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 that are 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 2023, the greatest focus was on certification schemes that confirm that the paper fibres used come from sustainably managed forests (FSC®, PEFC or SFI), on organic certification of food products and on the OEKO-TEX Made in Green certification of the textiles we sell. Products with certification schemes accounted for 13.4% 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.
This 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 indicate the recycling bin to be used at the end of the product’s life cycle. Biedronka has icons to communicate the products with non-caged chicken eggs in their ingredients or the food solutions suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Information on perishable and Private Brand products with sustainability certification and their weight on sales in 2023 was confirmed by an external and independent entity for the Group’s Annual Report.