More and more hardware stores are changing their product ranges in the direction of climate protection, biodiversity and the circular economy. And they talk about it. Hobby gardeners, do-it-yourselfers and craftsmen are learning about more and more options for choosing more sustainable products for their projects.

Hardware stores with their own brands have a lot of leverage if they pay attention to sustainability when purchasing. You can hold suppliers accountable when it comes to, for example, the absence of peat in garden soil, the use of certified wood and recycled material instead of new plastic, healthy wall colors or the repairability of lighting devices. Balancing and labeling the climate emissions of products identify further levers. The use of less and smarter packaging, extending product life cycles and closing material cycles offer potential for optimization.

Wood, plastic, peat and natural stone are key areas of action for using the DIY market for transformation and supporting responsible customers. And the trends towards home-grown food, self-generated energy or renting or sharing tools open up a variety of levers for the industry to promote a sustainable lifestyle for end customers.

The industry includes, for example, the retail trade in construction and DIY supplies, paints, household textiles or floor coverings.