Circular Economy

Our goal is to minimize waste – from food to packaging. To achieve this, we think in terms of circularity, promote innovative solutions, and help our customers use resources efficiently.

Food waste has environmental, social, and economic impacts. Worldwide, about one-third of all food produced is lost – resulting in significant CO₂ emissions and waste of resources.

Together with our partners, we are committed to implementing measures to reduce food waste throughout the supply chain – from producer to consumer.

Our goal:

• Extend the shelf life of food
• Prevent losses along the supply chain
• Conserve resources such as water, energy, and labor
• while creating economic value

We have set a clear, group-wide goal: to reduce food waste in our own operations by 30% by 2030 (base year 2021/22).

For more information, see the METRO Food Waste Policy.

Our Approach

1. Optimizing Data Collection

We systematically measure, analyze, and report our food waste – based on international standards such as the Food Loss & Waste Protocol (FLW). This enables us to ensure transparency regarding waste volumes, identify hotspots, and implement targeted reduction measures.

2. Solutions for Our Own Operations and for Customers

We rely on innovative solutions to reduce food waste – both in our own stores and at our customers’ locations.
Examples:

Too Good To Go: Selling surplus food at reduced prices via an app. In fiscal year 2024/25, more than 99,104 meals were “saved” this way, corresponding to a reduction of 267.6 metric tons of CO₂.

Fazla: A digital platform for analyzing and redistributing surplus food that supports donations to social organizations and reduces waste.

At the same time, we advise our HoReCa clients on implementing such solutions in their own operations.

3. Commitment & Partnerships

• Food waste can only be reduced through collective effort. That is why we work closely with partners from the business sector, politics, and civil society.
• Collaboration with Suppliers
• Support for initiatives and innovations (e.g., food banks (link), Futury)
• Sharing best practices within the industry

Our Packaging Goals Through 2030

We have set measurable goals for our private-label packaging.

Our goals by September 30, 2030:

1. Reducing Plastics
   We aim to reduce the amount of plastic in our own brand packaging by 10,000 metric tons.
2. Increasing the proportion of recycled plastic
   We aim to achieve a 30% share of recycled plastic in our own brand packaging.
3. Eliminating Substances of Concern
   We are committed to completely phasing out polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) at all levels of our own brand packaging.
4. Recyclability of Packaging
   We aim to ensure that 100% of our own brand packaging is recyclable, reusable, or home-compostable.
5. Alternative Materials for Paper, Cardboard, and Wood
   We aim to use materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) /Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) certified materials or a recycled content of at least 70% for all paper, cardboard, cartons, and wood used in our own brand packaging at both the primary and secondary packaging levels.

Results for FY 2024/25

Reporting on the goals related to own brand packaging is currently on hold as data collection and processing are being restructured as part of a system migration. Structured reporting is expected to resume in the coming fiscal year.

We not only support the optimization of our own processes, but also help our customers manage packaging:

• Consulting on waste prevention and separation
• Raising awareness about resource conservation
• Training and informational resources
• Promotion of local solutions, particularly in markets without established recycling infrastructure