CNBC.com announces: Auchan Romania, the only retailer in Southeastern Europe included in "50 SDG Leaders" for its sustainability innovations
Auchan Retail Romania is internationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability, being the first and only retailer from Southeastern Europe included in the "50 SDG Leaders," a collection of documentary interviews published on…
Auchan Retail Romania is internationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability, being the first and only retailer from Southeastern Europe included in the "50 SDG Leaders," a collection of documentary interviews published on CNBC.com, the online platform of one of America's leading television channels. This campaign, initiated by the United Nations (UN), highlights companies that make significant contributions to achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting a fairer economy and a sustainable future.
With a network of over 450 stores, more than 7,000 employees, and extensive initiatives to reduce food waste, promote the circular economy, invest in renewable energy, and provide accessibility solutions for people with special needs, Auchan Romania demonstrates that sustainability can go hand in hand with social responsibility and economic development, while offering customers an affordable and responsible shopping experience.
Auchan’s entire sustainability strategy is designed to address several Sustainable Development Goals, including: Goal 1 - No Poverty, Goal 2 - Zero Hunger, Goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 10 - Reduced Inequality, Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13 - Climate Action.
The "50 SDG Leaders" documentary series aims to showcase the progress and efforts of a select group of companies that have successfully upheld the core principles established by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, this initiative aims to raise awareness of the urgent need for sustainable action. The "50 SDG Leaders" project was created to highlight the role of the private sector in driving change.
Leader in the fight against food waste
One of the innovations for which Auchan was included in the "50 SDG Leaders" series is its fight against food waste. Among the landmark initiatives started by Auchan Romania is the "Zero Waste" project, an intelligent AI-based system that combats food waste and optimizes the operational activities of teams while offering customers affordable products close to their expiration date.
Implemented in Romania for the first time and then adopted globally in all countries where Auchan operates, this solution has saved over 22 million products locally in the last four and a half years, prevented over 2,500 tons of CO₂ emissions, and directly contributed to protecting the purchasing power of consumers, strengthening Auchan’s position as a leader in the fight against food waste, alongside its customers.
Pioneer in the circular economy
Auchan Romania has continued to redefine sustainability in retail, and long before the implementation of the National Deposit-Refund System, the retailer invested millions of euros in introducing collection machines, offering customers an innovative and accessible recycling solution. This initiative transformed the packaging of the store’s beverage segment into a circular economy system, generating a significant impact: in just seven months, Auchan collected over 32 million packages. To further stimulate recycling, customers enjoyed attractive benefits before the implementation of the SGR, supported together with Auchan partners.
