Food Lion 2013 Annual Report Download - page 30

At Delhaize America, Hannaford set a
clear target to save $1 million with its
Moving
to Zero Waste
initiative.
Considering the fact that Hannaford generated
202 million pounds (91.6 million kilograms) of
waste and spent more than $5 million (€3.85
million) handling that waste in 2012, it was clear
that there was valuable opportunity to reduce
waste and save money in 2013. Therefore,
the banner set the goal to both reduce waste
volume and disposal cost by increasing recy-
cling and engaging associates in sustainability
practices.
The results have been both compelling and
inspiring. Since beginning this initiative,
Hannaford has increased cardboard recycling
by 8% in 2013, resulting in higher recycling
income. It has also reduced food waste as
well by increasing the number of food waste
recycling stores to 118, which represents 64%
of the total Hannaford chain. Both recycling
practices have resulted in less waste in the
compactor, lower waste handling costs, and a
reduced environmental footprint.
Across the globe from Delhaize America,
Super Indo successfully launched an initia-
tive to start using reusable bags and reduce
the use of plastic bags. The event, themed
“I Choose to Reuse,” was a symbolic public
pledge for the environment with an open
invitation to participate to all the environmen-
tally-conscious people in Jakarta. It was the
greatest pledge ever done by any retailer in
Indonesia and earned Super Indo an award
by the World Indonesian Museum of Record
for being the highest waste reducer ever and
for gaining the highest commitment – more
than 2,000 pledge signatures from environ-
mentally conscious people.
Zero Waste is also about ensuring that we
minimize food waste within our supply chain
and the Group has taken several initiatives to
achieve this, like developing food handling
processes to give fresh products longer shelf
life, adapting packaging to create less waste,
and making products available in smaller units
or portions so less food is thrown in the trash.
In Belgium, Delhaize works closely together
with several social organizations, establishing
food banks to donate the unmarketable but
still safe and edible good products. Products
that are no longer good for consumption are
recycled. At Super Indo, for instance, fruit and
vegetables that can no longer be safely con-
sumed are turned into 100% natural fertilizer.
Associate engagement
Food retail is a people business and to achieve
our goals, whether in sustainability, growth
or efficiency, Delhaize Group depends on its
associates.
When it comes to serving customers and
understanding their needs, we need the best
ambassadors for our brands.
28 DELHAIZE GROUP ANNUAL REPORT 2013 STRATEGY
Sustainability
Strategy