German discounters Aldi Nord and Süd have published their second sustainability report, and organic products, animal welfare and reusability were featured as top focus areas of the company.
The report is based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards and includes data from the 2017 financial year.
It features the company's achievements, challenges faced, and future plans to implement and introduce environment friendly policies and products.
The Way Forward
According to a GfK report, Aldi emerged as a leader in the organic market in 2017 and aims to add more than 60 organic products across various categories this year. The products will be available at an affordable price and will encourage more shoppers to purchase organic produce during the weekly shop.
Additionally, the retail giant is also planning to add more options in poultry and fresh meat products sourced from their improved animal husbandry.
The company aims to get rid of disposable plastic bags by the end of this year, and has been rolling out reusable bags since autumn 2017.
Beyond Sustainability
The company is also setting out plans to reduce greenhouse emissions. Innovative refrigeration, LED lighting and expansion of photovoltaic systems are some of the focus areas in this regard.
Aldi is working closely with various stakeholders like suppliers and NGOs to look for solutions that are economically feasible and pro-nature. It has also reduced the use of sugar and salt content in more than 300 products.
The first sustainability report was published in 2017 and outlined the progress made by the company on goals set in 2016.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
