Italian retail group Selex is aiming to reduce the quantity of packaging in its private label brands through the use of recycled materials.
The retailer’s action plan involves both suppliers and consumers and should be implemented by the end of 2022, it said.
The aim is to achieve a 9% reduction in plastic usage, while 30% of virgin plastic will be replaced by recycled plastic.
In addition, 273 tonnes of packaging will be switched from non-recyclable to recyclable material, while 155 tonnes of overpack will be eliminated.
As well as fighting waste and protecting raw materials, Selex is also focusing on improving working conditions along its production chain. In 2021, it will once again certify suppliers who ensure the protection of working conditions throughout the supply chain.
Private-Label Sales
Selex reported a 10% growth, year-on-year, in private-label sales in 2020, with total sales of €1.4 billion.
According to Selex CEO, Luca Vaccaro, the results were achieved as a result of the change in the lifestyle habits of Italian households during the pandemic, the segmentation policies put in place, and new product launches.
He pointed out that in some categories Selex achieved 28% market share in some regions, while online sales through the CosìComodo portal were above the market average.
Vaccaro also anticipated that Selex will continue focusing on the value of Italian raw materials and local specialities. In addition, it will seek to strengthen its fresh meat department and launch a line of regional products “that will rediscover the authentic flavours of traditions".
Selex has more than 3,200 outlets throughout Italy, from supermarkets to large hypermarkets, and sells 7,500 SKUs across its private label brands Selex, Consilia, Vale, il Gigante, Su and Vanto.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
