Aims: reduce waste and preserve natural resources. That’s the main target behind this ambitious programme that involves managing the waste generated by the Group’s various activities more responsibly.
In order to effectively implement this initiative, the Group has adopted a structured management system for the waste it generates and implemented schemes whereby it can be recycled in all areas in which it has a presence. Teams and stores are therefore stepping up efforts in all countries to reduce waste at its source and hit ambitious recycling targets: in 2012, the Group succeeded in increasing the share of its waste that could be recycled up to 63.9% – up 5.5% on 2010.
In France in 2012, Carrefour’s hypermarkets sorted and recycled 81% of their organic waste (including food donations). In the region in and around Lille, a special initiative is under way to recover organic waste and convert it into biomethane which can then be used to power the lorries operated by the stores concerned. Carrefour is also targeting both its customers and employees in a bid to encourage them to recycle waste on a daily basis (providing them with waste recycling areas, for example). The result is that in France, more than 5000 t of batteries and household electronic and electrical equipment – as well as 65,000 kg of light bulbs – have taken the virtuous path towards recycling (source: 2011). Carrefour also works alongside its suppliers on ensuring that its products are eco-designed.
Because for Carrefour, a business can only be sustainable when it offers benefits to both people and the whole society in which it operates.
