Carrefour is Zero Food Waste certified by AENOR

Food waste is a global problem with environmental, social and ethical consequences. Carrefour is Zero Food Waste certified by AENOR. This certification allows Carrefour to:

• Convey confidence to customers and consumers about its commitment to and management of food waste.
• Quantify waste, set specific goals to prevent and minimize it, and assess the effectiveness of its processes.
• Increase the efficiency of its production system and improve costs.
• Align their objectives with European circular economy strategies.
• Thus helping to comply with the SDGs, such as SDG 12 "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns", and specifically SDG 2 "Zero Hunger".

The AENOR Zero Waste certification also recognizes organizations that prioritize good management and recover the various waste fractions they generate, within the defined scope, to keep it out of the landfill. The company not only strives to minimize food waste, but also to turn it into a valuable resource. Its commitment to the Circular Economy is reflected in specific actions, such as:

• Donation of surplus food to food banks.
• Zero Food Waste Refrigerators inside its stores (with food nearing expiration, but in perfect condition, at prices up to 50% off).
• Discounts on "Different" vegetables: those that do not conform to traditional aesthetic standards, but that are just as tasty and nutritious.

Since CARREFOUR began the #ZeroFoodWaste project, many initiatives have been implemented to achieve the reduction targets set. The actions include preventive efforts, with improved adjustment of supply to demand, as well as the donation of surpluses to food banks and the processing of some foods, in addition to promotional campaigns to encourage people to buy and prevent food from being thrown away.

The products changed include:

• Preparation of its tomato sauce.
• Jam made with ripe fruit.
• Orange juice.
• Toast, and more.

Carrefour also takes many other actions:

• It sponsors the Idea Storm contest, organized by AECOC, with the aim of stopping food waste.
• It celebrates the week against Food Waste.
• It collaborates with the Too Good to Go platform, which lets customers buy surplus food at reduced prices.

Carrefour is not only concerned about food waste, but also about the environment in general. It has established, as part of its "Path to 1.5º Climate" Plan, specific goals to reduce CO2 emissions:

• 43% Reduction by 2025: Carrefour has committed to reducing CO2 emissions 34% by 2025.
• 50% Reduction by 2050: The chain has a long-term vision and seeks to reduce its CO2 emissions 50% by 2050.

1. Constant donations of food to food banks.
2. Innovation: Zero Food Waste refrigerators and discounts on "different" vegetables.
3. Long-term vision: Setting goals for 2025 and 2050 shows its commitment to the Environment.
4. Strategic Partnerships: Working with organizations such as Too Good to Go amplifies its impact.
   

The success of this initiative requires compliance with a series of basic requirements, such as the preparation of a detailed inventory of food waste, determining types and quantities, as well as the processes and activities that generate it; establishing a mass balance to track food inputs and outputs in all stages of the process; prioritizing actions to reduce waste according to a predefined hierarchy; calculating the percentage of product to be disposed of in relation to the total number of food inputs; the development of a comprehensive food waste reduction plan, and the implementation of a robust management system to ensure compliance with the requirements.

As part the methodology to be implemented, it is worth noting that the AENOR Zero Food Waste Certification is based on five foundations:

Five basics of AENOR's Zero Food Waste Certification