SPAR Hungary innovates for a sustainable future

December 29, 2021 IN THE CATEGORY: Environment, Responsible retailing

SPAR Hungary is committed to contributing to a sustainable future, implementing initiatives on environmental protection, healthy lifestyles, food safety, and employee support. Here we highlight some recent developments, including SPAR Hungary’s extended eco-friendly and sustainable ranges.

SPAR Hungary wins CSR awards

SPAR Hungary has recently received two prestigious awards recognising its sustainability initiatives. 

The Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development awarded SPAR Hungary for their circular business model developed to promote the products of a circular initiative called Máltai Manufaktúra.

The Doing Good CSR Award judges awarded SPAR and the Maltese Charity Service a Special Mention Certificate for a joint project that supported people in need. SPAR Hungary sold more than 100,000 canvas bags and contributed to the livelihood of girls and women who make these bags at the sewing factory of the Charity Service in Tiszabura. 

The company also sold close to 20,000 handmade food products and used the proceeds to support disabled and disadvantaged employees working at the charity’s workshop facilities in Páty and Gyula. 

SPAR extends sustainable product range

SPAR Hungary has made it a priority to continuously extend its range of sustainable products. SPAR this year added new sustainable options across product categories, including kitchen utensils, tableware, and bin bags made of recycled, biodegradable, and natural materials like sugarcane, wood, and paper.

Green shelves for eco-friendly products 

Eco-friendly products are easy to find in SPAR Hungary stores. They are displayed on highlighted shelves in specialised departments of all INTERSPAR Hypermarkets and major SPAR Supermarkets. These ‘green’ shelves feature multi-use, eco-friendly, and sustainable products that help cut plastic waste. 

A booklet about sustainable consumption has been produced and is available for customers to take home free of charge. It features the general rules of waste management and tips on cutting the volume of packaging and food waste in households.

SPAR is a pioneer among Hungarian retail chains in reducing the emission of pollutants generated during its operations, reducing the volume of plastics and increasing the share of recyclable materials. SPAR Hungary’s strategy helps create a more liveable environment by expanding green alternatives to help customers. 

Collection of waste cooking oil

After a three-month trial period in five selected stores, SPAR Hungary has added used cooking oil collection points at an additional eight hypermarkets and 21 supermarkets. SPAR Hungary’s partner Biotrans Kft. arranges the transport, sedimentation, and heating of the oil and fats, which then go to a biodiesel plant and are turned into fuel. 

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

Source: SPAR Hungary

Read more about SPAR in 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 17,881 team members.