A product is not just what comes inside of the packaging. It is also a source, a transformation, and the embodiment of the entire supply chain reflected in products deserving of consumer trust. Throughout a product’s journey, we incorporate social and environmental concerns and values to ensure that the development and production process is sustainable. Our efforts are recognised by external and independent certification and, where possible, shared with our customers.
In 2021, the focus was primarily on packages and products with FSC®, PEFC and SFI certification schemes, certified animal welfare approved products and sustainable palm oil certification. Products with certification schemes accounted for 7.8% of total Private Brand and perishable product sales, above the 7% target set for the Group.
Besides sustainability certifications, we also offer products with differentiating environmental and social characteristics, using the packaging to share this information. These characteristics are ensured through the internal control systems we developed for our Private Brands.
It is the case with the Pingo Doce and Recheio product ecodesign stamp, which indicates how the packaging has become more sustainable, or the recycling icons, which show the recycling bin to be used at the end of the product’s life cycle. Biedronka uses icons to share information about products with cage-free eggs in their ingredients and on food solutions suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Information on perishable and Private Brand products with sustainability certification and their weight on sales in 2021 was confirmed by an external and independent entity for the Group’s Annual Report.