ESG priorities

Click on the wheel to explore our ESG priorities

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 in our own business and at our partners and customers. Operationally, we implement this as part of our ESG strategy via our 3 strategic sustainability priorities. We want to share our knowledge with our partners along the value chain 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.

Equity, Inclusion + Wellbeing

In line with the inclusive ‘ONE METRO’ culture and based on the understanding that our employees are essential to our business, the focus is on creating a safe, equal and inclusive work environment and promoting the health and well-being of employees.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Inclusive Culture

We score in terms of corporate culture by creating an inclusive working environment that enables all people to be part of METRO. In this way, we promote a culture of openness and prevent exclusion.
We score for our customers because in this way we help shape a society worth living in, of which we are all a part.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Proof Points (2)

Social café & restaurant

Brief description
In 2022, METRO Ukraine opened its first social café-bakery, Sunshine Cafe, in its Pochayna store in Kiev. What makes this café special is its staff. The chefs, baristas and service staff are young people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. The Sunshine Cafe offers delicious pizza and bread. Half of the baked bread is donated to people in need and to the Territorial Defence and Armed Forces of Ukraine. Many people do not know that there are more than 17,000 adults with Down Syndrome living in Ukraine. 90% of them are unemployed and can barely make a living by themselves, let alone provide for the future. They are unintentionally dependent on state aid. METRO Ukraine's goal is to change this reality and break down stereotypes.
Another great project has existed in MAKRO Portugal for some time. It is a partnership with the association “Crescer”, which strives to reintegrate homeless people into society. This partnership has existed since the first room was opened. MAKRO Portugal supports it with food and material donations some of our employees are even envolved beyond this commitment with volunteer activities.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Our customers can visit the Sunshine Cafe and enjoy delicious pizza and bread while supporting a good cause and helping young people and their future.
Social Café & restaurant (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Exemplifying an inclusive approach, free from prejudice and helping people building a better future for themselves and society.
  • Through promoting volunteer activities with projects the company supports its employees to become more involved and engaged.
SDGs

Supporting Women in the HoReCa sector

Brief description
Historically, top chefs were oftentimes men. The ratio is still unbalanced and it is difficult for women to enter this level of the HoReCa sector. More diversity is urgently needed here. To draw attention to this imbalance and to initiate change, MAKRO Portugal supported this year's event of the initiative “Mulheres com Tomates” for the first time and participated in the first discussion on the topic of women in leadership positions in restaurants. To further raise awareness of the issue, MAKRO Portugal launched the “TSF makro talks” format together with the radio station TSF to talk about different topics. One of them is the topic of Diversity & Inclusion of gender. The conversation takes place between journalists and our female customers, who talk about their experiences as women in the gastronomy sector, because who knows better what needs to change than the women in the sector themselves.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Advocation for such issues and dealing with topics of social concern can strengthen trust in METRO as a business partner.
  • The gastronomy sector is such an important part of our society thus being as diverse as their environment is crucial to met their customers needs.
Supporting Women in the HoReCa sector (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Raising awareness of Diversity & Inclusion by giving women a framework to share their experiences and the opportunity for the whole sector to benefit.
SDGs

Development of a diverse workforce

We score in terms of future viability by promoting the diversity of our workforce with its talents and potential. In this way, we reflect the diversity of our customers and business partners and open up new business opportunities.
We score for our customers because this enables us to respond to diverse customer needs.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Proof Points (2)

LGBTIQ+ Engagement

Brief description
We as a society are colourful and multifaceted and everyone is unique. In gastronomy, the focus is on people and their sociability. Everyone is welcome. Since gastronomy is also the heart of METRO, diversity and a welcoming culture are also important to us internally.
To further embed this idea in our corporate culture, METRO Serbia developed a campaign consisting of workshops and trainings for the headquarter, store managers and the HR team. Externally, METRO Serbia also stood up against discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community by supporting Belgrade Pride, celebrating the IDAHOBIT and participating in events to further promote diversity & inclusion in the corporate world.
METRO Germany has been showing this openness since 2021 by raising the rainbow flag on Pride Month to send a clear signal against LGBTIQ+ discrimination. This year, METRO Germany additionally introduced the “Sei wie Du bist. Heute und jeden Tag!” (Be as you are. Today and every day!) e-card for all employees to also set a sign against discrimination in the workforce. This is important because 6 out of 10 employees in Germany are still not outed in their company. Of course, this is not a must, but with our participation in the Inequality Logo Parade of GenerationRainbow e.V. and the PROUT AT WORK Foundation in July and with our internal post on Coming Out Day on 11 October, we want to send a clear signal that everyone is welcome to love and live as they wish and we are proud if our employees feel comfortable enough in their teams to share this important and valuable part of themselves.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Advocation for such issues and dealing with topics of social concern can strenghten trust in METRO as a business partner.
  • In order to meet the needs of our customers as good as possible, it is important to understand the diversity they work with every day.
LGBTIQ+ Engagement (icon)
Our Contribution
  • We send a clear signal against LGBTIQ+ discrimination externally and internally.
  • Exempliying an inclusive approach, free from discrimination.
SDGs

Including everyone

Brief description
A diverse workforce also means, and above all, the inclusion of people who have fewer chances of finding a job on the “normal” labour market, such as elderly people, long-term unemployed people or people with disabilities. We at METRO absolutely agree with this, and fortunately many of your national companies do too.
METRO France and MAKRO Christmas Hampers (subsidiary of MAKRO Netherlands), for instance, have been committed to including these disadvantaged groups in their workforce for years.
In January 2022, MAKRO Christmas Hampers reached the highest level (level 3) of the Dutch PSO certificate with its commitment, which is dedicated precisely to this social problem area. This means that MAKRO Christmas Hampers is now among the top 10% of Dutch companies when it comes to social entrepreneurship.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Advocation for such issues and dealing with topics of social concern can strenghten 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.
Including everyone (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Exemplifying an inclusive approach, free from discrimination.
  • Promoting equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.
SDGs

Employee health and well-being

We score in terms of sustainable work environment, by keeping in mind the requirements of our workforce for safe and healthy working conditions and their well-being. In this way, we empower our employees to do a good job, which benefits our business.
We score points for our customers because our employees can devote themselves fully to their needs.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Proof Points (3)

Because mental health matters

Brief description
At METRO, we are aware that the mental health of our employees is just as important as their physical health. That is why MAKRO Poland launched the digital mental health platform “Helping Hand” this year. This is the first comprehensive mental health platform in Poland, developed together with therapists, offering users comprehensive and personalised access to mental health support in the form of expert content and interactive meetings with therapists. The platform offers support for work-related problems, but also for relationships, general well-being, addiction, parental support and eating disorders. This platform goes hand in hand with the “Turn on the balance” programme that has been running in MAKRO Poland for some time.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • METRO's respect for human rights, such as physical and mental integrity in this case, ensures professionalism for our customers and reinforces our overall commitment to human rights compliant supply chains.
Because mental health matters (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Measures aimed at ensuring that employees can work in a safe and secure environment physically as well as mentally.
SDGs

Physical wellbeing of our employees

Brief description
It is generally known that exercise is important for our health. Nevertheless, we often move far too infrequently in our everyday lives. Partly in order to change this, a national campaign under the motto “Cycle to Work” was held in Slovakia in June 2022, in which a total of 1,322 companies officially took part. One of these companies was METRO Cash & Carry Slovakia, which finished in 154th place with 7 teams and a total of 23 participants. The good thing is, cycling is not only very healthy, but it also saves CO2 emissions. Our 23 colleagues managed to cover 2,793 km and save a remarkable 773 kg of CO2. Good for your health and good for the environment - a classic win-win situation.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • METRO supports and motivates its employees to take care of their physical health. This commitment distinguishes us as a trusted business partner for our customers.
Physical wellbeing of our employees (icon)
Our Contribution
  • METRO encourages its employees to care for themselves and their enviroment.
SDGs

“Vaccine with a Cause”

Brief description
At METRO, the health of our employees and fellow citizens is very important to us. For this reason, METRO Bulgaria ran the “Vaccine with a Cause” campaign from September to November 2021, providing almost 14,000 vaccine doses to employees and the local community. This campaign has been communicated on a national level, reaching about 6 million people. METRO Bulgaria provided a voucher for each vaccination dose given in one of the in-store spots, as a small thank-you for the vaccinated people's responsible behavior towards society. The recipients of the voucher could then decide whether to donate it to the #FundForTheChildrenofHeroes in cooperation with the BCause Foundation. This raised a total of BGN 24,560 which was used to finance scholarships for 12 children over a period of 4 months. After this cooperation with the BCause Foundation, the vaccination campaign continued until March in 4 cities. Thus, almost 25,000 vaccinations could be administered over the period from September 2021 to March 2022. 20 of our employees supported this project with a total of over 500 hours of their working time.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • METRO cares about its communities and tries to support people where it is urgently needed. This makes us a trustworthy business partner for our customers and suppliers alike.
Vaccine with a cause (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Actions aimed at ensuring the health of our employees and our community while supporting a good cause, in this case children and their education.
SDGs

Climate + Carbon

We reduce emissions and waste in our own business operations and contribute to a low carbon food system, for example by offering regional, seasonal or plant-based products as well as raw materials that are not associated with deforestation.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Reduction of CO2 in own operations

We score in terms of sustainable business operations by investing in energy efficiency, conserving resources and avoiding waste. In this way, we fulfill our commitment to climate and environmental protection and compliance with legal requirements, while reducing our CO2 emissions and costs.
We score for our customers by helping them implement efficiency measures and optimize waste management. In this way, we can save them a lot of time, effort and costs, and work together on sustainable changes.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Proof Points (4)

Energy Awareness Program (EAP)

Brief description
For us at METRO, it is important that our employees work in an energy- and resource-efficient way. To raise awareness of energy saving in the company, METRO Bulgaria organized a national internal employee competition in which employees could submit ideas on the topic of energy efficiency in the workplace. This resulted in a total of 27 ideas for the efficient use of energy and for a more sustainable future in general. But of course, saving energy in our own operations is not the only thing that matters to us. That is why METRO Austria launched the “Gemeinsam an morgen denken” campaign to inspire not only our employees but also our customers to use energy responsibly. To further support our customers on their sustainability journey, METRO Turkey and METRO France have each launched their own websites where customers can find out which steps they can take to make their restaurant greener in a sustainable way.
If CO2 cannot be saved directly, compensation is a great alternative. That is why MAKRO Christmas Hampers (subsidiary of MAKRO Netherlands) supports the Trees for All Foundation. In 2021, 623 trees were planted and 15 tons of CO2 were offset through this collaboration.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Customers can learn about efficient solutions and reduce their footprint.
Energy Awareness Program (EAP) (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Commitment to the energy transition of our customers and own operations.
SDGs

E-charging stations

Brief description
E-mobility is becoming increasingly important, and METRO is of course not left out. That is why our customers can already find charging stations for their e-cars in all our stores in Portugal, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Moldova and at 9 out of 11 locations in Bulgaria. By the end of the fiscal year 2024, METRO Italy will offer e-charging stations in 33 out of 49 stores, each of which will allow about six customers to charge their e-car in less than 20 minutes. METRO France is also making great progress in installing new charging plugs, and METRO Germany plans to expand to 6 more sites in addition to the 85 e-charging stations in Düsseldorf at the headquarter and the store and 12 e-charging stations at the Berlin-Friedrichshain store.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Customers can recharge electric cars at low to market cost or even free of charge (depending on the site) and use the time spent shopping for it.
  • Customers reach METRO stores electrically and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.
E-charging stations (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Promoting e-mobility.
  • Contribution to the development of a network of e-charging stations.
SDGs

Food Waste Management

Brief description
8% of CO2 emissions are caused by food waste. We at METRO see an urgent need for action here, and so do our countries. METRO Turkey, for example, managed to reduce food waste by 51% compared to 2017. In fiscal year 2021/22 alone, 1,987 tons of food was saved through resell, use as animal feed, biogas and donations.
METRO Turkey achieved this in part by collaborating with the startup Whole Surplus, which analyzes food waste hotspots and disposal routes within the company. Another great example is MAKRO Poland with its pilot project Wasteless, which automates the pricing of perishable goods with the help of artificial intelligence and reduces prices accordingly. METRO Serbia also took up the topic of compost this year with a pilot project in the store in Belgrade reducing food waste of fruit and vegetables by 30%. In the next phase it is planned to include two more stores in the project and to sell the compost and thus further emphasize the circular economy. In addition, a total of 21 of our countries and service organizations participate in food donations at local food banks. MAKRO Poland even received the GS1 Award for the digitalization process of its cooperation with food banks. It is now completely paperless and saves even more CO2.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Customers can benefit from our knowledge in handling food and food waste.
Food Waste Management (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Food waste is avoided or at the least reduced.
  • Contribute to circularity by using waste as a secondary raw material.
  • Further digitalization resulting in less paper usage.
SDGs

Zero-energy stores

Brief description
Approximately ¾ of the emissions in the life cycle of a building occur during its use and operation. In sectors as energy-intensive as the food industry, with its adaptation to varying temperature requirements, this is of course particularly true. We were all the more proud when METRO Austria opened its first zero-energy wholesale store in Sankt Pölten in 2017. Since then, METRO Austria has set itself the goal of gradually making even more stores more energy efficient. This year, for example, this included the comprehensive refurbishment of the store in Salzburg by installing state-of-the-art refrigeration technology and LED lighting throughout the store as well as renovating the roof with the construction of a photovoltaic system. Likewise, MAKRO Netherlands has equipped the first five roofs of Cash & Carry stores with solar systems this year.
In order to make energy consumption as sustainable as possible, METRO France relies on renewable energies in its own operations, in particular solar energy. Today, 25% of METRO France's energy supply comes from renewable sources. The goal is to reach 50% by 2025 and 100% by 2030. To achieve this goal, Pascal Peltier (CEO of Metro France) signed a new PPA contract in November 2021, guaranteeing the supply of green energy, 100% of which comes from France, for 20 years from January 2024.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Customers can reduce their carbon footprint by sourcing from an environmental conscious partner.
  • Customers can learn about efficient solutions.
Zero-energy stores (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Reduction in carbon emissions.
  • Commitment to the energy transition.
  • More self-sufficient energy supply and use of regenerative energy.
  • Dissemination of more environmentally friendly energy production methods.
SDGs

Reduction of CO2 in own logistics

We score in sustainable logistics by promoting efficient transport technology and focusing on resource conservation. In this way, we reduce our CO2 emissions as well as our costs, implement legal requirements and protect the environment and the climate.
We score for our customers by making our transport and delivery more sustainable overall and providing them with charging infrastructure for alternative drives at our stores for their purchases.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Proof Points (3)

Electrical delivery truck

Brief description
According to a study by the University of Sydney, around 19% of greenhouse gas emissions from foods can be traced back to their transport. As a food wholesaler, we are of course aware of this and are actively trying to counteract it. One way to achieve this is e-mobility. That's why MAKRO Netherlands, METRO France, METRO Italy and METRO AG are currently testing e-trucks in order to be able to transport our goods as CO2 efficiently as possible. In addition, METRO France is also testing other electric delivery modes like cargo bikes in city-centers. Further e-trucks in MAKRO Czech Republic and METRO Germany are expected in 2023 and work is in progress to develop a roadmap for the further expansion of e-trucks.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • We are working on new ways to further reduce our CO2 emissions. Our commitment to this important issue makes us a trusted business partner for our customers.
Electrical delivery trucks (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Promoting e-mobility.
  • Contributing to the development of a network of e-charging stations.
SDGs

Optimization of the Write-Off Process

Brief description
Food waste is problematic in many ways. Among other things, food waste is responsible for 8% of total CO2 emissions. A situation where urgent action is needed. To improve our logistics processes, METRO Germany is currently working on an app to optimize the process of write-offs. The app is currently still in the test phase, but due to its success, it will be rolled out in the future. One trigger for food waste is overstock. MAKRO Poland counters this by working with advanced demand planning systems to avoid overstocking and adjusting supply parameters daily to reflect sales trends.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • We are working on new ways to further reduce our CO2 emissions. Our commitment to this important issue makes us a trusted business partner for our customers.
Optimization of the Write-Off Process (icon)
Our Contribution
  • We take logistical measures against food waste and thus systematically reduce our CO2 emissions.
SDGs

4 steps to a CO2 efficient logistic

Brief description
MAKRO Poland follows a 4-step plan to reduce CO2 in its own logistics, including the centralization of procurement and the related delivery centralization, which allows a more efficient use of truck space. The third step is the digitization of delivery receipt documents and lastly the contractual assurance of low-emission trucks for the delivery fleet. All these steps are monitored and documented at regular intervals. In FY 22/21, MAKRO Poland worked in particular on the centralized procurement of chilled goods and the further reduction of paper on warehouse processes.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • We are working on new ways to further reduce our CO2 emissions. Our commitment to this important issue makes us a trusted business partner for our customers.
  • Further digitalization resulting in less paper usage.
4 steps to a CO2 efficient logisitic (icon)
Our Contribution
  • We take measures within out logistic systems and thus reduce our CO2 emissions.
SDGs

Reduction of assortment CO2 footprint

We score in terms of low-carbon assortment by offering local products with short transport distances, optimizing packaging or reducing it to a minimum, and reducing food losses along the value chain by optimizing packaging, transport, storage, and sales. This is responsible in terms of legal requirements, saves costs and CO2, and is good for the environment and the climate.
We score for our customers by giving them access to more efficient products and services, and by helping them to reduce the amount of waste generated by packaging and non-consumed food.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

ProofPoints - 2c (5)

Fresh Fish Packaging

Brief description
As a contribution to the global fight against environmental impact, METRO Germany has joined METRO Slovakia and MAKRO Czech Republic in replacing the conventional foil used to wrap fish on the fresh fish counter with unbleached kraft paper foil. Due to the positive response regarding the new packaging in Czech Republic, METRO Romania, with the support of MAKRO Czech Republic, joined the initiative in a pilot project.
This innovative paper alternative meets our sustainability and quality standards. It can easily be recycled as paper, which translates to a lower environmental impact while protecting for aroma and huminity.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Easy adaptation to a more sustainable lifestyle.
  • Innovation, inspiration, trendy design.
Fresh Fish Packaging (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Delivering sustainable assortment to our customers.
  • Positive contribution to the fight against environmental pollution.
  • Easier handling for employees.
SDGs

Expansion of our bio and organic product range

Brief description
Organic and local products are becoming more popular in the market and also on the shelves of our stores. For example, METRO Austria has been offering 700 products from the organic chain Alnatura in 12 stores since April 2022 in order to further diversify its sustainable product range.
METRO Germany is also working continuously to expand its range of organic and regional products under brand, own brand METRO Chef Bio and under the label METRO Regional. In order to be able to offer our customers a wide variety of more sustainable and local products. This not only saves CO2 emissions in transport routes, but also supports local food producers.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Environmentally conscious customers can shop with us and offer more sustainable dishes, thus meet the trend towards more conscious consumption.
Expansion of our bio and organic product range (icon)
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.
  • Support regional producers and manufacturers.
SDGs

Plant-based meat alternatives

Brief description
Animal husbandry contributes to climate change with more than 15% of the greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans. In addition to carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are also emitted, which are many times more harmful than CO2 itself. For standardization purposes, CH4 and N2O are converted into the corresponding CO2 equivalents (CO2 eq.). In the 2019 “Fleisch der Zukunft” (Meat of the future) study published by the German Federal Environmental Agency, the environmental impacts of the most common meat sources were compared with plant-based meat substitutes. Beef tops the list with 3.05kg CO2 eq. per 100g, followed by pork (0.41kg CO2 eq./100g) and poultry (0.38-0.43kg CO2 eq./100g). In comparison, soy-based meat substitutes, for instance, emit only 0.11-0.17kg CO2 eq./100g.
Fortunately, METRO as a food wholesaler is of course aware of this. For this reason, METRO Germany, for example, continues to expand its range of sustainable meat alternatives in Own Brand and Brand. Already today, we can offer our customers 60 plant-based meat substitutes in the refrigerated and frozen sections of our German stores.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Offering the highest possible variety of products to our customers.
Plant-based meat alternatives (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Empowering customers to make more sustainable choices for their business and their families.
SDGs

“Fresh Gastro Deals”

Brief description
Fresh foods like fruits and vegetables naturally come in different shapes, sizes and textures, but that doesn't make them any less delicious or valuable. Nevertheless, these slightly different looking foods are often less attractive to customers, remain longer in the shelf, and unfortunately still have to be discarded far too often.
In an effort to reduce the contribution of fruit and vegetables to food waste, METRO Germany introduced the initiative “Fresh Gastro Deals” to promote imperfectly perfect fresh products which are full of taste and may vary in shapes, sizes and textures.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Good quality products at a reduced price.
Our Contribution
  • Reducing wholesale food waste.
  • Promoting value of food even if “imperfect”.
SDGs

Collaboration with Too Good To Go & Foodbanks

Brief description
METRO/MAKRO markets and customers are saving food within their own operations preventing food spoilage though our closer cooperation with Too Good To Go like, for instance, MAKRO Christmas Hampers (subsidiary of MAKRO Netherlands).
Through these practices in the 5 countries collaborating with Too Good To Go, more than 121,000 meals have been saved which corresponds to a CO2 equivalent of 303 tons. Furtheremore, 21 METRO countries cooperate with food bank organizations and social institutions to avoid food waste in our stores, including our restaurants and warehouses, by donating goods that have been removed from sale but are still edible and safe to those in need.
Customer/Supplier 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.
Collaboration with too good to go & food banks (icon)
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

Ethics + Trust

We want to be a trustworthy partner for our own employees, suppliers and customers. Therefore, we hold safe and fair working conditions in our own business operations in high regard and promote supply chains in which business is conducted in an ethically appropriate and transparent manner. A key element here is the consideration of human rights and potential impact on the environment.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Human Rights in own operations

We score on sustainable business by standing up for human rights within our own operations. In this way, we create a better working environment and act as a role model within the supply chain.
We score for our customers because they can count on us as a reliable partner.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Proof Points (2)

Exchange about Health and Safety at work

Brief description
The health and safety of our employees is our top priority. For this reason, METRO Ukraine has introduced the “Near Miss Program”. Every employee has the opportunity to report near misses, unsafe acts and unsafe conditions via the “METRO Chef Bot”, a messenger bot that helps METRO UA employees communicate with the company. Near misses reported to the Chef Bot are automatically forwarded to email nearmiss@metro.ua and the Near Miss Team. There, all reported near misses are reviewed and analyzed. The results of the analysis are forwarded to all stores so they can take preventive measures. Similarly, METRO Italy started sharing lessons learned from injuries and near misses with all stores on a monthly basis in February 2022 to reinforce the health and safety culture and increase safety awareness among employees.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Our customers can be assured that we fulfill our moral and legal obligation to the safety and health of our employees.
Exchange about Health and Safety at work (icon)
Our Contribution
  • We ensure that our employees feel safe and heard.
  • We respond quickly and efficiently to our employees' safety concerns.
SDGs

“together better safer” – Education on health risks at work

Brief description
“together better safer” is the motto of MAKRO Poland's communication campaign on occupational health and safety. For this purpose, our team in Poland studied the occupational health and safety incidents of recent years and, on this basis, identified four critical topics - forklifts, racking, storage and manual handling. Posters and videos on these topics, which are everyday issues for our employees, were distributed to all departments in order to educate as many employees as possible about safety risks and to stay on the safe side together. METRO France takes a similar approach with their 10 golden rules. Posters have been designed for this, where each rule is accompanied by a QR code that can be scanned by employees and leads to a video explaining that particular safety rule. At METRO, we see the protection of our employees as one of our most important tasks and believe that we cannot talk enough about the health and safety of our employees!
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Our customers can be assured that we fulfill our moral and legal obligation to the safety and health of our employees.
together better safer (icon)
Our Contribution
  • We educate our employees about safety risks and thus protect them from occupational accidents.
SDGs

Human Rights in the Supply Chain

We score in terms of sustainable supply chain by working to ensure that human rights and environmental concerns are taken into account along the value chain. In this way, we strengthen the structures in our supply chain and fulfill our duty of care and legal requirements, and reduce the risks associated with non-compliance.
We score for our customers because they can rely on our diligence when purchasing products and can achieve higher margins with responsibly manufactured products, reach new customer groups and gain an edge over the competition.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Proof Points (2)

CSR Supplier Workshops

Brief description
From July to August 2021, METRO Sourcing International surveyed nearly 1,000 producers on the Living Wage. The survey focused on the difference between the Living Wage and the Minimum Wage as well as the difference between wages of male and female workers. Equality and fair working conditions are important to us at METRO and we are constantly working to improve the status quo. Of course, this doesn't just apply to our own employees. Our responsibility also extends into our supply chain. In order to build on the status quo there and to initiate change where it is needed, the results of the Living Wage Survey are also included in the CSR Supplier Workshops that METRO Sourcing International offers its suppliers at regular intervals.
Customer/Supplier 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.
CSR Supplier Workshop (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Enabling tangible improvements in workers' quality of life.
  • Raise the bar for workers' rights in local supply chains.
SDGs

Producer Self-Assessments on Social Compliance

Brief description
The safety of employees in our supply chains is very important to us at METRO. That is why METRO Sourcing International encourages its producers to conduct regular self-assessments to identify social compliance issues and to take action to correct them. The Report on Supply Chain Compliance (RSCC) consists of questions that are related to critical points of social audit and METRO Deal Breakers. The goal of the audit is to improve working conditions at our producers. These audits can seem intimidating at first, but they are essential to improve the human rights situation in our supply chains. That is why we support our producers in preparing for and conducting audits, such as METRO Turkey, which trains its producers in annual training for social compliance audits and supports them in achieving the most realistic results possible and initiating change where weaknesses become apparent.
Customer/Supplier 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
  • Communicating and spreading knowledge on the topic of human rights.
  • Establishing human rights compliance processes.
SDGs

Transparency and Traceability

We score in terms of transparency and traceability by making the procurement of raw materials traceable and more sustainable and by checking compliance with standards. In this way, we act in accordance with our duty of care and legal requirements and avoid risks.
We score for our customers because they benefit from more in-depth information about the supply chain and the specific product, e.g., they are informed about the origin and manufacturing conditions and can inform their customers accordingly.

Read more at METRO Responsibility

Proof Points (4)

Traceability

Brief description
More sustainable products have many features but being traceable is an essential one. That is why we at METRO take this aspect of sustainability particularly to heart. METRO Germany and METRO France, for example, are using ProTrace, METRO's traceability solutions, to provide customers with information about the origin, husbandry and nutritional value of its fish and meat products, as well as images of the fishing grounds and processing. Furtheremore, METRO Turkey now strives for full traceability of its own brand organic assortment. Through the traceable digital system, consumers can follow the journey from the field to the stores and obtain further information as country of origin and food safety certificate.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Offer safe and transparent traceable products.
  • Passing on more in-depth information, e.g. on the dish via the menu.
Traceability (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Increased transparency and thus safety standards in local and global supply chains.
SDGs

Animal Wellfare

Brief description
Cage free eggs are a key part of animal welfare. Many countries are taking action beyond our current commitment. For example, METRO Turkey committed to have a full own brand cage free assortment by 2023. This year they have already reached 71%. Because of this approach, they received a recognition by the Turkish-German University. MAKRO Poland is another example of going beyond, by already reaching a 100% cage free own brand and branded assortment 3 years before the set date and thus even surpassing the policy regulate.
MAKRO Netherlands is also committed to animal welfare in its product range, converting 88% of its fresh chicken assortment to a via cawa-certified, animal welfare-approved assortment.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Offering customers more sustainable assortment.
Animal Welfare (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Making a positive impact on animal welfare.
  • Ensure transparency and quality in our products.
SDGs

Healthier Product Range

Brief description
METRO is committed to empowering our customers and employees to make healthier choices for their businesses and families by promoting healthier nutrition and products.
In line with our Health and Nutrition Strategy, METRO Bulgaria promoted the benefits of a more vegetarian based diet and healthy lifestyle though a social media campaign. Alongside, METRO France, through a collaboration approach with 6 brands, have shared recipes with an A and B nutriscore to motivate our customers to promote sustainable and healthier options in their restaurants. A similar approaached was followed by METRO Serbia, which prepared short videos with healthy tips and recipes for our HORECA Customers.
Among many countries, METRO Italy is heavily working on enlarging the offer of healthier and nutritious products through reformulating products containing less sugar, salt, and fats, completely or partially free from additives, as well as organic products. This includes, for instance, that their fish assortment is already more than 80% certified with sustainable fishing. Additionally, METRO Turkey launched its “premium fish project” in which sea bass and sea bream are produced with algae oil is used as an alternative feed, increasing the value of EPA and DHA Omega 3 fatty acids beneficial for human health.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Customers can offer healthier dishes and thus meet the trend towards more conscious consumption.
Healthier Product Range (icon)
Our Contribution
  • Empowering customers to make healthier choices for their businesses and families.
SDGs

Sustainable Product Range

Brief description
MAKRO Christmas Hampers (a subsidiary of Makro Netherlands) has set the goal to offer a wider range of certified sustainable products within their hampers. In 2022 they have exceeded their own target by reaching 29% of their assortment with at least one CSR label covering the topics of circularity, conscious choice, social responsibility and attention to our planet. In 2023 MAKRO Christmas Hampers aims to reach 35%.
Customer/Supplier Benefit
  • Environmentally conscious customers can shop with us, thus meet the trend towards more conscious consumption.
Sustainable Product Range (icon)
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

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 in our own business and at our partners and customers. Operationally, we implement this as part of our ESG strategy via our 3 strategic sustainability priorities. We want to share our knowledge with our partners along the value chain 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.

Climate and carbon

We reduce emissions and waste in our own business operations and contribute to a low carbon food system, for example by offering regional, seasonal or plant-based products as well as raw materials that are not associated with deforestation.

Ethics and trust

We want to be a trustworthy partner for our own employees, suppliers and customers. Therefore, we hold safe and fair working conditions in our own business operations in high regard and promote supply chains in which business is conducted in an ethically appropriate and transparent manner. A key element here is the consideration of human rights and potential impact on the environment.

Equity, inclusion and well-being

In line with the inclusive ‘ONE METRO’ culture and based on the understanding that our employees are essential to our business, the focus is on creating a safe, equal and inclusive work environment and promoting the health and well-being of employees.