Positive changes
The second WWF rating report for the wholesale and retail trade Food and Near-Food transparently shows the environmental performance of the twelve largest Swiss retailers. The results show that discounters have caught up strongly and that the sector has been operating more ecologically overall since 2015.
The discounters’ race to catch up
The three discounters Aldi, Denner and Lidl are responsible for the biggest positive change compared to 2015.They change from the “Oberes Mittelfeld” (Upper Midfield) rating category to the “Verfolger” (Pursuer) category. Coop and Migros are stable at a high level as “Vorreiter” (Pioneers) and still unrivalled, while the food wholesalers Saviva and Transgourmet are slightly better in the “Oberes Mittelfeld” (Upper Midfield) category.
Manor slightly deteriorated its environmental performance and Pistor slides into the “Unteres Mittelfeld” (Lower Midfield) category, joining Globus. Spar also deteriorates and joins Volg in the rating category “Intransparent” (Non-transparent).
Lack of implementation in the assortments
The main call for action for all wholesalers and retailers is to improve environmental performance in their core business, the product range. Although many already have ambitious goals, there is a lack of concrete projects and processes to actually reduce the environmental impact in the supply chains. There is still a lack of credible labels such as Bio Suisse, MSC, ASC or FSC. Transparency in the value chains is also often still low. Data management – and thus knowledge of critical raw materials – is mostly inadequate. The range of products on offer is still insufficiently ecologically designed.
The WWF demands action
As procurers and suppliers of food and near-food products, the Swiss wholesale and retail trade contributes to the fact that nutrition continues to cause around one third of the environmental pollution related to consumption.
This rating shows that there is still much room for improvement and potential. Immediate action is necessary because the basis for manufacturing the products of wholesalers and retailers – the intact nature – is under pressure. The WWF calls on Swiss wholesalers and retailers to assume responsibility and implement the following measures:
- Adopt ambitious goals that align with the planet’s limits of resilience.
- Massively improve data management, supply chain transparency, and environmental risk management.
- Implement procurement projects and build more environmentally friendly supply chains.
- Substantially increase the proportion of products with credible labels such as Bio Suisse, MSC, ASC or FSC and expand the range of substitute products for meat and dairy products.
- Consistent political commitment to ecological concerns and active participation in industry initiatives.
