Auchan Retail reasserts its commitment to the fight against plastic pollution in the first year of the European Plastics Pact

06 / 03 / 2021   

As a signatory to the European Plastics Pact on 6 March 2020, we confirm our desire to encourage the reduction, reuse and recycling of plastics via an increasingly virtuous circular plastics economy model. These efforts are central to our Auchan 2022 business plan. Our current approach is based on two commitments: reducing the sources of plastic pollution wherever we can, and educating and motivating our stakeholders, suppliers, employees and customers.

Our teams in all countries are tackling the plastics issue across the entire value chain, from design to sales, as part of five major schemes.

• We are changing our product ranges to limit the use of single-use plastic products. We have completely stopped sales of single-use plastic crockery throughout the European Union and in Senegal (nearly 1,950 tonnes of plastic avoided), and we no longer offer plastic cutlery for our takeaway meals.

• The aim is also to have a sustainable approach to household packaging, with 100% of our own-brand products using packaging that is reusable, recyclable or compostable. The range of bulk food and non-food products has also been developed, and alternative packaging for organic fruit and vegetables rolled out. The number of eco-friendly non-food ranges in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and textiles outlets are increasing.

• Distribution packaging is also impacted. We offer reusable nets in the fruit and vegetable section of our stores in eight countries, as an alternative to plastic bags. In France, we have likewise committed to replacing the plastic containers in our in-store butchers and fishmongers with 100% compostable containers made from plant fibre. This amounts to 55 million fewer plastic containers each year (1,100 tonnes avoided). Our customers can also bring their own containers to these sections.