As a global retailer, SPAR is in a position to make a significant contribution towards reducing negative environmental impacts through instore and logistical sustainability measures. SPAR Partners have launched initiatives specifically targeting waste reduction with an emphasis on recycling, the development of durable and sustainable product packaging, and the introduction of food waste schemes.

An increasing issue, which is noticeable across the globe in both developed and developing countries, is the issue of food waste. In developing countries, 40% of food loss occurs at post-harvest and processing levels, whilst for developed countries 40% of losses happen at the retail and consumer level. Saving just one fourth of the food currently lost or wasted across the globe, would be enough to feed 870 million hungry people in the world.

Reducing food waste

In response, SPAR has introduced food reduction schemes and specialised projects targeting food waste in developed and developing countries. SPAR prides itself on its value-driven and impactful food waste schemes at retail level, benefiting both consumers and the environment, whether required by governmental regulations or not. SPAR further supports farmers in the harvesting of produce and is targeting the reduction of losses in perishable and nutritious food supply chains. Through an improved ‘farm to fork’ process, SPAR is providing consumers with better access to good quality fresh produce whilst negating food waste.

Developments in sustainable packaging

In realising that our planet is faced with increasing rates of plastic pollution and deforestation, various SPAR Partners have committed to reducing their environmental impacts by switching to more sustainable packaging, for both product and retail purposes. Across our network, customers can find bio-degradable, certified, and recycled packaging, which maintain the quality look and feel of products according to the high standards demanded by SPAR. SPAR has further started decreasing the offering of plastic shopping bags, offering customers re-usable bags and paper bags instead.

Recycling programmes

A number of SPAR Partners have introduced recycling programmes which target waste reduction and negative environmental impacts. These recycling programmes are seen to benefit the communities in which SPAR operates, creating a win-win situation for all parties involved – reducing environmental impacts of the business whilst improving conditions for local communities.

For more information on our developments in food waste reduction, sustainable packaging & recycling, please visit our Responsible Retailing Environment page or browse through our Pressroom for more SPAR Responsible Retailing initiatives.