The companies of Schwarz Group have once again raised the bar for their waste recovery targets: By 2030, we want to reuse, recycle, compost or ferment 95 percent of operational waste. This target is part of the group-wide “Road to Zero Waste” initiative and reinforces our pioneering role for a functioning circular economy.

We have already achieved considerable success on the “Road to Zero Waste” to date. Indeed, in the 2024 fiscal year, the companies of Schwarz Group recovered more than three million tons, or 89 percent, of their total operational waste. The 95 percent target we are now setting is a logical next step. In so doing, we exceed common target standards since we are deliberately excluding the processing of waste with energy recovery (pursuant to the DIN SPEC 91436 definition) from our target. The target comprises all waste from stores, logistics centers, administrative locations and production sites belonging to the companies of Schwarz Group (with the exception of waste generated at our own recovery and disposal facilities as well as construction waste). 

Measurable Targets thanks to DIN SPEC 91436

We are raising the bar even further by means of another subgoal: Our actions on the “Road to Zero Waste” will become measurable thanks to the DIN SPEC 91436. To this end, all Lidl and Kaufland national companies as well as all PreZero central locations will be certified accordingly. PreZero, the circular economy division of Schwarz Group, is pioneering the “Road to Zero Waste” in its function as a central, strategic consultant and was significantly involved in the development of the DIN SPEC 91436 standard, which came into existence in 2021. PreZero assists external partners from the worlds of business and professional sports to effectively implement their own circular economy and “Road to Zero Waste” targets. The certification is awarded in three versions, which reflect the success of the companies on the “Road to Zero Waste”: Bronze (minimum recovery quota of 85 percent), Silver (at least 90 percent) and Gold (at least 95 percent).

“Road to Zero Waste” regards waste as recyclable material. This perspective paves the way toward a functioning circular economy. Since waste is sorted according to type and recovered in the best way possible, resources can be conserved, and valuable raw materials can be kept in the loop.

“With our ambitious Road to Zero Waste target, we are building on our pioneering role in the circular economy and conservation of resources. As such, we are clearly and measurably demonstrating that the circular economy works and is the only option,” stresses Susanne Marell, Executive Vice President of Schwarz Corporate Affairs, whose remit includes corporate responsibility.

The new, ambitious “Road to Zero Waste” target falls into the REcollect action area of our holistic circular economy strategy, “Reset Resources”. As companies of Schwarz Group, we use our unique ecosystem to drive forward the circular economy and to strengthen European resource sovereignty.