Continuing its focus on sustainable operations, SPAR Slovenia will be the first retailer in the country to completely phase out single-use plastic bags in the fruit and vegetable department. Instead, biodegradable bags or reusable SPAR mesh bags will be available from this year. SPAR Slovenia received the FDI Award Slovenia 2023 in the category of significant influence on the Slovenian economy.

SPAR is the first retailer in Slovenia to completely withdraw single-use plastic bags from the fruit and vegetable department. This switch will save as much as 105 tons of plastic annually.

“Good bags” instead of plastic ones

According to Eurostat, the European research agency, “out of all light plastic bags used per capita in Slovenia in 2021, the majority were very light plastic bags”.  The retailer’s stores will replace plastic bags in the F&V section with biodegradable bags and reusable SPAR mesh bags this year.

The company has introduced a special SPAR shopping bag with a pocket. This was designed with both the customer and sustainability in mind, featuring a pocket for storing mesh bags.

As a recipient of the Green Star sustainability certificate, SPAR Slovenia belongs to the category of Green Leaders. These are businesses having the principles of sustainability firmly embedded in their business strategy and models.

SPAR Slovenia recognised

SPAR Slovenia received the FDI Award Slovenia 2023, which has been awarded since 2006 by the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport and the Public Agency SPIRIT. The company received the award in the category of significant influence on the Slovenian economy.

According to the commission, SPAR Slovenia has had a significant impact on the Slovenian economy since 1991, including through the presentation of innovative approaches to customers. Its role is also crucial in supporting the Slovenian community, as it is a sponsor of charitable organisations and events, while at the same time supporting local farmers and suppliers, which contributes to the promotion of the domestic economy.

“Receiving the FDI Award Slovenia for the company is an exceptional recognition and confirmation of continuous efforts for quality offer, innovation and sustainable business,” says David Kovačič, chief executive officer of SPAR Slovenia. “We see this award as a confirmation of successful cooperation with the Slovenian community. It is an incentive for the further development and growth of the SPAR company in Slovenia,” he adds.

Source: SPAR Slovenia

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About SPAR Slovenia

SPAR Slovenia, operated by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG), was granted a licence by SPAR International to operate under the brand in 1991. ASPIAG is a subsidiary of SPAR Austria AG. SPAR has become a key employer in the country, both through its corporate businesses as well as through licenses being granted to independent retailers to expand the brand further.