Respecting the environment
Biedronka’s responsibility commitments for 2021–2023
| Commitment | Progress of strategy implementation | Implementation stage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Maintain the number of locations with environmental certification (16 distribution centres and the soup factory) and ensure environmental certification for new locations (distribution centres and industrial units opened in 2021–2023). | 17 distribution centres and the soup factory with ISO 14001 certification (18 locations in total). | 100%  |
| 2. | Reduce the carbon footprint (scopes 1 and 2) by at least 30% in the 2021-2023 period (per 1,000 € sales), compared to 2017. | Carbon footprint (scopes 1 and 2) has been reduced by 57%, compared to 2017. | 100% |
| 3. | Reduce energy consumption by 12% in the 2021-2023 period (per EUR 1,000 of sales), compared to 2017. | Energy consumption has been reduced by 48% (per EUR 1,000 of sales), compared to 2017. | 100% |
| 4. | Reduce water withdrawal by 10% in the 2021-2023 period (per EUR 1,000 of sales), compared to 2017. | Water withdrawal has been reduced by 39% (per EUR 1,000 of sales), compared to 2017. | 100% |
| 5. | Limit food waste to 16.1 kg for each tonne of food sold in the 2021-2023 period. | Food waste has been reduced to 19.6 kg per tonne of food sold. | Partially achieved |
| 6. | Make sure that in 2021-2023 at least 13% packaging of the Private Brand products comply with the principles of ecodesign vs the 2020 figures. | 65% of own-brand product packaging designed in accordance with eco-design principles, considering the 2020 packaging range as benchmark. | 100% |
| 7. | Ensure an annual waste recovery rate of at least 91% of the volume of waste generated. | 91,5% of the waste was sent to recovery | 100% |
| 8. | Support at least one nature conservation project and disclose its results annually. | Three nature conservation projects were supported. | 100% |
| 9. | Reduce by 7% in the 2021-2023 period, the specific consumption of plastic measured in tonnes of plastic packaging per 1 million euros of turnover, compared to 2018. | Plastic consumption has been reduced by 44% (per million euros of turnover), compared to 2018. | 100% |
| 10. | Increase the content of recycled plastic to 10% of the total amount of plastic packaging used ir our operations by 2023. | The content of recycled plastic in plastic packaging under Biedronka’s responsibility was 11,9%. | 100% |
| 11. | Reduce carbon emissions resulting from transporting goods to stores by 5% (in tonnes of CO2 per 1,000 pallets transported), in the 2021-2023 period, compared to 2020. | Carbon dioxide emissions from transporting goods to stores have been reduced by 6.5%, compared to 2020. | 100% |
Our priorities
Environmental protection is one of the pillars of the Group’s corporate responsibility strategy. Our operations follow our Environmental protection strategy, according to which:
we treat environmental issues as one of the business criteria in all management operations and decision-making processes
we want to be an environmental protection leader
we promote environmental action throughout the value chain – from product to consumer
Therefore, our priorities in this area are as follows:
fighting climate change – by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy sources and promoting responsible attitudes
preserving biodiversity – at the local, national and global level;
waste management – managing waste responsibly, in accordance with the principles of circular economy;
materials and packaging – striving to optimise the use of resources and close the circulation of materials, raising awareness among stakeholders, employees, customers and suppliers.
We promote eco-efficiency and eco-innovation throughout the supply chain, and our activities are governed by the Environmental Policy adopted.
Since 2021, Biedronka has had an Environmental Protection Committee (EPC), which fosters an appropriate organisational culture and supports the implementation of the environmental protection strategy. In 2023 the Committee involved 33 ambassadors, representing 23 different business areas of the company.
We implement measures to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and optimising energy usage. We invest in advanced energy-saving cooling and lighting systems, as well as renewable energy sources.
We believe that our efforts not only reduce our environmental impact but also inspire our employees, clients, and partners to make responsible and informed decisions. Our goal is to foster dialogue and share knowledge among our stakeholders, as we did during our sustainability conference, “Energia Życia” ("Energy for Life"). During the panel discussion on "Energy and the environment - how to extract positive energy at every stage of the value chain", we explored such topics as renewable energy, decarbonisation, and green transformation in the context of challenges and opportunities for the Polish economy.
BIEDRONKA STANDARDS
For the fourth year in a row, the Jerónimo Martins Group has received the highest score (A) from CDP (Disclosure Insight Action) for performance and the transparency of its reports on climate change. It has also achieved a leadership in the Water Security programme and management of the main commodities linked to deforestation. Our chain has significantly contributed to the Group’s overall performance, which results from a consistently implemented strategy and effective environmental protection measures.
Fighting climate change
Our approach
In 2023, the Group published its Climate Transition Plan, which includes measures, initiatives and investments required to ensure compliance and limiting the rise in global average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial level and preserving and restoring biodiversity.
To achieve reduction goals, we work with suppliers, especially of perishable products and Private Brand products, promote a circular economy, sustainable agricultural practices and set strategies to fight deforestation in our supply chain.
In order to more accurately identify, assess, and manage climate-related risks and opportunities in our value chain, we have been implementing the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) recommendations since 2020.
In 2021 we joined the Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative, and in 2023 we submitted science-based emission reduction targets for verification. According to SBTi's methodology and criteria, 2021 was chosen as the base year due to the most complete scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions data. The targets were validated by SBTi in 2024.
The Group’s targets towards carbon neutrality:
Short-term targets:
- 55%
By 2033, reduce absolute energy and industry scopes 1 and 2 emissions in 55%, compared to the 2021 base year.
- 60%
Ensure that, by 2030, 60% of the electricity used is from renewable sources.
- 33%
By 2033, reduce energy and industry scope 3 emissions in 33%, compared to the 2021 base year.
- 39%
By 2033, reduce forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) scopes 1 and 3 emissions by 39%, compared to the 2021 base year.
- 100%
By 2025, eliminate deforestation risk in the chain of the main ingredients of our products.
Long-term targets:
- 90%
By 2045, reduce absolute energy and industry scopes 1 and 2 emissions in 90% by 2045, compared to 2021.
- 90%
By 2050, reduce absolute energy and industry scope 3 emissions in 90%, compared to 2021.
- 72%
By 2050, reduce absolute Forest, Land and Agriculture scopes 1 and 3 emissions in 72%, compared to 2021.
- 100%
By 2050, neutralise residual GHG emissions through projects that meet strict eligibility criteria, in line with international best practices.
Carbon footprint
To achieve reduction goals, we invest in advanced energy-saving cooling and lighting systems, as well as renewable energy sources. We work with suppliers, especially of perishable products and Private Brand products, promote a circular economy, sustainable agricultural practices and set strategies to fight deforestation in our supply chain.
In 2023, we continued the project to develop a carbon footprint calculation tool for Private Brand and perishable products. We developed calculators for five major product categories – paper, pads and tissues, fresh meat, commodities, dairy and fats, and fruit and vegetables – covering greenhouse gas emissions from the production and transport of raw materials, production of finished goods, waste management, and transport of products to warehouses.
We put our efforts into minimising the environmental impact through solutions such as low-emission vehicle fleets and routes optimisation. In 2023, carbon emissions associated with transporting goods to stores per thousand pallets decreased by 6.5% compared to 2020. We also reduced emissions from transporting goods to stores by 4.49 t CO2e per 1,000 pallets transported.
Of the three emission ranges, the decrease in 2023 concerned direct emissions, which we reduced by 5.1%. The greatest reduction concerns emissions related to refrigerant gas leakages, thanks to the implementation of new technologies in this area. In the case of indirect emissions, the highest increase was in scope 3 in the purchase of products and services related to the expansion of Biedronka's assortment and operations.
The intensity of greenhouse gas emissions in in 2023 was 0.035 tCO2 e per 1,000 euros in sales. This represents a 14.4% reduction in emissions compared to 2022.
By 2023, the “Dobra energia” (Good Energy) project had reduced electricity consumption in stores by an average of 4%, which is better than the 3% savings target.
The energy efficiency programme „Dobra energia – oszczędzanie mamy w planie” (Good energy – saving according to plan) covered almost 81,000 Biedronka employees. We developed:
a manual of energy-saving good practices in stores;
interactive training for all store employees (EducAction);
electricity consumption monitoring reports;
a dedicated chatbot to facilitate daily work,
a special code – energy, which triggered immediate action on the part of the technical department, as a result of which we resolved 161 issues reported by store.
Protecting biodiversity
Biodiversity plays an important role for food companies because it ensures environmental stability through ecosystem services. It helps to maintain soil quality, plant pollination and natural pest control, which is key to crop productivity and sustainability. We want our supply chains to deliver healthy and diverse products while minimising the negative impact of our operations on nature. See more
Species and habitats protection projects
Since 2021, we have been cooperating with Polskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Przyrody Salamandra (Salamander – Polish Society for Nature Protection), involved among others, in the protection of various animal species and habitats.
Thanks to our grants in 2023, the Society continued its work to protect such species as porpoises, wolves, lynxes, bison, hedgehogs and pygmy owls: purchased equipment and tools and adapted them for their studies, trained rescue teams, conducted rescue operations and monitoring, fought poaching, hired caregivers in conservation breedings, cared about the amicable coexistence of animals and humans and offered expert assistance from veterinary, mammalogy and nature conservation specialists.
BIEDRONKA STANDARDS
We draw attention to the role of wild pollinators in the surrounding environment. In cooperation with the State Forests, we have implemented a project called “Hotele dla zapylaczy” (Pollinator Hotels) to improve living conditions for pollinators, take care of their welfare and encourage local communities to take initiatives for insects. Pollinator hotels are not only beneficial to these insects but also highlight their invaluable role in shaping nature. As part of the project, we have put up hotels in 10 forest districts and in all of the chain's distribution centres.
Material and packaging management
Our strategy for transitioning to a circular economy covers the entire value chain, and includes measures such as reducing the use of plastic materials and packaging ecodesign.
Ecodesign
We follow the Nine Golden Design Principles for plastic packaging introduced by the Consumer Good Forum in cooperation with its members of the Coalition (including Jerónimo Martins Group). A version of the principles adapted for the Polish market by the Polish Plastics Pact was issued in 2022, which aims to rethink the way packaging is designed, to increase circulation for as long as possible.
The environmental guidelines for packaging that we follow are included in four key overarching documents: “Packaging Manual - Pallets”, “Mini Brand Book of Collective Packaging”, “Packaging Manual – Display Stands” and “Ecodesign Manual”. Our main reference is the “Ecodesign Manual”, which is the base for subsequent manuals and guidelines on specific Private Band categories.
In 2023, we held a webinar for suppliers and business partners on packaging ecodesign in the spring of 2023. It was attended by 1,000 people from Poland and abroad.
Closing the loop of products and materials
We optimise packaging formats and make changes to packaging materials to enable recycling. We reduce the weight of packaging and use recycled materials and thus reduce the consumption of various packaging materials.
To reduce the use of plastic, we are using new formats, such as the new handles and labels on the five-litre Oaza water bottle, which reduced plastic by more than 160 tonnes in a year
we have changed the handles on the 5L bottle
In 2023, we reduced the weight of plastic in 166 packages of Private Brand products, which resulted in 829 tonnes of virgin plastic avoided.
Paper packaging
In 2023, we set a goal that 71% of packaging made of virgin paper would be FSC®/PEFC certified. We managed to achieve it and now 73% of our packaging units are made of certified paper.
Waste management
We reduce waste generation and prioritise recycling materials that we cannot avoid consuming. All of our facilities conduct a selective collection of waste generated, aligned with the principles of a circular economy. We have implemented a standard for multi packaging, requiring packaging to be fully recyclable, and the raw materials for its production to come from certified, responsible FSC® or PEFC sources.
In 2023, we produced more than 445,000 tonnes of waste, with waste paper accounting for over 67% of that amount. Nearly 407,311 thousand tonnes of the waste we generated was diverted for reusage, recycling or energy recovery, which means that 91.5% of the waste generated by Biedronka was diverted from disposal.
Food waste prevention
In the food products industry, especially where perishable articles make up a significant portion, there is a higher risk of food waste. In a continuous attempt to minimise this challenge, we have set new goals and began undertaking a number of initiatives.
As of 2020, Biedronka has been offering discounts on perishable products with nearing their expiration date, as well as the last pieces of selected food products, cosmetics and chemicals. In 2023, this initiative was implemented in more than 440 Biedronka stores.
We continue to donate food with a nearing expiration date to non-profit organisations, cooperating with about 150 organisations, including the Federation of Polish Food Banks, Caritas, Markot and other local organisations.
We continue to work with Too Good To Go – a social impact company that allows users to purchase unsold food at discounted prices through an app. In 2023, we sold more than one million packages from 500 stores, preventing around 1,600 tonnes of food from going to waste
To mitigate the impacts of food waste, we have been running educational and communication campaigns for several years, promoting good practices to avoid food waste. In December, we conducted a special week-long campaign to support Polish producers and raise consumer awareness about the consumption of imperfect vegetables, selling nearly 200 tonnes of carrots during the campaign.
Educating and partnering for ecology
Our projects
“Zostań Ekoznawcą Biedronki” (Become Biedronka’s Eco-expert) project is an initiative aimed for all Biedronka’s employees to raise awareness on environmental protection and promote other environmentally friendly practices in the workplace. In 2023, a new e-training course and an electronic handbook titled “Become an Eco-Expert. Rules of conduct for waste management at Biedronka stores” were made available on the educAction platform.
„ekoWakacje z Biedronką” (EcoHolidays with Biedronka) is a two-month nationwide project aimed at educating people about waste segregation and recycling combined with direct measures for environment protection. In 2023, nearly 30,000 participants took part in events prepared by the Biedronka. The first edition of the project included, among other things, an educational rubbish lorry tour of Poland – “Miecia Tour”, plastic bottle collections at Biedronka’s 100 stores, and cooperation under the Clean Tatra Mountains and Clean Baltic projects. During the campaign, more than 102,000 plastic bottles were collected, equivalent to 2,550 kg of plastic. This amount can be used to produce over 116,000 units of new 1-litre bottled water from the Polaris brand or nearly 320,000 standard pens.
