July 2018].
Anselmasson, J., and Johansson, U. (2007) Corporate social responsibility and the positioning of
grocery brands; An exploratory study of retailer and manufacturer brands at point of purchase.
International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 35, (10), 835.
Cormack, L. and Singhal, P. (2017) Woolworths announces all stores will ban single-use plastic
bags within 12 months, Available from
https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/woolworths-announces-all-stores-will-ban-
plastic-bags-within-12-months-20170714-gxba35.html [Accessed on 14 July 2018].
Rangan, K., Chase L. A. and Karim, S. (2012) Why Every Company Needs a CSR Strategy and
How to Build It, Harvard Business School.
Santos, M.A.O. (2011). Minimizing the business impact on the natural environment: A case
study of Woolworths South Africa, European Business Review, 23 (4), 384-391.
Sarkis, N. and Daou, L. (2013) Giving back to the community, an obligation or an option
today?”—Case of the educational sector in Lebanon, International Strategic management
Review, 1 (1).
SBS News Australia. (2018) Woolworths brings forward plastic bag ban, Available from
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/woolworths-brings-forward-plastic-bag-ban [Accessed on 14 July
2018].
Scutt, D., (2018) The intense price pressures facing Australia's retail sector, in one chart,
Available from https://www.businessinsider.com.au/australia-retail-sector-margin-pressures-
2018-2 [Accessed on 14 July 2018].
The Guardian (2018) Coles and Woolworths’ plastic bag ban and the choices that remain
Available from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jun/06/coles-and-woolworths-
plastic-bag-ban-and-the-choices-that-remain [Accessed on 14 July 2018].

BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 9
Wong, J.K.W. and Zhou, J., (2015) Enhancing environmental sustainability over building life
cycles through green BIM: A review. Automation in Construction, 57, pp.156-165.
Woolworths Holding Limited. (2018) Woolworths Adds New Environmental Modules To Its
Making The Difference Education Programme, Available from
https://www.woolworthsholdings.co.za/woolworths-adds-new-environmental-modules-to-its-
making-the-difference-education-programme/ [Accessed on 14 July 2018].
Woolworths Limited. (2018) Woolworths Supermarket - Buy Groceries Online, Available from
https://www.woolworths.com.au/ [Accessed on 14 July 2018].

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BUSINESS INFORMATION ANALYSIS 11