Whistl Magazine: Autumn 2019 Edition

Key Highlights From the Magazine: 

The latest edition of the magazine dives into some of the most important themes shaping retail, ecommerce and logistics today, from consumers’ growing demand for sustainable packaging to the logistics sector’s push for greater diversity, and the inspiring success story behind Ethical Superstore. Below are some of the top highlights featured in the visual magazine version. 

Sustainable Packaging Matters: What Today’s Shoppers Expect

A new survey of 1,000 UK online shoppers reveals a clear message: sustainability in packaging genuinely matters.
Consumers Prioritise Minimising Waste

75% of shoppers believe minimising packaging and using eco‑friendly materials is important.
High delivery costs remain the number‑one frustration for online buyers, followed by delivery delays and excessive packaging.
Sustainable packaging ranks as the fifth‑highest priority, underscoring its growing influence on purchase decisions.

Willingness to Pay Varies by Age

While half of UK consumers are unwilling to pay more for sustainable packaging, younger shoppers are more open to paying more.
Shoppers aged 18–24 would pay an extra £1.19, compared to just 47p among those aged 65+.

Packaging Impacts Brand Perception

42% of shoppers say they have taken or would take action after receiving unsustainable packaging—including 15% who would stop buying from that retailer altogether.
The remaining 58% are unlikely to act, showing that while sustainability matters, it is still balanced against cost and convenience.

A combination of efficiency and sustainability is increasingly critical for modern retailers.

Driving Diversity in Logistics: Industry Leaders Take Action

At Portcullis House in Westminster, senior figures from across the sector gathered to launch The Year of Diversity, a government‑backed initiative from the Department for Transport’s Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Workforce (STAT). Whistl’s Chief Development Officer, Alistair Cochrane, joined industry leaders in signing a pledge to:

• Champion diversity
• Expand access to apprenticeships
• Develop a future‑focused inclusion toolkit

Tracey Worth, CEO of the Institute of Couriers, shared a sharp warning: 37% of future employees (millennials) will review an organisation’s diversity and inclusion policy before applying.
Whistl’s Ongoing Efforts:

• Whistl continues to build an inclusive environment through:
• Membership in the Disability Confident Scheme
• Active participation in mental health initiatives
• Commitment to creating genuine belonging beyond quotas

This top‑down approach aims to make logistics a more attractive, accessible and representative sector.

Inside Ethical Superstore: How Sustainable Retail Thrives

Part of the Whistl Group since 2019, Ethical Superstore offers consumers an eco‑friendly one‑stop shop for everyday ethical products, from fair‑trade gifts and groceries to natural cosmetics and cleaning products.
General Manager Peter Hall shares what drives the brand’s success:

• A Clear Ethical Mission
• Ethical Superstore remains committed to:
• Offering organic, fair‑trade and ethically sourced products
• Helping consumers reduce their environmental impact
• Maintaining trust through consistent product quality
• Supporting Communities

The business actively supports charitable causes, including its annual Food Bank Friday, during which grocery donations are made for every order over £30. In the latest campaign, the team donated over £7,000 worth of food and essentials to Newcastle West End Food Bank.
Why Whistl Fulfilment Is the Perfect Partner

With nearly 200,000 items in stock at all times and orders averaging over 15 items, Ethical Superstore relies on a fulfilment partner capable of managing:

• Complex pick‑and‑pack workflows
• Items of all shapes and sizes
• Large spikes in demand (especially during Cyber Week)

Whistl’s agility, experience and accuracy help ensure every order arrives on time and in perfect condition, maintaining the high service standards Ethical Superstore’s customers expect.

Explore More Stories in the Autumn 2019 Magazine

These are just a few highlights from the full magazine. The visual version includes even more insights into consumer trends, logistics innovation, sustainability initiatives and behind‑the‑scenes interviews.

Whistl Magazine Autumn 2019