In the face of mounting environmental challenges, the FMCG sector is using innovation to reduce ecological impact and cultivate consumer trust. In this article, we explore key innovations for FMCG led by entrepreneurs in Central and Eastern Europe, such as alternative packaging materials and low-carbon protein alternatives.
Organizations face a shortage of sustainability skills, and the European Commission warns that labour availability in Europe will fall from 64% to 56% by 2070.
BRD – Groupe Société Générale granted sustainable financing of RON1.1 billion (€220 million) last year. BRD launched 2022 its first green lending products for individuals. Also, the BRD Group reduced its energy consumption by 12.5% compared to the previous year and the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from operations.
The Bosch Group focuses on sustainability in all areas of activity. The group has invested €83 million in Romania in 2022, mainly in the development of production units in the Electro-mobility Solutions business sector in Cluj and Blaj, as well as in the field of research and development, within the Bosch Engineering Center in Cluj, says Mihai Boldijar, general manager of Robert Bosch and representative of the Bosch Group in Romania.
At Romanian private equity fund ROCA Investments, ESG considerations are gradually turning into a critical part of the investment and portfolio management processes, says CEO Rudolf Vizental
The Bosch Power Tools division is taking a big step forward with regard to its sustainability goals. Thus, starting in the autumn of 2023, 23 new and improved measuring instruments will be available, together with the related accessories and packaging, all presenting a new concept of sustainability and being produced with as much recycled material as possible.
BASF plans to invest up to €4 billion to achieve its climate protection targets by 2030. The group wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our production sites and our energy purchases by 25% by 2030, compared with the 2018 baseline. BASF set a global target to promote female leadership and aims to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions to 30% by 2030.
OMV Petrom has reduced carbon intensity by 11% compared to 2019 and its overarching ambition is to achieve a 30% reduction by 2030 compared to 2019. OMV Petrom is planning to have photovoltaic panels installed in 50% of the group filling station network by 2025.
Four out of ten Romanians have not heard of any brand involved in sustainable actions, shows a study carried out by IZI for the Romanian Sustainability Embassy (ASR). According to him, responsible communication from truly sustainable companies is essential to combat the greenwashing phenomenon.
Vienna Insurance Group considers sustainability as an important part of its strategic orientation. The insurer established the VIG Family Fund, a fund in which approximately €7 million were collected, which will support in the medium and long term the efforts to help the families of VIG employees in Ukraine who were affected by the war. The company shows that it supports social and ecological causes by investing in businesses such as solar and wind farms, in ecologically sustainable and affordable housing projects, or in eco-mobility.
80% of Romanians are willing to do more for sustainability, and the main barriers are the lack of easy access to information and personal resources, according to a study carried out by the Arctic Foundation in collaboration with Ipsos. 38% say they don't know what to do to be more sustainable, and 34% believe they don't have time to act in this direction.
Companies that engage in sustainable practices record higher financial performance and are 2.4 times more likely to increase their financial return. According to Quartz Matrix, a Romanian technology and services company, the sure steps towards a sustainable company begin with the identification of internal processes that can be automated or made more efficient with the help of technology. Also, modern technologies help companies to cut costs and become more responsible towards the planet.
Arctic launches the Arctic Foundation to strengthen sustainability education among Romanians. According to a study published by the company, 4 out of 5 Romanians declare themselves willing to do more activities for sustainability, provided they have more knowledge in this regard.
Alicja Kuczera, CEO of the Polish Green Building Council (PLGBC) talked to Green Forum about the impact of the energy crisis on the local property market, the development of a circular economy and environmental awareness in Poland.
Pehart Group, one of the largest tissue paper producers in Southeast Europe and the largest producer and processor of household paper products in Romania, is extending the syndicated loan obtained two years ago to €78 million.
Achieving climate neutrality will unlock significant opportunities for development, economic growth, and technological innovation.
PPD Global, a leading distributor of premium beverages in Romania, has invested €500,000 to equip its Bucharest logistics center with modern photovoltaic panels, totaling 405 kWp of installed power.
ENGIE Romania has expanded its renewable energy portfolio by completing its first hybrid plant, combining wind and solar power, with a total installed capacity of 57 MW.
Restart Energy has completed the construction and installation of a photovoltaic project for the company Mobilaiud worth more than €850,000.
Transelectrica has signed with Georgian State Electrosystems, AzerEnerji, and MVM Electrical Works the shareholders' agreement for the Green Energy Corridor Power Company.
