ALDI SÜD was recognized as an environmentally sustainable brand in the "Service Provider" category, making it one of the GREEN BRANDS Germany 2021/2022. "We are proud of this award, which shows that we are on the right track with our commitment as a responsible retailer. Sustainability has long been a central component of our corporate culture and is firmly anchored in all business areas," says Dr. Julia Adou, Director Corporate Responsibility at ALDI SÜD.
Presentation of the GREEN BRAND Germany award. ©ALDI SÜD
Strict testing procedure
The award is based on a multi-stage, transparent review process and is finally decided by an independent jury. ALDI SÜD had to demonstrate ecologically sustainable action in all relevant corporate processes. This included measures in the areas of resource, energy and waste management, logistics, animal welfare and species protection. Communication activities to inform employees and customers were also part of the investigation. "Here, the strict requirements were clearly exceeded," says Norbert Lux, Managing Director of the GREEN BRANDS organization. "ALDI SÜD convinced the jury in every area of the audit and showed that sustainable action is also a high priority at the discounter."
Active for environmental and climate protection
ALDI SÜD has implemented extensive environmental and climate protection measures in recent years and is continuously expanding its commitment. For example, the discounter has reduced its operational emissions by 73 percent compared to 2012 (as of 2019) and has already been acting in a climate-neutral manner since 2017. It offsets all unavoidable emissions by supporting certified climate protection projects. Its own stores already obtain 100 percent green electricity from sustainable sources, and almost 70 percent are equipped with photovoltaic systems. These produce climate-friendly solar power for electric charging stations in the store parking lots, among other things. As part of the ALDI Packaging Mission, ALDI is reducing and optimizing its packaging and is committed to recyclable alternatives, increasing unpackaged fruit and vegetables, using recycled plastic and reducing new plastics. The discounter also actively promotes fair trade, greater animal welfare, and the protection of nature and its resources. For example, ALDI SÜD has massively increased its share of organic products in recent years and, with the #Haltungswechsel project, aims to convert its entire fresh meat range to the more animal-friendly husbandry systems 3 and 4 by 2030 (beef, pork, chicken, turkey; excluding (international) specialties and frozen products).
EU seal of approval provides orientation for consumers
GREEN BRANDS is a patent-protected EU quality mark. The seal of approval is awarded by the GREEN BRANDS organization. This certifies brands that demonstrably act in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner and make an effective contribution to protecting the climate, the environment, nature, biodiversity and resources. The seal is intended to provide consumers with guidance and help them recognize genuine green commitments. So far, only a few companies have met the high standards.