Understanding the environmental performance for a whole sector- Apples and Pear's approach to LCA

Watch the webinar replay here, or scroll down for a summary and a preview.

New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAP) undertook an industry-wide Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study. Discover the motivations behind this initiative and how it sets new benchmarks for sustainability within the industry.

In this webinar Rachel Kilmister, R&D Manager for New Zealand Apples and Pears and thinkstep-anz’s Sustainability Specialist Ian Appleton highlighted the industry’s efforts to become more sustainable.

 

 

This is what we’ve learned in this webinar

Sustainability must be a proactive focus

Waiting for market or regulatory pressure to adopt sustainability measures can leave industries scrambling to catch up. By proactively using tools like (LCA), industries can take control of their environmental impact and improve sustainability.

Engaging members early is key

Industry-wide initiatives work best when members are involved from the beginning. Engaging stakeholders early ensures that the challenges they face, such as data collection, are understood and addressed in a practical way.

Data collection doesn’t have to be a major hurdle

Collecting consistent, high-quality data from diverse members can be one of the toughest parts of an industry-wide assessment. The right systems, support, and education on data collection are critical for success.

Simplifying complex reports matters

Complex reports like LCAs can overwhelm members if not presented clearly. Condensing detailed reports into actionable, easy-to-understand formats allows everyone in the industry to make use of the information.

Helping members meet market demands adds value

With market access requirements evolving rapidly, especially around sustainability and social practices, industry associations play a crucial role in guiding members through these changes and providing the tools they need to meet new standards.

Benchmarking drives progress

Giving members the ability to benchmark their performance against industry peers motivates them to improve. This creates a culture of continuous improvement and helps raise standards across the industry.

Clear communication builds trust

Transparent communication is essential, especially when sharing sensitive data. Members need to feel confident that their data is being used appropriately and that competitive risks are being managed.

Preparing for future challenges is essential

The complexity of sustainability reporting and market demands will continue to increase. Anticipating future challenges around environmental and social factors ensures that the industry is prepared to adapt and thrive.