At the Climate Supplier Event - Partners for Decarbonization 2030, organized under the Climate Change Summit umbrella, together with Social Innovation Solutions, over 230 partners, suppliers, and employees of the retailer gathered.

During the event, Auchan, together with its guests, discussed and shared the main climate values and objectives that will facilitate the transformation of business models.

The main topics addressed were decarbonization measures at the business level, both for products and operations, the importance of regenerative agriculture, and the evolution of sustainability strategy through Auchan's Climate Plan 2030.

Throughout the event, successful examples and practices for reducing CO2 emissions were shared. The main challenges faced by partners and suppliers in implementing decarbonization measures were discussed, along with the solutions that can be adopted to make businesses more sustainable, as well as funding mechanisms for decarbonization.

Furthermore, the importance of responsible use of resources and raw materials, the necessity of accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the current climate emergency context, and maintaining high agricultural yield capacities were discussed.

Climate Supplier Event – Partners for Decarbonization 2030: [YouTube link]

Another key topic of the discussions was the decarbonization of food and non-food products and how this can be achieved. Auchan aims to offer products that are part of a short supply chain, products from local suppliers or producers.

Moreover, Auchan has been accelerating the decarbonization process for many years, both in store operations through reduced energy consumption and refrigerant gases, and in products. This comprehensive strategy was developed in the Climate Plan 2030, focusing on multiple action areas, all aiming for a profound and sustainable transformation of the business model.

"We organized this event to share with partners our objective of building a product offering with the lowest possible environmental impact and to support customers in making responsible consumption choices. We aim to strengthen and build strong commercial and decarbonization partnerships with partners who share the same vision on climate change and sustainability. We want to provide the necessary support to make the decarbonization process of their businesses as smooth as possible," emphasized Corina Dospinoiu-Imre, Sustainability Director at Auchan Retail Romania.

The event consisted of a series of presentations and panel discussions aiming to debate why, what, and how a business can be decarbonized, and what regenerative agriculture entails. Participants included Codruț Nicolau, Founder of SustainFuture, as well as representatives from Valvis Holding, Danone, Mars, Bayer, Carbon Expert, Agreena, 4ENVIGO, and BRD.

"I believe that business and sustainability go hand in hand. For example, in the case of a farmer whose objective is to produce as much food as possible, it is necessary to protect and conserve the soil, water, and resources used, both for the present and for future generations, hence regenerative agriculture is important. Profitability must be correlated with sustainability and the protection of nature and resources," stated Boualem Saidi, Senior Bayer Representative & Country Group Head (Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova), Bayer Crop Science.

"Our entire business philosophy is built on sustainable premises, the entire ecosystem - from production to logistics and human resources, based on this principle. All our products have natural, eco components; we had the first product certified in Romania and worked on legislation for bio product development.

With Auchan, we continue a collaboration we have always had, with programs that have long been focused on sustainability. They are extraordinary partners for us, with whom we communicate primarily and share our experiences, and thus we have only to gain, both Auchan and us as suppliers," declared Valentina Vesler, Head of PR & Communication, Valvis Holding.

The event also included a presentation of the Organifera project from the "Grigore Moisil" Theoretical High School in Tulcea, a team that received a special prize from Auchan in the final of the business plan competition "Marathon for Entrepreneurial Education" organized by CONAF (National Confederation for Women Entrepreneurship).

The students had the opportunity to present innovative products to the public that propose a natural alternative to plant development, natural fertilizers, and bio solutions for pest control, thus contributing to discussions on regenerative agriculture.

Auchan continues its sustainability efforts and encourages as many partners as possible to move towards business decarbonization. The development of the Climate Plan 2030 synthesizes all these actions undertaken, aiming to transform the company into a brand recognized for its commitment to protecting the planet.