Reducing and recycling waste
Albert praised for green packaging
In February 2008, Albert was recognized by the Czech environmental organization Arnika for replacing PVC packaging with “greener” materials. Working closely with Arnika, Albert has replaced PVC with polyethylene in the packaging of fresh red meat products sold under the Albert Quality brand. Arnika’s comments came as a result of a survey of 11 food retail chains in the Czech Republic, carried out as part of the organization’s anti-PVC campaign.
We are committed to reducing waste and encouraging people to recycle. Reducing waste means our business consumes less, which is good for the planet. It also reduces costs. Recycling can, in some cases, provide additional income. In many cases, recycling and waste reduction demands a cultural change; in others, the infrastructure to recycle certain materials does not yet exist.
Our operating companies have also introduced education programs for employees and customers. They include ICA’s website, which explains the environmental impact of wasting food.
Other measures include a reduction in shrink as a result of the value improvement program at Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover. In Sweden, ICA became the first company to commercially launch a plastic film made from renewable resources. It was introduced on its “I love eco” salad, apple and carrot lines in 2008. Albert Heijn uses biodegradable film for organic products.
Many of our operating companies are continuing to explore new ways to recycle additional types of waste at offices, stores and distribution centers. For instance, Ahold USA companies recycle shrink film, plastic bags and cardboard, which provides an opportunity to reduce waste and, in some cases, generate income. For example, Giant-Carlisle recycled more than 39,000 tonnes of store cardboard and paper in 2008, generating more than $5 million in revenue. Albert Heijn also recycles plastic and cardboard in its stores and distribution centers.
A number of our businesses audit their stores and distribution centers to ensure recyclable waste is not included in the residual waste stream when recycling facilities are available. In Europe, our companies work with suppliers to reduce packaging waste in line with the EU Packaging Directive.
Waste by type (tonnes)
| |
Stop & Shop / Giant- Landover |
Giant- Carlisle |
Albert Heijn |
Albert / Hypernova
(Czech Republic) |
Albert / Hypernova
(Slovakia)1 |
ICA |
Total |
| Organic |
8,842 |
2,020 |
31,220 |
3,683 |
NR |
90,226 |
135,991 |
| Cardboard and paper |
136,510 |
39,158 |
57,418 |
12,391 |
NR |
21,127 |
266,604 |
| Plastic |
1,980 |
1,254 |
2,907 |
1,020 |
NR |
3,535 |
10,696 |
| Wood |
26,155 |
8,637 |
123 |
215 |
NR |
3,252 |
38,382 |
| Metal |
675 |
220 |
27 |
38 |
NR |
600 |
1,560 |
| Other |
135,244 |
44,863 |
15,169 |
15,398 |
NR |
53,521 |
264,195 |
| Total |
309,406 |
96,152 |
106,864 |
32,745 |
NR |
172,261 |
717,428 |
| 1. Implementing a process for capturing reliable data. |
Total waste in % by disposal method
| |
Stop & Shop / Giant- Landover |
Giant- Carlisle |
Albert Heijn |
Albert / Hypernova
(Czech Republic) |
Albert / Hypernova
(Slovakia)1 |
ICA |
Total |
| Compost |
1% |
0% |
0% |
4% |
NR |
53% |
13% |
| Reused, recycled or recovered |
55% |
53% |
57% |
42% |
NR |
17% |
46% |
| Fermented |
0% |
0% |
29% |
0% |
NR |
0% |
4% |
| Incinerated |
44% |
1% |
14% |
15% |
NR |
10% |
24% |
| Landfill |
0% |
46% |
0% |
39% |
NR |
20% |
13% |
| 1. Implementing a process for capturing reliable data. |
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