In recent years, sustainability has become an indispensable component of business operations.
According to a survey by consulting firm BCG, European customers are increasingly taking steps to go green, with one third of respondents thinking about sustainability when they shop.
From tackling food and packaging waste to incorporating energy-efficient technologies, supermarkets across Germany are leading the way in adopting eco-friendly strategies that minimise environmental impact while ensuring long-term financial success.
It is equally worth noting that the German government has committed to attaining climate neutrality or net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and, therefore, it requires companies to make efforts towards sustainability.
Here’s the lowdown on how supermarkets across Germany are prioritising their sustainability efforts.
Aldi Süd, Kaufland Lead Animal Welfare Efforts
As per the latest Greenpeace Supermarket Check, Aldi Süd and Kaufland are among the businesses driving animal welfare efforts among Germany’s major food retailers. Edeka, Lidl and REWE were the other retailers featured in the top five.
While Aldi Süd was recognised for its wide range of animal welfare products, Kaufland performed well in terms of transparency, with over 90% of goods labelled at the counters.
Maintaining good animal health is vital, as it reduces the number of unproductive animals that emit greenhouse gas emissions. Half of Aldi Süd’s fresh meat stock comes from better animal-friendly husbandry systems.
Moreover, the discount grocery chain sources all own-brand drinking milk from higher-quality husbandry systems. It aims to convert its entire range of fresh meat and sausage products to higher-quality husbandry systems by 2030.
Tackling Food Waste
Last year, prominent German retailers such as REWE Group, Edeka, Lidl, Kaufland and Aldi pledged to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, by signing the Pakt gegen Lebensmittelverschwendung (‘Pact against Food Waste’) at an event with the country’s minister of food and agriculture in Berlin.
The agreement includes a commitment to expanding the transfer of edible goods to non-profit organisations, among other measures.
As per the pact, the companies must train relevant employees on best practices around shelf life, such as reducing prices for products approaching expiry dates.
Collaborating With Sustainable Supply Chains
German supermarkets are also integrating sustainability into their supply chains.
For example, Kaufland and REWE prioritise sourcing products with certifications like Fairtrade and the Rainforest Alliance, making sure that ethical and environmental standards are upheld.
A Focus On Energy Efficiency
Aiming to reduce their carbon footprint significantly, German supermarkets have made significant investments in renewable energy, such as solar panels and energy-efficient lighting.
Discounter Lidl recently stated that by switching to 100% renewable energy in all its branches, logistics centres and offices, the discounter has limited its operational CO2e emissions by 52%.
As part of its sustainability strategy, Aldi Süd rolled out a hydrogen truck in August this year, to supplement its fleet of four electric trucks in its Rastatt and Helmstadt companies.
The German discounter noted that the hydrogen truck is being used in two shifts, covering an annual mileage of more than 80,000 kilometres.
It also plans to switch to green hydrogen at its filling stations from the end of the year, potentially saving over 90% of CO2 emissions, as opposed to a diesel truck.
Embracing Circular-Economy Practices
Additionally, a new law in the country, known as the Verpackungsgesetz, requires all packaging to be reusable or recyclable – a significant step towards reducing plastic waste.
Retailers such as REWE have rolled out reusable containers for certain products, such as yoghurt and deli items.
Moreover, it is also getting rid of plastic lids on all 500-gram cups of natural yoghurt and soy yoghurt under the private-label ja! and REWE Beste Wahl brands.
The grocery chain also offers organic fruit and vegetables almost entirely without plastic, or with improved packaging, at more than 3,600 supermarkets.
In terms of the broader environmental picture for Germany, greenhouse gas emissions in the country fell by 3% last year, recent data showed.
