Our focus areas
Click on the wheel to explore our strategic focus areas
METRO SUSTAINABLE expresses our approach to sustainability and is the framework and at the same time the driver for all our activities aimed at increasing sustainability at our customers. Operationally, we implement this along our 8 strategic focus areas. In this way, we place METRO at the center of transforming and driving responsible and sustainable business and create added value through sustainable action – in our own company and for our customers. We want to share our knowledge and show how suppliers and customers benefit from sustainable choices. They can profit, for example, in terms of energy efficiency and improved waste management and the resulting opportunities related to lower costs, better products with higher margins, new customer groups and a competitive edge. They profit from more efficiency hence less costs, better products with higher margins, new customer groups and a way ahead of competitors.
raw-material-sourcing
Championing our customers by driving change in sustainable Raw Material Sourcing
METRO incorporates tradition and modernity, expertise and ideas into innovations and alliances for sustainable food production. It is only through the interaction and collaboration of producers, suppliers, retailers and customers that we can find answers to today’s and tomorrow’s questions and challenges.
Read more at METRO Responsibility.
Brief description
As part of our Sustainable Soy Procurement Policy, METRO is leading the Soy Working Group of The Consumer Goods Forum Forest Positive Coalition of Action. Within this group a roadmap was developed with tangible actions and KPIs to reach zero deforestation in the member companies supply chains, focusing on 5 elements: own supply chains, suppliers and soy traders, monitoring and managing high-risk origins, engaging in landscapes and regions, transparency and accountability.
In line with the roadmap, METRO France has signed, with other key actors of the distribution sector, the French Soy Manifesto against imported Soy from deforestation areas and to settle on a mechanism of transparency and responsibility, and has started working on actions with their suppliers to implement this manifesto.
Customer benefit
- Offering their customers more sustainable assortment; not contributing to deforestation.
Our contribution
- Enabling and leveraging sustainable resource management.
SDGs
Read more here.
Brief description
A new Meat Procurement Policy was introduced this Fiscal Year with the commitment to continue to work in our supply chains on sustainable meat, by optimizing the environmental and social aspects and create a more sustainable meat offer for our customers. The Meat Policy is supported by an action plan which consists of 3 main pillars: certifications, partnerships and projects. The Meat Policy brings together the commitments and actions of various related Metro policies: Animal Welfare, Soy, Traceability, Social Compliance.
MAKRO Czech Republic & METRO Slovakia are examples on how to implement the Meat Policy through their “Meat Sustainability go-live Project”, with the objective to work with their suppliers on a more sustainable meat offer. This goes in line with growing customers’ expectation of sustainably sourced meat. As a first step, the project team has created a questionnaire for suppliers to check the status of their practices regarding Animal Welfare, Soy, Social Standards and Meat. They will focus on their own-brand suppliers and on the biggest A-brands to elaborate the benchmark and develop an action plan together with suppliers.
Customer benefit
- Offering their customers more sustainable meat assortment throughout the value chain.
Our contribution
- Enables and promotes sustainable resource management specifically in the area of meat, animal welfare and animal feed.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO signed the 2025 Pledge towards Sustainable Tuna, committing to make demonstrable improvements in supply chain practices and management of tuna fisheries by 2025 through: Transparency and traceability; sourcing from fisheries that meet the goals of environmental sustainability and social responsibility by effective due diligence regarding human rights risks in our tuna supply chains. These commitments go in line with the 5-year strategy of the Global Tuna Alliance, to which METRO is a partner.
Customer benefit
- Offering their customers a more sustainable fish assortment throughout the value chain.
Our contribution
- Enables and promotes sustainable resource management specifically in the area of fish.
- Partnership and commitment throughout the value chain.
SDGs
Read more here.
Brief description
As part of our Sustainable Soy Procurement Policy, METRO is leading the Soy Working Group of The Consumer Goods Forum Forest Positive Coalition of Action. Within this group a roadmap was developed with tangible actions and KPIs to reach zero deforestation in the member companies supply chains, focusing on 5 elements: own supply chains, suppliers and soy traders, monitoring and managing high-risk origins, engaging in landscapes and regions, transparency and accountability.
In line with the roadmap, METRO France has signed, with other key actors of the distribution sector, the French Soy Manifesto against imported Soy from deforestation areas and to settle on a mechanism of transparency and responsibility, and has started working on actions with their suppliers to implement this manifesto.
Customer benefit
- Offering their customers more sustainable assortment; not contributing to deforestation.
Our contribution
- Enabling and leveraging sustainable resource management.
SDGs
Read more here.
Brief description
A new Meat Procurement Policy was introduced this Fiscal Year with the commitment to continue to work in our supply chains on sustainable meat, by optimizing the environmental and social aspects and create a more sustainable meat offer for our customers. The Meat Policy is supported by an action plan which consists of 3 main pillars: certifications, partnerships and projects. The Meat Policy brings together the commitments and actions of various related Metro policies: Animal Welfare, Soy, Traceability, Social Compliance.
MAKRO Czech Republic & METRO Slovakia are examples on how to implement the Meat Policy through their “Meat Sustainability go-live Project”, with the objective to work with their suppliers on a more sustainable meat offer. This goes in line with growing customers’ expectation of sustainably sourced meat. As a first step, the project team has created a questionnaire for suppliers to check the status of their practices regarding Animal Welfare, Soy, Social Standards and Meat. They will focus on their own-brand suppliers and on the biggest A-brands to elaborate the benchmark and develop an action plan together with suppliers.
Customer benefit
- Offering their customers more sustainable meat assortment throughout the value chain.
Our contribution
- Enables and promotes sustainable resource management specifically in the area of meat, animal welfare and animal feed.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO signed the 2025 Pledge towards Sustainable Tuna, committing to make demonstrable improvements in supply chain practices and management of tuna fisheries by 2025 through: Transparency and traceability; sourcing from fisheries that meet the goals of environmental sustainability and social responsibility by effective due diligence regarding human rights risks in our tuna supply chains. These commitments go in line with the 5-year strategy of the Global Tuna Alliance, to which METRO is a partner.
Customer benefit
- Offering their customers a more sustainable fish assortment throughout the value chain.
Our contribution
- Enables and promotes sustainable resource management specifically in the area of fish.
- Partnership and commitment throughout the value chain.
SDGs
Read more here.
conscious-proteins
Championing our customers by fostering Conscious Proteins
In order to enable our customers to differentiate themselves and help fulfil the protein needs of future generations, METRO will contribute to the innovation and transformation of the use of conscious proteins*. We will partner with relevant stakeholders and use the latest scientific knowledge to understand what a diverse balance of proteins looks like from production through to the plate.
Read more at METRO Responsibility.
* For METRO, conscious protein means a diverse source of protein i.e. conventional proteins obtained from animals raised to e.g. high welfare standards or with reduced environmental impact as well as alternative proteins including insects, plant based and cell grown.
Brief description
METRO Turkey has partnered with Aquaculture suppliers to contribute to the transformation of the production of sea bass and sea bream in their market. For the first time in Turkey, sea bass and sea bream are produced with a new feed content on an industrial scale. Thanks to this new technique, in which algae oil is used as an alternative feed, 180 tons of sea fish will be saved. Furthermore, using algae oil increases the value of EPA and DHA Omega 3 fatty acids beneficial for human health. During the growth stages, the fish are analyzed on nutritional values to assure the premium quality for the customers.
Customer benefit
- Offering sustainable and premium fish to its customers
- Leading the way in the market of conscious proteins
Our contribution
- Contribute to the innovative production of proteins from more sustainable sources.
- Collaboration with partners along the value chain.
- Helping to ensure a sustainable diet.
SDGs
Brief description
One of our approaches regarding conscious proteins is to promote conscious eating, and as an example, in a cross-functional collaboration among Procurement, own brand and Corporate Responsibility we developed a plant-based meat alternatives product range under our METRO Chef Veggie brand. The soy used in this range is sustainable: 100% deforestation-free, and GMO-free, and fully traceable from the source of the protein to the shelf. The assortment, which consists of beef and chicken like alternatives: vegan quarter-pounder burgers, vegan mince and vegan pulled ‘beef’ and chicken like chunks, strips-gyros and strips-shoarma, is available now in over 16 METRO/MAKRO countries.
Many METRO entities are also working on developing further this assortment. MAKRO Spain, under our own brand, developed a Vegan “croqueta” made from plant based meat alternative under MAKRO Chef, and Classic Fine Foods, our Food Service Distribution Unit in Middle East and Asia, has taken the challenge to develop and expand their offer on alternative proteins for meat, fish, dairy, eggs METRO Germany for example, developed a vegan meat alternative sausage, minced “meat alternative”, followed by vegan gyros style strips. The plant-based minced ‘meat’ alternative, won Bronze in the German industry prize ‘Kitchen Best Product Award 2021’ by ‘Küche’ (a magazine for professional chefs), for the best and most sustainable meat alternative. The jury appreciated the fact that the Metro Chef Veggie product is so sustainable, containing European sunflower kernels, and that the product is so easy to use in professional kitchens, and very versatile.
Besides the private label range, customers can find in our METRO stores branded alternatives to fish, meat and dairy products from at least 5 different brands. For example from ZeaStar with its vegan fish products. Moreover, Classic Fine Foods also offers branded alternatives from 6 suppliers such as Impossible Foods, Tindle, and SABA with plant-based beef, pork, chicken and yogurts.
Customer benefit
- Access to new ideas and solutions.
- Our customers can respond to changing consumer behavior as they sometimes seek fish, dairy and meat-free alternatives.
Our contribution
- With our scale and geographic coverage, we can bring new solutions to market.
- Helping customers to use these products and to share information with end consumers.
- Collaboration with partners along the value chain.
SDGs
Read more on MPULSE
Brief description
MAKRO Belgium is promoting the sustainable and transparent sale of meat products through the “crowdbutching” concept. Only after all parts of the animal are sold to a group of people – each one buying different parts – the cow is slaughtered, which ensures that is used fully and sustainably. Besides guaranteeing the effective consumption of the meat, maximum transparency is assured, as well as compliance with animal welfare standards.
Customer benefit
- Offering customers more sustainable assortment, utilizing the whole animal.
- Customers support the regional meat production.
Our contribution
- Promote conscious proteins from more sustainable sources.
SDGs
Read more on MPULSE
Brief description
METRO Turkey has partnered with Aquaculture suppliers to contribute to the transformation of the production of sea bass and sea bream in their market. For the first time in Turkey, sea bass and sea bream are produced with a new feed content on an industrial scale. Thanks to this new technique, in which algae oil is used as an alternative feed, 180 tons of sea fish will be saved. Furthermore, using algae oil increases the value of EPA and DHA Omega 3 fatty acids beneficial for human health. During the growth stages, the fish are analyzed on nutritional values to assure the premium quality for the customers.
Customer benefit
- Offering sustainable and premium fish to its customers
- Leading the way in the market of conscious proteins
Our contribution
- Contribute to the innovative production of proteins from more sustainable sources.
- Collaboration with partners along the value chain.
- Helping to ensure a sustainable diet.
SDGs
Brief description
One of our approaches regarding conscious proteins is to promote conscious eating, and as an example, in a cross-functional collaboration among Procurement, own brand and Corporate Responsibility we developed a plant-based meat alternatives product range under our METRO Chef Veggie brand. The soy used in this range is sustainable: 100% deforestation-free, and GMO-free, and fully traceable from the source of the protein to the shelf. The assortment, which consists of beef and chicken like alternatives: vegan quarter-pounder burgers, vegan mince and vegan pulled ‘beef’ and chicken like chunks, strips-gyros and strips-shoarma, is available now in over 16 METRO/MAKRO countries.
Many METRO entities are also working on developing further this assortment. MAKRO Spain, under our own brand, developed a Vegan “croqueta” made from plant based meat alternative under MAKRO Chef, and Classic Fine Foods, our Food Service Distribution Unit in Middle East and Asia, has taken the challenge to develop and expand their offer on alternative proteins for meat, fish, dairy, eggs METRO Germany for example, developed a vegan meat alternative sausage, minced “meat alternative”, followed by vegan gyros style strips. The plant-based minced ‘meat’ alternative, won Bronze in the German industry prize ‘Kitchen Best Product Award 2021’ by ‘Küche’ (a magazine for professional chefs), for the best and most sustainable meat alternative. The jury appreciated the fact that the Metro Chef Veggie product is so sustainable, containing European sunflower kernels, and that the product is so easy to use in professional kitchens, and very versatile.
Besides the private label range, customers can find in our METRO stores branded alternatives to fish, meat and dairy products from at least 5 different brands. For example from ZeaStar with its vegan fish products. Moreover, Classic Fine Foods also offers branded alternatives from 6 suppliers such as Impossible Foods, Tindle, and SABA with plant-based beef, pork, chicken and yogurts.
Customer benefit
- Access to new ideas and solutions.
- Our customers can respond to changing consumer behavior as they sometimes seek fish, dairy and meat-free alternatives.
Our contribution
- With our scale and geographic coverage, we can bring new solutions to market.
- Helping customers to use these products and to share information with end consumers.
- Collaboration with partners along the value chain.
SDGs
Read more on MPULSE
Brief description
MAKRO Belgium is promoting the sustainable and transparent sale of meat products through the “crowdbutching” concept. Only after all parts of the animal are sold to a group of people – each one buying different parts – the cow is slaughtered, which ensures that is used fully and sustainably. Besides guaranteeing the effective consumption of the meat, maximum transparency is assured, as well as compliance with animal welfare standards.
Customer benefit
- Offering customers more sustainable assortment, utilizing the whole animal.
- Customers support the regional meat production.
Our contribution
- Promote conscious proteins from more sustainable sources.
SDGs
Read more on MPULSE
human-rights
Championing our customers by promoting Human Rights
We value each and every person working with and for us as our most precious resource. Therefore, METRO stands strong for ensuring
Read more at METRO Responsibility.
Brief description
METRO AG and many countries have implemented various health initiatives for employees. E.g. MAKRO Poland and Spain, among others, offer the possibility of telephone counseling for job related and private challenges. Online trainings on mindfulness and meditation are offered in Germany, Turkey, and India providing for mental health support. To promote physical health, e.g. METRO India and METRO Digital, offer online sports programs and nutritional counseling.
Furthermore, an example of caring in terms of “financial health” is the appeal for donations to support victims of the flood disaster at METRO Germany.
Customer benefit
- Compliance with human rights within METRO grants our customers professionalism and strengthens the commitment of all of us to human rights compliant supply chains.
Our contribution
- Measures aimed at ensuring that employees can work in a safe and secure environment.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO Sourcing International approached almost 1,000 producer on the topic of living wage. With a response rate of almost 50% in 10 countries the survey looked into analyzing living versus minimum wage and significant differences in the wage of male and female workers. METRO aims to ensure socially fair and equitable working conditions in the value chain by contributing to a living income for those producing our own brand/no name through the engagement, e.g. trainings and commitment of our producers.
Customer benefit
- Compliance with fair and equitable working conditions within METRO grants our customers professionalism and strengthens the commitment of all of us to human rights compliant supply chains.
Our contribution
- Enabling tangible improvements in workers’ quality of life.
- Raise the bar for workers’ rights in local supply chains.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO Sourcing International organizes yearly workshops to engage with suppliers on METRO’s Human Rights approach. This year 120 international producers from 12 different countries took part in these workshops. Moreover, METRO Turkey also engages with supplier on Human Rights through yearly trainings.
Customer benefit
- Compliance with human rights within METRO’s supply chain grants our customers professionalism and strengthens the commitment of all of us to human rights compliant supply chains.
Our contribution
- Communicating and spreading knowledge on the topic of human rights.
- Establishing human rights compliance processes.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO AG and many countries have implemented various health initiatives for employees. E.g. MAKRO Poland and Spain, among others, offer the possibility of telephone counseling for job related and private challenges. Online trainings on mindfulness and meditation are offered in Germany, Turkey, and India providing for mental health support. To promote physical health, e.g. METRO India and METRO Digital, offer online sports programs and nutritional counseling.
Furthermore, an example of caring in terms of “financial health” is the appeal for donations to support victims of the flood disaster at METRO Germany.
Customer benefit
- Compliance with human rights within METRO grants our customers professionalism and strengthens the commitment of all of us to human rights compliant supply chains.
Our contribution
- Measures aimed at ensuring that employees can work in a safe and secure environment.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO Sourcing International approached almost 1,000 producer on the topic of living wage. With a response rate of almost 50% in 10 countries the survey looked into analyzing living versus minimum wage and significant differences in the wage of male and female workers. METRO aims to ensure socially fair and equitable working conditions in the value chain by contributing to a living income for those producing our own brand/no name through the engagement, e.g. trainings and commitment of our producers.
Customer benefit
- Compliance with fair and equitable working conditions within METRO grants our customers professionalism and strengthens the commitment of all of us to human rights compliant supply chains.
Our contribution
- Enabling tangible improvements in workers’ quality of life.
- Raise the bar for workers’ rights in local supply chains.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO Sourcing International organizes yearly workshops to engage with suppliers on METRO’s Human Rights approach. This year 120 international producers from 12 different countries took part in these workshops. Moreover, METRO Turkey also engages with supplier on Human Rights through yearly trainings.
Customer benefit
- Compliance with human rights within METRO’s supply chain grants our customers professionalism and strengthens the commitment of all of us to human rights compliant supply chains.
Our contribution
- Communicating and spreading knowledge on the topic of human rights.
- Establishing human rights compliance processes.
SDGs
organic
Championing our customers by offering Organic and Responsible Products
Restaurateurs want to offer their customers unique epicurean experiences linked amongst others to certain regional or cultural aspects. For them organic and responsible products are among the key ingredients to differentiate from others. At the same time these products are at the core of transforming the world’s challenges around sustainable consumption and production into opportunities. METRO expands its assortment continuously, helping our customers to stay unique and fulfil the needs of today’s and future generations and stands strong for sustainable use of resources.
Read more at METRO Responsibility.
Brief description
METRO Turkey now strives for full traceability on a total of 8,500 fruit and vegetable products. Through the traceable digital system, consumers can follow the journey from the field to the stores and obtain further information as farmer name, place of harvest, country of origin, food safety certificate.
Customer benefit
- Offer safe and transparent traceable products.
- Passing on more in-depth information, e.g. on the dish via the menu.
Our contribution
- Increased transparency and thus safety standards in local and global supply chains.
SDGs
Brief description
Organic products are becoming more popular in the market and also on the shelves of our stores. Countries like Germany and Spain are offering a wider range of branded and own brand products accompanied by a special layout and signage in the stores to highlight the sustainable assortment. Furthermore, MAKRO Poland has successfully certified all their stores, distribution centers, and platform which entitles them to sell locally eco products to their customers.
Customer benefit
- Environmentally conscious customers can shop with us and offer more sustainable dishes, thus meet the trend towards more conscious consumption.
Our contribution
- Empowering customers to make more sustainable choices for their business and their families.
- Conserving resources in the production of products for our assortment.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO Germany launched the campaign “Metro Regional. Taste like home” supporting 5 small regional-based manufacturers and producers (with fewer than 100 employees and under 50Km radius from the stores) by expanding its offer of regional products to its customers and publicly sharing their stories. More regional suppliers are planned to be included in this initiative.
METRO Serbia, with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, is promoting the development of regional products from protected geographical origins. The kick-off product was Homolje honey, already available in its stores. Furthermore, they are supporting the local producers through communication campaigns to raise awareness.
Customer benefit
- Offer regional, authentic products to their customers.
- Customers can participate in finding local solutions.
Our contribution
- Strengthening local structures, especially in times of Covid-19.
- Support regional producers and manufacturers.
SDGs
Read more here.
Brief description
METRO Turkey now strives for full traceability on a total of 8,500 fruit and vegetable products. Through the traceable digital system, consumers can follow the journey from the field to the stores and obtain further information as farmer name, place of harvest, country of origin, food safety certificate.
Customer benefit
- Offer safe and transparent traceable products.
- Passing on more in-depth information, e.g. on the dish via the menu.
Our contribution
- Increased transparency and thus safety standards in local and global supply chains.
SDGs
Brief description
Organic products are becoming more popular in the market and also on the shelves of our stores. Countries like Germany and Spain are offering a wider range of branded and own brand products accompanied by a special layout and signage in the stores to highlight the sustainable assortment. Furthermore, MAKRO Poland has successfully certified all their stores, distribution centers, and platform which entitles them to sell locally eco products to their customers.
Customer benefit
- Environmentally conscious customers can shop with us and offer more sustainable dishes, thus meet the trend towards more conscious consumption.
Our contribution
- Empowering customers to make more sustainable choices for their business and their families.
- Conserving resources in the production of products for our assortment.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO Germany launched the campaign “Metro Regional. Taste like home” supporting 5 small regional-based manufacturers and producers (with fewer than 100 employees and under 50Km radius from the stores) by expanding its offer of regional products to its customers and publicly sharing their stories. More regional suppliers are planned to be included in this initiative.
METRO Serbia, with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, is promoting the development of regional products from protected geographical origins. The kick-off product was Homolje honey, already available in its stores. Furthermore, they are supporting the local producers through communication campaigns to raise awareness.
Customer benefit
- Offer regional, authentic products to their customers.
- Customers can participate in finding local solutions.
Our contribution
- Strengthening local structures, especially in times of Covid-19.
- Support regional producers and manufacturers.
SDGs
Read more here.
food-waste
Championing our customers by partnering with Food Waste solutions
Our gastronomes and we value food because it is at the heart of everything we do. Food wasted in the process is a waste of time, effort, money and other valuable resources along the whole supply chain back to the origin of food. That’s why METRO joins forces against wasting food along the supply chain. We want our customers to benefit from solutions that save resources and costs and do good at the same time.
Read more at METRO Responsibility.
Brief description
More METRO markets and customers are saving food within their own operations preventing food spoilage though our closer cooperation with Too Good To Go.
This year, the rollout of the Magic Bag purchase through the app at a reduced priced was completed in all 12 stores of METRO Austria and MAKRO Christmas Hampers (a subsidiary of Makro Netherlands). Through these practices, more than 180,000 meals have been saved which corresponds to a CO2 equivalent of 450 tons. MAKRO Portugal applied a successful model to move surplus food to a third-party pickup location. Furthermore, many METRO countries, such as Belgium, Spain, France, and Italy have also extended the solution to their customers engaging them in selling their food surplus as well.
Customer benefit
- Customers also have the possibility to cooperate with our partner Too Good To Go.
- Through METRO they can contact Too Good To Go easily and benefit from our know-how through the already existing cooperation.
- Addressing new customer groups with an awareness of the issue of preventing food waste.
Our contribution
- Food waste is avoided.
- Spreading the idea of saving food from spoilage in this way.
- Enlargement of the network of partners working against food waste.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO started phase 2 of the 10x20x30 initiative to reduce food waste. Along with 30 of our major suppliers, including Unilever, FarmFrites, Kellog, Kluth, Mars, Mondelez, Nestle, Reis, and Barilla Gida, we have completed or have committed to baseline measurements of our operations’ food loss and waste. With the start of phase 2, together the participating suppliers will implement proactive steps to reduce the respective food waste hotspots. Actions could include operational efficiencies, surplus food donations, and the use of cutting-edge technology solutions. Concretely, METRO Turkey is taking a holistic approach that involves the entire food value chain and has partnered with 20 of Turkey’s leading brands to contribute to this initiative.
Customer benefit
- Customers can be sure that their partner METRO is aware of the issue of food waste.
- Customers can benefit from our knowledge in handling food and food waste along the value chain.
Our contribution
- Food waste is avoided
- Partnership and commitment throughout the value chain
SDGs
Read more here
Brief description
METRO Italy and Turkey have launched their HORECA customers guidance on reducing food waste in their own operations. Both countries have developed clear guidelines, tips, checklists and tools that can be applied in restaurants to reduce food loss and waste. Specifically, Italy shared a 360º zero waste strategy to be applied by restaurateurs previously tested at the METRO Academy and by the HORECA National Association (known in Italy as APCI), following their voluntary commitment on fighting food waste made last year. For Turkey it was important that these guidelines also provide a step-by-step map for developing a food management strategy at any restaurant and hotel, including how to process leftovers in the kitchen, buffet or customers’ plates or how to avoid oversupply or production due to inaccurate estimates. These guidelines are developed with the support of local Chefs as APCI and Banco Alimentare (the most important Food Bank in Italy), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry respectively.
Customer benefit
- Practical guidelines that can be applied in our customers’ operation to reduce food waste and costs.
- Addressing new customer groups with an awareness of the issue of preventing food waste.
Our contribution
- Food waste is avoided.
- Spreading the idea of saving food from spoilage in this way.
- Enlargement of the network of partners working against food waste.
SDGs
Brief description
More METRO markets and customers are saving food within their own operations preventing food spoilage though our closer cooperation with Too Good To Go.
This year, the rollout of the Magic Bag purchase through the app at a reduced priced was completed in all 12 stores of METRO Austria and MAKRO Christmas Hampers (a subsidiary of Makro Netherlands). Through these practices, more than 180,000 meals have been saved which corresponds to a CO2 equivalent of 450 tons. MAKRO Portugal applied a successful model to move surplus food to a third-party pickup location. Furthermore, many METRO countries, such as Belgium, Spain, France, and Italy have also extended the solution to their customers engaging them in selling their food surplus as well.
Customer benefit
- Customers also have the possibility to cooperate with our partner Too Good To Go.
- Through METRO they can contact Too Good To Go easily and benefit from our know-how through the already existing cooperation.
- Addressing new customer groups with an awareness of the issue of preventing food waste.
Our contribution
- Food waste is avoided.
- Spreading the idea of saving food from spoilage in this way.
- Enlargement of the network of partners working against food waste.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO started phase 2 of the 10x20x30 initiative to reduce food waste. Along with 30 of our major suppliers, including Unilever, FarmFrites, Kellog, Kluth, Mars, Mondelez, Nestle, Reis, and Barilla Gida, we have completed or have committed to baseline measurements of our operations’ food loss and waste. With the start of phase 2, together the participating suppliers will implement proactive steps to reduce the respective food waste hotspots. Actions could include operational efficiencies, surplus food donations, and the use of cutting-edge technology solutions. Concretely, METRO Turkey is taking a holistic approach that involves the entire food value chain and has partnered with 20 of Turkey’s leading brands to contribute to this initiative.
Customer benefit
- Customers can be sure that their partner METRO is aware of the issue of food waste.
- Customers can benefit from our knowledge in handling food and food waste along the value chain.
Our contribution
- Food waste is avoided
- Partnership and commitment throughout the value chain
SDGs
Read more here
Brief description
METRO Italy and Turkey have launched their HORECA customers guidance on reducing food waste in their own operations. Both countries have developed clear guidelines, tips, checklists and tools that can be applied in restaurants to reduce food loss and waste. Specifically, Italy shared a 360º zero waste strategy to be applied by restaurateurs previously tested at the METRO Academy and by the HORECA National Association (known in Italy as APCI), following their voluntary commitment on fighting food waste made last year. For Turkey it was important that these guidelines also provide a step-by-step map for developing a food management strategy at any restaurant and hotel, including how to process leftovers in the kitchen, buffet or customers’ plates or how to avoid oversupply or production due to inaccurate estimates. These guidelines are developed with the support of local Chefs as APCI and Banco Alimentare (the most important Food Bank in Italy), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry respectively.
Customer benefit
- Practical guidelines that can be applied in our customers’ operation to reduce food waste and costs.
- Addressing new customer groups with an awareness of the issue of preventing food waste.
Our contribution
- Food waste is avoided.
- Spreading the idea of saving food from spoilage in this way.
- Enlargement of the network of partners working against food waste.
SDGs
climate-action
Championing our customers by contributing to positive Climate Action
METRO invests in energy efficiency, conserves resources and avoids waste. This proves our commitment to protecting the climate and the environment as well as reducing costs and meeting legal requirements. Supporting our customers in doing the same, can save them a lot of time, effort and costs, this is how we work together for change. Partnering with suppliers helps to implement efficiency measures along the supply chain.
Read more at METRO Responsibility.
Brief description
At METRO we have sharpened our own climate target and aim for our global business operations to be climate-neutral by 2040. To achieve this, we are committed to ambitious investments to continue supporting measures as the ones implemented in this Fiscal Year: more than 50 new electrical charging stations for internal or external use in France, Germany, Romania, Pakistan and Spain, as well as electrical trucks for Pro à Pro, a Food Service Distribution in France. Furthermore, energy saving efforts have been implemented in Austria, Czech Republic, Italy,Netherlands, and Romania through building management systems and heat prognosis as well as the continuance of the F-gas-exit programs.
Customer benefit
- Customers can bring down their carbon footprint by sourcing from an environmental conscious partner.
Our contribution
- Reduction of CO2 emissions
- Promotion of efficient, more environmentally friendly refrigeration systems and mobility
SDGs
Brief description
METRO India has committed to all its upcoming new stores to be designed with green energy. Currently, 40% of the annual unit consumption is through solar rooftops or wind energy.
Moreover, MAKRO Spain has started to install photovoltaics systems in 11 stores this year with the aim of having 60% of their consumption powered through solar panels by the end of 2023.
Customer benefit
- Customers can learn about efficient solutions.
- Environmentally conscious customers can shop with us with peace of mind.
Our contribution
- Reduction of CO2 emissions
- More self-sufficient energy supply and use of regenerative energy
- Dissemination of more environmentally friendly energy production methods
SDGs
Read more on MPULSE
Brief description
METRO Italy and Ukraine considered environmental management parameters such as high use of green energy, control of water waste and usage to adapt the depot in Rome and the Pochayna Store and Support Office respectively. These practices translate into low-impact design and biodiversity protection which comply with the respective BREEAM and ISO14001:2015 certifications.
Within our stores, MAKRO Czech Republic switched from traditional cleaners to fully plant base alternatives to be used in the fish department . These products contain plant based additives, are free of perfumes, artificial colors and other compounds, and are 100% bio degradable. Furthermore they are easy to handle for the staff and comply with high safety standards.
Customer benefit
- Customers can bring down their environmental footprint by sourcing from an environmental conscious partner.
Our contribution
- Reduction of the environmental impact in our own operations.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO Germany has kicked off a Climate protection project to compensate the CO2 emissions of all infrared and gas radiant heaters including propane gas bottles that customers in Germany purchased for outdoor gastronomy from October to March. In total, more than 12,500 tons of CO2 are offset from the terrace season.
METRO countries such as MAKRO Christmas Hampers (subsidiary of MAKRO Netherlands) and METRO Germany also support CO2 compensation: they planted 500 and 3000 trees respectively and purchase of CO2 certificates . MAKRO Spain is another example, kicking off a project with the Public Administration of Madrid to launch climate protection actions in the city. One of the first projects would be to replant the trees lost in the natural disaster that hit Madrid in early January with the involvement of MAKRO’s employees. Many of the city’s parks suffered due to the unprecedent snow storm.
Customer’s benefit
- Environmentally conscious customers can shop with us with peace of mind.
Our contribution
- Reduction of the environmental impact and CO2 emissions
SDGs
Brief description
At METRO we have sharpened our own climate target and aim for our global business operations to be climate-neutral by 2040. To achieve this, we are committed to ambitious investments to continue supporting measures as the ones implemented in this Fiscal Year: more than 50 new electrical charging stations for internal or external use in France, Germany, Romania, Pakistan and Spain, as well as electrical trucks for Pro à Pro, a Food Service Distribution in France. Furthermore, energy saving efforts have been implemented in Austria, Czech Republic, Italy,Netherlands, and Romania through building management systems and heat prognosis as well as the continuance of the F-gas-exit programs.
Customer benefit
- Customers can bring down their carbon footprint by sourcing from an environmental conscious partner.
Our contribution
- Reduction of CO2 emissions
- Promotion of efficient, more environmentally friendly refrigeration systems and mobility
SDGs
Brief description
METRO India has committed to all its upcoming new stores to be designed with green energy. Currently, 40% of the annual unit consumption is through solar rooftops or wind energy.
Moreover, MAKRO Spain has started to install photovoltaics systems in 11 stores this year with the aim of having 60% of their consumption powered through solar panels by the end of 2023.
Customer benefit
- Customers can learn about efficient solutions.
- Environmentally conscious customers can shop with us with peace of mind.
Our contribution
- Reduction of CO2 emissions
- More self-sufficient energy supply and use of regenerative energy
- Dissemination of more environmentally friendly energy production methods
SDGs
Read more on MPULSE
Brief description
METRO Italy and Ukraine considered environmental management parameters such as high use of green energy, control of water waste and usage to adapt the depot in Rome and the Pochayna Store and Support Office respectively. These practices translate into low-impact design and biodiversity protection which comply with the respective BREEAM and ISO14001:2015 certifications.
Within our stores, MAKRO Czech Republic switched from traditional cleaners to fully plant base alternatives to be used in the fish department . These products contain plant based additives, are free of perfumes, artificial colors and other compounds, and are 100% bio degradable. Furthermore they are easy to handle for the staff and comply with high safety standards.
Customer benefit
- Customers can bring down their environmental footprint by sourcing from an environmental conscious partner.
Our contribution
- Reduction of the environmental impact in our own operations.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO Germany has kicked off a Climate protection project to compensate the CO2 emissions of all infrared and gas radiant heaters including propane gas bottles that customers in Germany purchased for outdoor gastronomy from October to March. In total, more than 12,500 tons of CO2 are offset from the terrace season.
METRO countries such as MAKRO Christmas Hampers (subsidiary of MAKRO Netherlands) and METRO Germany also support CO2 compensation: they planted 500 and 3000 trees respectively and purchase of CO2 certificates . MAKRO Spain is another example, kicking off a project with the Public Administration of Madrid to launch climate protection actions in the city. One of the first projects would be to replant the trees lost in the natural disaster that hit Madrid in early January with the involvement of MAKRO’s employees. Many of the city’s parks suffered due to the unprecedent snow storm.
Customer’s benefit
- Environmentally conscious customers can shop with us with peace of mind.
Our contribution
- Reduction of the environmental impact and CO2 emissions
SDGs
packaging-plastic
Championing our customers by innovating in Packaging und Plastic
For restaurateurs as for METRO the product is what counts. So we try to use as much packaging as necessary and as little as possible. With our own brand packaging, we strive to reduce environmental impact when assessing the technical composition of a product. We actively seek alternatives for conventional plastic while ensuring that we meet the high quality and hygiene standards our customers expect. We talk with diverse stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to bring us further towards closing the loop and using less impactful materials.
Read more at METRO Responsibility.
Brief description
METRO launched its METRO Plastic Initiative on 8 June 2021, World Ocean Day, together with the social enterprise called The Plastic Bank, 14 selected global suppliers and its own brand assortment as well as it 16 million customers. The cooperation was launched accompanied by a corresponding commercial campaigns in the stores, during which the topic of plastic was the main focus on all the wholesaler’s channels on country-specific products with more sustainable plastic packaging. To reduce the use of valuable resources and to get closer to the principle of circular economy, the initiative intends to raise awareness on sustainable packaging, advocate for more sustainable consumption and better recycling. In the 12 first months of this multi-year partnership with Plastic Bank, 65 million plastic bottles , the equivalent of over 1.3 million kilos of plastic waste are prevented from entering the world’s oceans. By the end of September 2021, already 20,366,578 plastic bottles were collected.
Customer benefit
- Customers can make conscious sustainable purchasing decisions, improve their own recycling behaviour.
- Reduction of waste disposal costs due to less virgin plastic waste.
Our contribution
- Positive contribution to the fight against plastic pollution.
- Promote the collaboration between customers, suppliers and Plastic Bank.
SDGs
Read more here.
Brief description
METRO France partnered with the Loop initiative to launch the industry’s first reusable packaging solution with various suppliers. The common goal is to offer professional customers a range of products in reusable packaging and thus sustainably reduce the use of single-use plastic. This means that the packaging of the products can go through the reuse cycle several dozens of times before they are being disposed and recycled. The Loop deposit system will be introduced as a pilot version from March 2022 in 10 METRO stores in and around Paris , serving more than 100,000 customers. METRO and Loop are currently in talks with suppliers to develop a solution that is specifically tailored to the needs of restaurant owners.
Other METRO countries such as Ukraine have also taken a step further in the plastic recycling thanks to a collaboration with the local waste recycling company and social partner. Through the YAPOMOGABOX 3.0 customers can choose to donate to a charitable assistance of their choice (for the elderly, children and homeless animals) by placing in the machine plastic bottles to be recycled.
Customer benefit
- Customers potentially save costs of their businesses waste disposal and contribute to the reduction of plastic waste.
- Customers can contribute visibly in solving a local problem.
Our contribution
- Positive contribution to the fight against plastic pollution.
- Promote the collaboration between customers, suppliers and third party organizations.
SDGs
Read more here.
Brief description
As a contribution to global fight against environmental impact, MAKRO Czech Republic and METRO Slovakia replaced conventional aluminum foil used to wrap fish on the fresh fish counter with kraft paper foil. This innovative paper alternative meets our sustainability and quality standards: it is PEFC certified, sourced from sustainably managed forests and can easily be recycled as paper, which translates to a lower environmental impact than aluminum foil.
Customer benefit
- Easy adaptation to a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Innovation, inspiration, trendy design.
Our contribution
- Delivering sustainable assortment to our customers.
- Positive contribution to the fight against environmental pollution.
- Easier handling for employees.
SDGs
Brief description
METRO launched its METRO Plastic Initiative on 8 June 2021, World Ocean Day, together with the social enterprise called The Plastic Bank, 14 selected global suppliers and its own brand assortment as well as it 16 million customers. The cooperation was launched accompanied by a corresponding commercial campaigns in the stores, during which the topic of plastic was the main focus on all the wholesaler’s channels on country-specific products with more sustainable plastic packaging. To reduce the use of valuable resources and to get closer to the principle of circular economy, the initiative intends to raise awareness on sustainable packaging, advocate for more sustainable consumption and better recycling. In the 12 first months of this multi-year partnership with Plastic Bank, 65 million plastic bottles , the equivalent of over 1.3 million kilos of plastic waste are prevented from entering the world’s oceans. By the end of September 2021, already 20,366,578 plastic bottles were collected.
Customer benefit
- Customers can make conscious sustainable purchasing decisions, improve their own recycling behaviour.
- Reduction of waste disposal costs due to less virgin plastic waste.
Our contribution
- Positive contribution to the fight against plastic pollution.
- Promote the collaboration between customers, suppliers and Plastic Bank.
SDGs
Read more here.
Brief description
METRO France partnered with the Loop initiative to launch the industry’s first reusable packaging solution with various suppliers. The common goal is to offer professional customers a range of products in reusable packaging and thus sustainably reduce the use of single-use plastic. This means that the packaging of the products can go through the reuse cycle several dozens of times before they are being disposed and recycled. The Loop deposit system will be introduced as a pilot version from March 2022 in 10 METRO stores in and around Paris , serving more than 100,000 customers. METRO and Loop are currently in talks with suppliers to develop a solution that is specifically tailored to the needs of restaurant owners.
Other METRO countries such as Ukraine have also taken a step further in the plastic recycling thanks to a collaboration with the local waste recycling company and social partner. Through the YAPOMOGABOX 3.0 customers can choose to donate to a charitable assistance of their choice (for the elderly, children and homeless animals) by placing in the machine plastic bottles to be recycled.
Customer benefit
- Customers potentially save costs of their businesses waste disposal and contribute to the reduction of plastic waste.
- Customers can contribute visibly in solving a local problem.
Our contribution
- Positive contribution to the fight against plastic pollution.
- Promote the collaboration between customers, suppliers and third party organizations.
SDGs
Read more here.
Brief description
As a contribution to global fight against environmental impact, MAKRO Czech Republic and METRO Slovakia replaced conventional aluminum foil used to wrap fish on the fresh fish counter with kraft paper foil. This innovative paper alternative meets our sustainability and quality standards: it is PEFC certified, sourced from sustainably managed forests and can easily be recycled as paper, which translates to a lower environmental impact than aluminum foil.
Customer benefit
- Easy adaptation to a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Innovation, inspiration, trendy design.
Our contribution
- Delivering sustainable assortment to our customers.
- Positive contribution to the fight against environmental pollution.
- Easier handling for employees.
SDGs
diversity-inclusion
Championing our customers by advocating Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and Inclusion are essential for being true to our culture. They are key ingredients to lead a sustainable business and are a success driver to uncover new business opportunities. METRO promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and workforce that reflect our customers’ and business partners’ variety in order to make full use of talents and potential. That is how we can serve our customers best.
Read more at METRO Responsibility.
Brief description
LGBTIQ+ diversity is part of the DNA of METRO’s corporate culture. Through our inclusive and open managerial approach, respect and tolerance are key factors. We offer equal opportunities and promote an appreciative environment for all talents, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. This commitment, supported by the strong internal network METRO Pride, has been confirmed by independent auditors which entitled METRO AG with the PRIDE Champion Gold Employer Seal by the UHLALA-Group.
At the country level, we also see many contributions, e.g. to METRO Pakistan diversity is indispensable and embedded in the culture to foster creativity and team success. Guided by the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmark they have successfully implemented the standards across their organization. METRO Germany also showed its commitment by raising the Rainbow flag at each store during Pride month.
Customer benefit
- Advocating for such issues and dealing with topics of social concern can strengthen trust in METRO as a business partner.
Our contribution
- Exemplifying an inclusive approach, free from discrimination.
SDGs
Brief description
At METRO we promote employment and equal opportunities without discrimination by gender, race, and/or disability. For example, MAKRO Christmas Hampers (a subsidiary of MAKRO Netherlands) METRO France, and Romania give a direct employment opportunity to vulnerable groups with a distance to the labor market within their organizations. Furthermore, they receive special attention and support from coaches or buddies to fulfill their daily tasks.
Makro Christmas Hampers received the local PSO certification – a quality mark for Social Entrepreneurship Performance – for its commitment to including in their value chain these vulnerable groups. This certificate also takes into consideration the commitment that several MAKRO suppliers have made to hire these vulnerable groups too; with their help around 200,000 hampers are packaged each year
Customer benefit
- Advocating for such issues and dealing with topics of social concern can strengthen trust in METRO as a business partner.
- An environment characterized by equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion also reflects the diverse needs of customers and appeals to them
Our contribution
- Exemplifying an inclusive approach, free from discrimination.
- Promoting equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.
SDGs
Brief description
For working mothers it may be challenging or even intimidating to get back to work after a maternity break, to tackle this issue METRO Services in Pune, India has launched the #WeAreHiringMoms initiative to promote and support mothers to rejoin the workforce and kickstart their careers again by reducing their work gap. METRO Services being an organization that puts its employees first and understanding the need for mothers to take some time off from work to care for their newborns, and when evaluating the applicant women for open positions at METRO Services they would take into consideration these factors.
Since the initiative was launched in April this year, happy and enthusiastic mothers have been onboarded and restarted their career journey at METRO Services, offering an opportunity for working mothers to continue doing what they love and contribute to gender equality and the advancement of women.
Customer benefit
- Advocating for such issues and dealing with topics of social concern can strengthen trust in METRO as a business partner.
Our contribution
- Exemplifying an inclusive approach, free from discrimination.
SDGs
Brief description
LGBTIQ+ diversity is part of the DNA of METRO’s corporate culture. Through our inclusive and open managerial approach, respect and tolerance are key factors. We offer equal opportunities and promote an appreciative environment for all talents, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. This commitment, supported by the strong internal network METRO Pride, has been confirmed by independent auditors which entitled METRO AG with the PRIDE Champion Gold Employer Seal by the UHLALA-Group.
At the country level, we also see many contributions, e.g. to METRO Pakistan diversity is indispensable and embedded in the culture to foster creativity and team success. Guided by the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmark they have successfully implemented the standards across their organization. METRO Germany also showed its commitment by raising the Rainbow flag at each store during Pride month.
Customer benefit
- Advocating for such issues and dealing with topics of social concern can strengthen trust in METRO as a business partner.
Our contribution
- Exemplifying an inclusive approach, free from discrimination.
SDGs
Brief description
At METRO we promote employment and equal opportunities without discrimination by gender, race, and/or disability. For example, MAKRO Christmas Hampers (a subsidiary of MAKRO Netherlands) METRO France, and Romania give a direct employment opportunity to vulnerable groups with a distance to the labor market within their organizations. Furthermore, they receive special attention and support from coaches or buddies to fulfill their daily tasks.
Makro Christmas Hampers received the local PSO certification – a quality mark for Social Entrepreneurship Performance – for its commitment to including in their value chain these vulnerable groups. This certificate also takes into consideration the commitment that several MAKRO suppliers have made to hire these vulnerable groups too; with their help around 200,000 hampers are packaged each year
Customer benefit
- Advocating for such issues and dealing with topics of social concern can strengthen trust in METRO as a business partner.
- An environment characterized by equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion also reflects the diverse needs of customers and appeals to them
Our contribution
- Exemplifying an inclusive approach, free from discrimination.
- Promoting equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.
SDGs
Brief description
For working mothers it may be challenging or even intimidating to get back to work after a maternity break, to tackle this issue METRO Services in Pune, India has launched the #WeAreHiringMoms initiative to promote and support mothers to rejoin the workforce and kickstart their careers again by reducing their work gap. METRO Services being an organization that puts its employees first and understanding the need for mothers to take some time off from work to care for their newborns, and when evaluating the applicant women for open positions at METRO Services they would take into consideration these factors.
Since the initiative was launched in April this year, happy and enthusiastic mothers have been onboarded and restarted their career journey at METRO Services, offering an opportunity for working mothers to continue doing what they love and contribute to gender equality and the advancement of women.
Customer benefit
- Advocating for such issues and dealing with topics of social concern can strengthen trust in METRO as a business partner.
Our contribution
- Exemplifying an inclusive approach, free from discrimination.
SDGs