Auchan Romania has published its fourth Sustainability Report, an annual transparency initiative detailing the company’s activities and initiatives from the previous year. Although the company publishes this report voluntarily, it covers a wide range of topics and is prepared in accordance with the GRI Core international reporting standards, integrating elements from other standards such as SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board).
“The 2023 Sustainability Report presents the collective actions of the entire Auchan Romania team over this year. It also details Auchan’s impact on Romania’s economy, financial results, environmental footprint, and community support. This will be the last report using GRI and SASB standards, as we plan to transition to ESRS standards from the CSRD Directive starting with 2024,” stated Corina Dospinoiu-Imre, Sustainability Director of Auchan Retail Romania.
The 2023 report was audited by a third party for a series of key indicators, in compliance with the International Standard for Assurance Engagements ISAE 3000. This transparency initiative includes quantitative and qualitative data on Auchan Romania’s financial, non-financial, and sustainability performance. Additionally, it provides stakeholders—partners, employees, and customers—with access to information on key projects carried out during the reporting period and allows them to monitor the company’s results in relation to its commitments.
Each chapter of the report is dedicated to a different strategic area, focusing on the pillars underpinning Auchan’s sustainability strategy and ethical governance, as well as actions taken to be a responsible employer.
Good, Healthy, Accessible Products
Auchan promotes healthy eating and supports the growth of local producers, resulting in 91% of the company’s suppliers being Romanian in 2023. Furthermore, Auchan’s sustainable product lines have doubled, and ranges of organic, vegan, special diet, and sports nutrition products have been expanded.
Auchan Romania is committed to fighting food waste, achieving notable results over the past year. Through its “Zero Waste” project in stores, the retailer helped save over 5 million items close to their expiration date but still safe for consumption. Additionally, alongside the Federation of Food Banks in Romania, Auchan donated 41 tons of products to support vulnerable communities.
Actions against plastic pollution have also intensified in recent years, with Auchan developing a traceability solution for all types of plastic packaging associated with its products. Furthermore, Auchan achieved notable progress with private label product packaging, reducing the plastic used in Auchan-brand water bottles by 5.3 tons annually.
All Auchan-brand wooden, paper, or cardboard toys are FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council), ensuring that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. Additionally, Auchan-brand plush toys are made from 100% recycled polyester, and 100% of the private-label Christmas ornaments available in stores are made from recycled plastic.
In anticipation of the Deposit-Return System (DRS), Auchan Romania conducted its own recyclable packaging collection campaign from April to November 2023, prior to the DRS launch, collecting over 23 million packages with the support of 1.5 million customers. This gave consumers time to become familiar with the DRS, which was implemented nationwide at the end of November 2023.
Over 20% Reduction in CO2 Emissions in 2023
In 2023, Auchan Romania’s greenhouse gas emissions for Scopes 1, 2, and 3 (transport) decreased by 20.53% compared to the previous year, equivalent to 66,217 tons of CO2. This result was due to an energy conservation plan implemented in stores, including scheduled lighting, reduced refrigerated display space, motion sensors, outlet timers, HVAC system updates, and checkout upgrades. Auchan Renewable Energy, launched in February 2023, became the first of its kind in Romania’s retail industry, with a focus on electricity production, transportation, and distribution, supporting Auchan Romania’s climate goals. Additionally, photovoltaic panels were installed on four Auchan stores out of a planned sixteen.
A Responsible Employer
Auchan Romania remains one of Romania’s largest employers, with over 7,300 employees at the end of 2023. Women make up 68% of the company’s workforce, with 56% in leadership roles. During the reporting period, Auchan employees benefited from over 123,000 hours of continuous training. Moreover, Auchan Romania earned the Top Employer 2023 certification, officially recognizing the company’s efforts to create a high-quality, employee-centered work environment.
Over 3 Million Lei Invested in Social Projects
Throughout 2023, Auchan Romania strengthened its commitment to local communities by supporting 87 social projects. Simultaneously, Auchan employees participated in over 10,000 individual CSR and sustainability initiatives. Also in 2023, Auchan collaborated with 15 universities across 11 major academic centers in Romania, actively contributing to the professional development of future leaders and specialists in the retail industry.
Complete information and data from the Sustainability Report are available in full on auchan.ro.