Retail Sustainability: The Uncomfortable Truth with Steve Lister

In this episode of The Retail Tea Break Podcast, Melissa is joined by Steve Lister. The sustainability consultant has over 20 years’ experience working with some of the world’s biggest retail brands.Known for his straight-talking approach, Steve lifts the lid on what’s really happening behind the scenes in retail sustainability. From the hidden inefficiencies driving waste, to the disconnect between head office decisions and in-store reality, this conversation challenges the narratives the industry is often reluctant to confront.Looking ahead, Steve also shares what’s coming next; including the impact of new legislation and why the future of sustainability in retail will be defined less by messaging and more by how effectively businesses actually operate.Key Discussion Points:Why up to 40% of retail displays never reach the shop floor and what that reveals about executionThe true scale of in-store waste and packaging disposal and the cost retailers carry behind the scenesThe disconnect between design, head office strategy and operational reality in storesHow upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation legislation (2026) will force major changes in packaging and retail practicesThe gap between what customers say about sustainability and how they actually shopWhy the future of retail sustainability will be driven by operational excellence, not marketing claimsCheck out www.stevelister.comThis episode is brought to you by SmartGifty, the modular digital platform connecting gift cards, loyalty and data into one experience layer. It is used by destinations, shopping centres and retail chains to personalise customer journeys, gain behavioural insight and treat customers as guests rather than transactions. Check out www.smartgifty.com