International Recognition for Auchan Retail Romania's Sustainability Efforts
Auchan Romania recognized as Southeastern Europe's sole retailer in the prestigious "50 SDG Leaders," acknowledging its pioneering efforts in sustainability advancements.
Auchan Retail Romania, a prominent player in the retail sector, has garnered international recognition for its commitment to sustainability, marking it as the first and only retailer from Southeastern Europe to be featured in the "50 SDG Leaders" collection by CNBC.com. This prestigious list showcases companies that significantly contribute to attaining the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting a fairer economy and a sustainable future.
With over 450 stores, more than 7,000 employees, and a vast array of initiatives aimed at reducing food waste, promoting the circular economy, investing in renewable energy, and offering solutions for people with special needs, Auchan Romania demonstrates that sustainability can harmoniously coexist with social responsibility and economic development, while providing an affordable and responsible shopping experience.
Auchan's sustainability strategy aims to address various SDGs, including eliminating poverty, zero hunger, affordable and clean energy, reduced inequality, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and more.
The "50 SDG Leaders" documentary series serves to highlight the progress and efforts of select companies that uphold the core principles of the 17 UN SDGs, raising awareness of the urgent need for sustainable action. This initiative underscores the role of the private sector in fostering change.
Leading the Fight Against Food Waste
One of the innovations that earned Auchan inclusion in the "50 SDG Leaders" series is its battle against food waste. Noteworthy initiatives, spearheaded by Auchan Romania, include the "Zero Waste" project—an AI-based system combating food waste and optimizing operational activities while offering customers affordable products nearing their expiration dates.
Initially implemented in Romania and later adopted globally in all countries where Auchan operates, this solution has saved over 22 million products locally in the last four and a half years, prevented over 2,500 tons of CO2 emissions, and directly contributed to safeguarding consumers' purchasing power, solidifying Auchan's position as a leader in the fight against food waste alongside its customers.
Pioneer in the Circular Economy
Auchan Romania has underscored its dedication to sustainability in retail well before the implementation of the National Deposit-Refund System. The retailer invested millions of euros in introducing collection machines, offering customers a recycling solution that revolutionized the packaging sector for the store's beverage segment, transforming it into a circular economy system. This move had a significant impact, with Auchan collecting over 32 million packages in just seven months.
The retailer recently launched the Packtool app, an innovative solution dedicated to measuring and improving packaging, with a particular focus on reducing plastic consumption. Utilizing this technology, the company has managed to eliminate 5.3 tons of plastic annually from its own-brand water bottles. If applied globally, Packtool is expected to significantly decrease the plastic used in packaging in the coming period, supporting Auchan's sustainability efforts across its network.
Innovator in Climate Action and Green Energy
Displaying a strong resolve to mitigate the effects of climate change, under its Climate Plan 2030, Auchan Romania aims to reduce operational emissions from Scope 1 and 2 by 46% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. To achieve this goal, the company has focused on an energy efficiency plan, modernizing refrigeration systems to use eco-friendly refrigerants, significantly reducing their use. Over the past two years, Auchan Romania has replaced over 1 km of refrigeration lines in stores, switched to LED lighting, and installed energy-efficient HVAC systems, investing over €11 million in these initiatives.
Additionally, Auchan Romania plans to reduce store energy consumption by 40% compared to 2019 and to use 100% renewable energy by 2030. To support this aim, the retailer has installed over 18,000 photovoltaic panels in 16 of its hypermarkets, with a production capacity of 9.1 MW, covering 20% of the total consumption of these units and avoiding over 5,800 tons of CO2 emissions annually. In 2023, Auchan also launched Auchan Renewable Energy, the first company in Romania and within the Auchan Group dedicated to energy distribution, marking a significant step towards achieving its climate goals.
Innovator in Inclusive Services
Another crucial factor contributing to Auchan's recognition among sustainability leaders was its ability to tailor the shopping experience for all customers by adapting its stores to ensure complete accessibility. With spacious layouts, clear signage, and solutions for people with disabilities, Auchan has created a welcoming and inclusive environment. One flagship project for Auchan was equipping its stores with specialized services and trained staff for personalized assistance for people with disabilities.
Sustainability through Local Products
Auchan offers a wide range of sustainable products, including eco-friendly, organic, and locally sourced items, as well as packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable in selected gastro items. Most non-food products under Auchan's private label are packaged in FSC-certified materials or bear FSC-certified labels, reflecting the company's dedication to transforming products for sustainability.
Local products are a key aspect of Auchan's food strategy, with over 90% of the food range sourced from Romanian companies, and 85% of suppliers being local. Additionally, through the Auchan Filiere program, the retailer supports Romanian farmers, bolstering the local economy and integrating sustainability principles into the design of its supply chain products, promoting sustainable agriculture and responsible nutrition.
Promoter of Affordable Prices and Responsible Discounts
Auchan is dedicated to supporting its customers' purchasing power by offering low prices every day, exclusive discounts through the MyCLUB Auchan loyalty program, and strategic promotions for essential products. To support vulnerable groups, the retailer initiates dedicated discounts through special campaigns and partnerships with local organizations, ensuring that all customers have access to basic products, thus contributing significantly to the achievement of SDGs 1 and 2—No Poverty and Zero Hunger.
About Auchan Romania
Operating over 450 stores, including 26 classic hypermarkets, 7 ATAC Hyper Discount stores, 9 supermarkets, the smart store Auchan Go, nearly 400 MyAuchan ultra-proximity stores (mostly located in Petrom gas stations), 17 Simply by Auchan franchise stores, as well as the online store auchan.ro, Auchan Romania offers residents of the cities where it operates an omnichannel, modern, quality shopping experience, with the widest product ranges and a responsible discount concept, providing low prices every day. With a 2023 turnover of over €1.6 billion, Auchan delivers a responsible shopping experience to millions across Romania.
- Auchan Romania, a leader in the retail sector, has implemented various initiatives in the field of environmental science, such as the "Zero Waste" project that combats food waste and reduces CO2 emissions, and the Packtool app that aims to decrease plastic consumption in packaging.
- The company's sustainability strategy extends to finance as well, with Auchan investing millions of euros in energy-efficient systems, renewable energy resources, and conservation efforts like modernizing refrigeration systems and installing photovoltaic panels.
- By prioritizing the circular economy, adapting stores for complete accessibility, and sourcing local products for its stores, Auchan demonstrates a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
