Russia's X5 Retail Group N.V and Unilever have signed an agreement of intent to implement circular economic principles when working together.
The retailer said in a statement that the agreement was signed on the margins of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum by Х5 Retail Group CEO Igor Shekhterman and the Unilever president in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, JV Raman.
Reverse Vending Machines
The companies agreed to begin a partnership programme of installation of reverse vending machines (RVM).
These are branded kiosks that take used consumer plastic containers for further recycling.
Rewards are given to shoppers that deposit plastic containers to RVMs in Perekrestok and Karusel stores, such as discounts on new purchases.
The retailer said that this creates a closed economic cycle that enables Unilever to act as a responsible producer, selling its products in eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials.
Global Transition
"In line with sustainable development principles, X5 recycles 100% of the plastic, cardboard, paper and other non-food waste generated by its stores," commented Igor Shekhterman, CEO, X5 Retail Group.
"In addition, we seek to support and encourage responsible consumption by our customers by increasing the supply of reusable packaging and by installing RVMs in our stores." he said.
"Our strategic goal is to complete a global transition to 100% recyclable polymer content in our packaging by 2025." said JV Raman, president in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, Unilever.
The partners will decide on possible further roll-out based on the outcome of the pilot project.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Helen Galgey. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
