The plastic, metal, and glass packaging collection system is already available for customers in stores, Auchan supporting them as early as April 2023, when the retailer installed RVM (reverse vending machine) devices and offered vouchers worth RON 0.5 (€0.1) for each package collected, through the MyCLUB Auchan loyalty card. This solution was implemented in time for as many citizens as possible to test and get used to such a system for the systematic recycling of beverage packaging.
"Practically, the Guarantee-Return System has been working with us for several months thanks to a joint effort of all our teams, but also Auchan customers, who have been particularly responsive in adopting responsible consumer behavior. We are glad that they understood the importance of recycling, contributing to the start of the largest circular economy project in Romania. Thus, at the national level, we have already collected, to date, an impressive number of 32 million packages, investing over RON 16 million (€3.2 million) in the rewards offered for recycling, together with our partners. We congratulate RetuRO and all the associations involved in this essential step for the environment for all the work done and also the Ministry of the Environment for the extraordinary initiative. From now on, we count on the high level of responsibility of our customers, whom we encourage to recycle as much as possible", said Corina Dospinoiu, Auchan Retail Romania's Sustainability Director.
With the start of the national program, the two types of packaging, with and without the Packaging with Guarantee symbol, can be received at the same collection points, but with different machines, in Auchan stores, in specially arranged recycling points. For the packaging with the Packaging with Guarantee symbol, RON 0.5 (€0.1) per package is given, in the first phase, directly through the ticket issued by the machines and which can be used for shopping in any Auchan store (except stores in Petrom stations). As the products with the Packaging with Guarantee symbol enter the stores, the cash guarantee will be returned to customers, and in parallel, the campaigns with benefits through the MyCLUB Auchan loyalty card will continue for those who recycle packaging without the specific symbol, according to the information and regulations published by the merchant.
Auchan Romania has over 440 stores in its portfolio, including 33 hypermarkets, 8 supermarkets, and 404 MyAuchan ultra-proximity stores, of which almost 400 are in Petrom stations.
Auchan Romania carries out several programs to protect the environment, which aim to manage waste and save resources. The company planted 100,000 trees through the Mobilizatron project, made the film "Untamed Romania", the first documentary about Romania's nature, and set up two medical support units for patients with non-critical forms of Covid-19. Auchan also collected and recycled almost one million liters of used oil.
