“A Functioning Circular Economy Can Only Be Achieved Together”

As companies of Schwarz Group, we have a particular USP (unique selling point) in our cooperation, because together we represent nearly the entire value cycle – from Schwarz Produktion and the two retail divisions Lidl and Kaufland to the environmental and recycling division PreZero. Together, we represent exceptional expertise throughout the entire supply chain – at the same time, however, this also results in consistently high complexity and it is not easy to reconcile all interests.

This is the very mission (among others) of Florian Cebulla, who is working on the focus topic of circular systems, under the umbrella of the jointly developed sustainability strategy of the companies of Schwarz Group. In the podcast “Das Gleiche in Grün” (The same thing, but green), he talks about his role and how the companies of Schwarz Group are increasingly embedding a functioning circular economy in their corporate DNA. Speaking to Timo Landener and Moritz Peterson, the podcast hosts, he explains the claim that sustainable solutions need to be affordable for everyone and capable of integration in our everyday lives. He also emphasizes the central role that especially logistics plays in a functioning circular economy and why it can provide so much leverage for greater sustainability.

Utilize Resources Right and Don’t Waste Anything 

The topic of food waste is another factor for more sustainable action that should not be underestimated. As one of the largest retail groups worldwide, the companies of Schwarz Group take their responsibility very seriously. Germany’s Federal Statistical Office most recently reported food waste in the amount of around 11 million metric tonnes (BMEL). Private households make up the largest share, with 59 percent. With 0.8 million tonnes, retail is responsible for seven percent. The two retail divisions, Lidl and Kaufland, have implemented various measures in Germany to avoid food waste. In the podcast, Timo, Moritz, and Florian also discuss why sustainable solutions always require an end-to-end approach – because what may seem to be sustainable at first glance may have negative impacts on other aspects. One example is the topic of “unpacked food” and food waste: Of course, cutting down on packaging is often more sustainable. But at the same time, (plastic) packaging plays an important role: It protects sensitive goods from environmental influences and ensures that they reach consumers intact. Every piece of food that does not spoil prematurely or is not wasted unnecessarily thanks to an optimized packaging concept has a lasting impact on the ecological balance sheet. As such, finding a solution that is sustainable from all perspectives is not as simple as it seems at first glance.

Want to know more? Take a listen:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ofVMyqTWdh6wBAEYeZqnZ?si=34a6f0cc7a294cfc
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/das-gleiche-in-gr%C3%BCn-20-mit-florian-cebulla-von-der/id1438505381?i=1000619734570
🎧 Direct link: https://irgendwas-mit-logistik.podigee.io/253-das-gleiche-in-grun-20-mit-florian-cebulla-von-der-schwarz-gruppe

Have fun listening!