- The companies of Schwarz Group want to reuse, recycle, compost or ferment 95 percent of all internal waste they generate by 2030
- This target is part of the group-wide “Road to Zero Waste” initiative
- The unique ecosystem of Schwarz Group strengthens European resource sovereignty
On the “Road to Zero Waste”: The companies of Schwarz Group are reaffirming their pioneering role in the circular economy by setting a new target. By 2030, 95 percent of all waste generated within the companies of Schwarz Group will be reused, recycled, composted or fermented.
An Ambitious Global Benchmark
The joint 95 percent target is part of the “Road to Zero Waste” initiative by the companies of Schwarz Group, which has already recorded successes: In the past fiscal year 2024, the percentage of waste reused within the companies of Schwarz Group already stood at 89 percent, which amounts to over 3 million tons. Now, the companies of Schwarz Group are resolutely taking the next step by setting an even more ambitious target of 95 percent by 2030. Simultaneously, they set an ambitious global standard by deliberately excluding thermal recovery with energy recovery (incineration, according to DIN SPEC 91436 definition) as a recycling measure. They therefore exceed the target standards of many competitors, which include thermal recycling. This demanding level is made possible by the PreZero circular economy division, which promotes the Road to Zero Waste within the Schwarz Group as a central strategic advisor. PreZero also supports external, well-known partners from business and professional sports in effectively implementing their own circular economy and “Road to Zero Waste”-goals.
“Road to Zero Waste” Sub-Target: Certification Pursuant to DIN SPEC 91436
The “Road to Zero Waste” target covers all waste generated in all stores, logistics centers, and administrative and production sites belonging to the companies of Schwarz Group. Waste generated within proprietary recovery and disposal facilities, as well as construction waste, is excluded.
Properly separating recyclables is indispensable, since it guarantees the availability of high-quality secondary raw materials. That is why the national companies of the Lidl and Kaufland retail divisions, as well as PreZero central locations, will be independently certified pursuant to the DIN SPEC 91436 standard. DIN SPEC standard makes the “Road to Zero Waste” measurable and supports organizations and companies with achieving this vision (no waste, no wastefulness).
For the Companies of Schwarz Group, the Circular Economy is the Only Option
“With our ambitious Road to Zero Waste target, we are building on our pioneering role in the circular economy and conservation of resources. 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.
As the world’s fourth largest retail group, the companies of Schwarz Group are using their unique ecosystem to help shape the future of the circular economy — across all divisions and in all target countries. Setting joint targets is part of the holistic circular economy strategy, REset Resources. This strategy covers five action areas, which will transform how recyclables are handled within Schwarz Group in the long term and throughout the entire value chain. In the REcollect action area, the companies are also committing to collecting and recycling the same amount of recyclable material as they put into circulation as a result of their private-label packaging and leaflets by 2030. With this commitment, the companies of Schwarz Group are guaranteeing substantial raw material requirements and sustainably strengthening European resource sovereignty.
