As part of the Used Edible Oil Collection and Recycling program, 1 million liters of oil have been collected so far in Auchan stores, thus avoiding its improper disposal and environmental pollution. The initiative launched by Auchan in 2019 has so far mobilized over 770,000 Romanians, who understood the harmful effects that used cooking oil has on soil and water, as well as generating additional costs for the maintenance and cleaning of treatment plants. Also, this project led to the reduction of 2,300 tons of CO2, which did not reach the atmosphere, the collected oil being transformed into one million liters of biofuel.
According to Auchan Romania, the quantities of oil collected, with the aim of being sent for recycling, have increased constantly in the last two years. Thus, last year, the amount collected reached 320,000 liters, with 40 percent more than the previous year, a fact also due to the constant efforts to promote the project, through which the retailer made customers aware of its importance for the environment.
“We have witnessed an organic increase in the amount of oil brought by consumers for collection, reaching today 1 million liters collected at the level of the entire network, an amount that will no longer end up uncontrolled in nature, polluting the soil and waters. We are grateful to all customers who got involved and showed responsibility, understanding that a simple gesture becomes vital when we talk about protecting the planet and resources, and together we can enjoy a cleaner environment. We also thank our partners, Fairy, Aqua Carpatica, Respiră Verde, as well as the teams involved, with whom we will continue to fight for a greener future, and we invite Romanians to continue bringing used oil to our stores for recycling” stated Corina Dospinoiu, Auchan Retail Romania Sustainability Director.
Conceived as an approach to responsibility, the Used Edible Oil Collection and Recycling program is available for an unlimited period in 40 Auchan hypermarkets and supermarkets.
The effects of improper storage of waste cooking oil have been understood by the Auchan customer community, who are willing, in large numbers, to change their consumption behavior in a more responsible and environmentally friendly way. Thus, the Auchan hypermarket in Satu Mare, followed by Auchan Drumul Taberei in the capital and Auchan Galați, are among the stores that have collected the largest amount of used oil since the start of the project.
Those who bring used oil to Auchan stores are rewarded, depending on the quantity handed in, with products from partners Fairy and AQUA Carpatica. For oil recycling, Auchan collaborates with Respiră Verde, a national leader in the collection, recovery, and final disposal of used edible oils and fats, all Auchan partners involved in the program sharing the same vision and sustainability strategy, as well as the desire to fight for protecting the environment.
