In line with its sustainability strategy, SPAR Hungary continues to launch innovative solutions that help to minimise waste, reduce costs and increase the circularity of business operations. These solutions include reusing existing store fixtures, repurposing refrigeration units, and implementing a circular pallet rental system.

A second chance for store fixtures  

With ongoing store renovations, SPAR Hungary strives to create a comfortable shopping environment for customers, which also prioritises sustainability and circularity of operations. During the recent modernisation process, existing store fixtures were preserved and reused in the newly renovated space. A similar approach was taken with an update of refrigeration units in the store. Many units were replaced with higher energy efficiency models, with several units repurposed, recovering some parts and materials.   

Newly purchased truck with refrigeration units  

In February 2024, SPAR Hungary’s truck fleet was expanded by six new 24-tonne trucks. A conscious approach and diligent planning allowed the newly purchased vehicles to be equipped with refrigeration units, which were dismantled and renovated from older trucks in the fleet. The decision to repurpose refrigeration units from old vehicles led to cost savings of 60% compared to the price of new units and significantly reduced the negative impact on the environment.   

Circular pallet rental system solution  

Another circular decision of SPAR Hungary was a collaboration with the pallet rental system CHEP Hungary Kft. since 2001. The company offers a circular rotation of pallets in the supply chain.  Within the system, pallets are rented from CHEP by the supplier partners for product placement and then delivered to SPAR warehouses. After delivery, empty pallets are collected by CHEP from SPAR warehouses and, after inspection and necessary repairs, are sent back to the supplier companies for repeated use.   

The system has multiple environmental and cost-saving benefits. Firstly, members of the supply chain do not need to purchase the pallets, keep them in stock or replace them, making the supply chain more cost-efficient for suppliers. The environmental footprint is reduced, requiring fewer pallets, increasing circularity, and shortening travel distances due to the elimination of pallet exchange. With this system in place, SPAR Hungary reduced their carbon dioxide emissions by 329 tonnes and generated 26 tonnes less of waste in 2023.   

Source: SPAR Hungary

Read more news from SPAR Hungary.

About SPAR Hungary

The first SPAR Supermarket opened in Hungary in 1992, following the acquisition by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) of a majority stake in General Kereskedelmi Rt. SPAR Hungary is one of the country’s largest employers, with a network of company-owned and independently run stores operating nationwide.