Business Information Analysis on Woolworths' Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

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.