Kaufland Romania reported an accelerated pace of investments in sustainability projects in the 2022 financial year (March 2022-February 2023).

“Sustainability is a strategic priority for Kaufland Romania. We are committed to growing responsibly, taking care of the environment, the team and the communities in which we operate”, said Marco Hößl, CEO of Kaufland Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

The latest Kaufland Romania Sustainability Report and the sixth one at the local level, related to the financial year 2022, covering the period March 2022 – February 2023, includes data on investments at the level of the product portfolio, developed with responsibility and care for the needs of consumers , of the work environment, as well as the company’s human resources policy. At the same time, the report provides information about the supply chain of Kaufland stores, initiatives to reduce the environmental impact and, last but not least, about the projects with an impact in the community, where the company has invested the largest budget to date.

Suppliers and product portfolio:

• 3 billion euros, i.e. over 80% of the company’s expenses with suppliers were directed to Romanian suppliers.

• In 2022, Kaufland Romania collaborated with approximately 2,600 local suppliers of products and services.

• From the portfolio of products available on the shelf, about 1200 have a sustainability certification.

• Kaufland supports a healthy lifestyle, suitable for any diet and lifestyle, offering a varied portfolio with 1500 lactose-free, gluten-free, vegan or organic products.

Employees

• The total financial value of the benefits offered to employees during the reporting period was over 28 million euros, a 50% increase compared to 2021;

• Kaufland Romania invests in its teams, obtaining the title of Top Employer for the 8th consecutive year in Romania, respectively the 5th year in Europe offered by the independent organization Top Employers Institute from the Netherlands;

• At the end of the financial year 2022, it had a total of almost 17,000 employees, of which 73.2% are women and 26.8% are men;

• Women occupy 31.8% of all management positions (Executive and Top Management);

• The total number of employees with disabilities, during 2022, was 580, which represents an increase of almost 9% compared to the previous year.

Community

• The total budget of investments with impact at the community level, through donations and sponsorships, amounts to almost 9 million euros, representing a record for the company;

• Supported and implemented 130 social, educational, environmental, cultural, sports and health projects.

• It has concluded partnerships with approximately 100 NGOs in the country;

• Continued the 2 grant programs “In good condition” and “Start ONG”, totaling more than 1.8 million euros.

Environment – materials and packaging

• Kaufland is the only retailer in Romania that has, in all stores, 2 types of packaging collection infrastructures for several types of plastic, glass and aluminum;

• The total investment budget for the expansion and maintenance of the network of recycling machines exceeded 4.84 million euros.

• More than 15.7 million recyclable packages were collected at the automatic waste collection machines installed in parking lots;

• The company received the sustainability certificate from CHEP, for the reuse by rental of the pallets intended for the transport of products.

Environment – Energy and emissions

• The company invested 15 million euros to equip the stores with photovoltaic panels.

• Investments in charging stations for electric cars exceeded the amount of 2.6 million euros;

• Reduction of emissions from Goal 1 and Goal 2 by more than 18% compared to 2021.

• Electricity consumption from renewable sources (MWh) for Kaufland stores exceeded the threshold of 98.8%.