In partnership with the WWF, Edeka has developed a 'web-tool' for water-management, which will make it easier to define, identify and record potential risks to fresh-water supplies, incurred in the production process of commodities.
The web-tool can equally provide evidence of responsible use of fresh water resources.
Where a high risk to fresh water is identified at a production site, the Edeka co-operative will apply the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standards and certification, in addition to the existing agricultural standards.
In the pilot phase, the web-tool will be used to certify a range of fruits and vegetables. After 2018 its use will extended to other (private label) products. So far, 2,300 products have been analysed.
"The introduction of an internal water-management system for the Edeka co-operative, is the foundation for our commitment to go even further to protect freshwater resources," said Rolf Lange, Head of Corporate Communications of Edeka Ag. Philipp Wagnitz, Water Expert at WWF Germany, added: "This systematic approach within the supply chain is unique in the German food retail sector."
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Martha Sparrius. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
