According to a statement issued by the company, Auchan Retail Romania has received the "Brand of the Year in Sustainability" recognition for the second consecutive year at the Sustainability in Business gala organized by The Diplomat-Bucharest.

The award comes as a recognition of the company's constant efforts to protect the planet and the sustainable development policies it has implemented, as well as environmentally focused projects, some of which are a first in the local context.

For the award selection, some of the company-level criteria included: the development and promotion of sustainable projects within the company and the industry, along with a commitment to sustain and support them, strong involvement and commitment from leadership in this direction, and creating quantifiable value through sustainable achievements.

"We are delighted that our continuous efforts are appreciated, primarily by our customers and partners, and we are honored when they are recognized at the industry level as well. By integrating sustainability into our business model, we have developed a multitude of projects, some of them being firsts locally, aimed at encouraging more responsible consumption and behavior, as well as preventing climate change, the effects of which we increasingly feel.

These awards honor us and motivate us to continue. Together, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable future, a future in harmony with the planet and better for all of us," said Corina Dospinoiu, Sustainability Director at Auchan Retail Romania.

Sustainability is integrated into all business decisions and Auchan's operations, and the company continues to adapt its business model to incorporate long-term sustainability, thereby generating added value for customers, communities, and reducing environmental impact.

Through the Climate 2030 Project, the company has outlined a comprehensive action plan that integrates clear objectives into every segment of the business strategy, intended to contribute to a sustainable future while preserving the planet's resources.

This plan complements existing sustainability efforts within the company, with Auchan carrying out a series of strategic projects aimed at promoting healthy eating, reducing food waste, decreasing carbon footprint, recycling, and plastic elimination policies throughout the value chain, as well as encouraging a responsible lifestyle.

During the same ceremony, in the category of "Project of the Year in Waste and Resource Management," the PETcolectezi și câștigi (PET collect and win) project, developed in partnership with Coca-Cola HBC Romania, GreenPoint Management, and the NGO Viitor Plus, was named the winner.

The PETcolectezi și câștigi (PET collect and win) project, conducted from January 19 to May 18, 2022, and developed in partnership with Coca-Cola HBC Romania, GreenPoint Management, and the NGO Viitor Plus, won the "Project of the Year in Waste and Resource Management" award. It is one of the initiatives through which Auchan contributed to reducing excessive plastic usage and promoting the importance of separate waste collection, thus building a prelude to the Deposit Return System (DRS).

Through this campaign, consumers were motivated to collect and recycle PET containers, and a significant number of them got involved. As a result, over 85,000 PET plastic packages were collected for recycling in less than 4 months in specially arranged spaces in Auchan hypermarkets and supermarkets throughout the country.

Over time, Auchan has developed a comprehensive policy to combat plastic pollution, representing a common set of rules and objectives applicable in all countries where Auchan is present.

With the Climate Plan, the company has also initiated an accelerated decarbonization process for both store operations and products, which will involve a profound transformation of the business model through a committed engagement with all suppliers.

At the same time, the company plans to continue the fight against food waste and has committed to transitioning to green energy, taking steps to produce green energy in stores in the coming years, as well as procuring green energy.