As a retailer, we have a significant impact on resources through the raw materials and water we use and the food and packaging we throw away. The more efficiently we manage these resources, the better for the environment and for our bottom line.
We can tackle resource use at several stages of the value chain, from our own operations to the way resources are used by our suppliers and consumers. Hannaford’s composting of store food waste with local farmers shows how our localized approach to food waste has inspired innovation and leadership across the value chain. See our 2010 insight for details.
Overall in 2010, we’ve seen a decline in waste and an increase in recycling, but we know our performance could be better. Next year, we will set an ambitious waste reduction target that will form part of our new CR strategy.
What are we doing about resource use?
Operational waste management
We’re making incremental improvements in operational waste management across the Group. We continue to improve plastic and cardboard recycling programs and are expanding them to include new materials.
- Total waste 433 430 tonnes
- 52% waste recycled in 2010
- EUR 23 million waste recycling income
More sustainable packaging
In 2010, Delhaize Belgium developed a private brand sustainable packaging strategy. It sets goals to eliminate PVC, reduce overall packaging weight, and use more recycled-content and plant-based materials. Product innovation is also contributing:
- 29 tonnes of packaging waste cut at Delhaize Belgium by the end of 2010
- 100% of Delhaize Belgium private brand liquid washing products are now concentrated, leading to reduced packaging
- USD 700 000 estimated savings for Delhaize America through packaging reductions in 2010
Water management
Despite water use in our direct operations being relatively low, Delhaize Belgium, Alfa Beta, Food Lion and Sweetbay have installed water recycling and rainwater harvesting systems. We continue to test these technologies for future applications in our facilities.
Through our experience with green stores, we’re installing new low-flow water fixtures in stores, harvesting rainwater for non-potable uses, and adjusting operations to reduce water usage, such as using drought-resistant plants that require little to no irrigation.
We acknowledge that our biggest water impact is in the supply chain, something we will address in our upcoming CR strategy.
Changing customer behaviors
Operating companies are taking different approaches to engaging customers on reducing waste. 2010 saw two particularly successful initiatives: reusable bags and customer recycling centers. Delhaize America launched a specific committee to continue efforts to reduce use of non-reusable bags.
- 2% overall reduction of non-reusable bags across the Group compared to 2009
- Installed first PET bottle recycling for customers in one store at Mega Image in Bucharest
- Alfa Beta expanded recycling stations to 10 new locations in Greece together with the extension of cooking oil recycling tanks and lamp bulb recycling boxes
What do our stakeholders think about it?
Delhaize Belgium regularly asks our input on the environmental aspect of different types of packaging. We are quite impressed by Delhaize Belgium’s continual search for the best product-packaging combination, always with the view of reducing the environmental impact. The company supported Fost Plus since its launch in 1994 and always continued to do so ever since.
William Vermeir, Managing Director, Fost Plus