Kaufland has implemented a reduced-plastic strategy at a store in Bucharest, as part of the group's willingness to tackle plastic waste.
The project, implemented in the Barbu Văcărescu store in the Romanian capital, sees more than 90% of disposable plastic materials removed and replaced with 100% biodegradable or compostable, environmentally friendly materials.
Department Changes
Changes have also been implemented within the bakery and fruit and vegetable departments, and in assisted display cabinets, where consumables (packaging, foil, etc.) are now 100% biodegradable. The in-store Kaufland Grill is similarly 100% plastic-free, with all packaging (bags, cutlery, casserole, trays, cutlery, etc.) and consumables made of biodegradable materials.
The Schwarz Group-owned retailer has also installed bio-waste bins where customers can dispose of biodegradable waste for composting. These can prevent unwanted decomposition processes, allow for better air circulation and have anti-bacterial properties.
Kaufland also provides a self-service recycling infrastructure with special machines for three types of packaging, including plastic. Customers can recycle PETs (up to three litres), glass and aluminium doses (up to one litre) and receive a rebate coupon that can be used in the store.
The initiative has three goals: avoiding plastic consumption, improving the recyclability of materials and encouraging the adoption of sustainable packaging.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
