SPAR Hungary is committed to contributing to a sustainable future. Recent environmental protection developments include an extension of a cooking oil collection scheme and instore plastic reduction.

Collection of waste cooking oil

SPAR Hungary has added 11 used cooking oil collection points at INTERSPAR Hypermarkets and SPAR Supermarkets nationwide, bringing the total number to 50.

The SPAR country organisation first launched this household oils and grease recycling scheme in 2021with a three-month trial period. This was followed by the setting up of special containers with an 800-litre capacity in nine hypermarkets and 25 supermarkets. SPAR Hungary’s partner Biotrans Kft. arranges the transport, sedimentation, and heating of the oil and fats, which are then turned into fuel at a biodiesel plant.

Following the launch of the programme last year, SPAR Hungary collected 13,000kg of used household oils in these containers between July and December 2021. This number more than doubled in the first five months of 2022, with customers returning 28,000kg of recyclable cooking oils and grease waste.

Interactive maps help customers find their nearest SPAR store with collection containers. The updated list of locations is available on SPAR Hungary’s sustainability website.

Instore plastic reduction

From August 2022, only biodegradable bags will be available in the fruit and vegetable departments of SPAR and INTERSPAR stores in Hungary. Single-use plastic bags will not be available instore for good.

The new biodegradable bags were tested in April 2022 in nine SPAR supermarkets and the INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Tatabánya. During this trial, customers could also buy fruit and vegetables using their own bags or purchase the products without packaging.

The new bags are more flexible, making them more resistant to heavier loads, biodegradable and more absorbent.

In the bakery sections, paper-based packaging has already replaced plastic bags.

In addition, SPAR Hungary stopped selling disposable plastic products, including single-use plastic plates, cups, cutlery, and straws on 1 July 2021. These have been replaced by reusable, dishwasher-safe or paper items.

More information on the company’s sustainability initiatives is available here.

Source: SPAR Hungary

Read more about 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. Since its launch, SPAR Hungary has been actively involved in developing the country’s retail industry.

The licensing of independent retailers to operate the SPAR Brand in Hungary has proven successful. The retailers benefit from access to SPAR Own Brand products and expertise, while consumers enjoy the increased number of store locations. SPAR Hungary is one of the country’s largest employers, with nearly 18,000 team members.

SPAR Hungary runs a network of over 610 company-owned and independently-run stores. The country organisation’s online platform is available in Budapest and over 50 surrounding municipalities.