About The Lion's FootPrint

Step by Step Towards a Smaller Ecological Footprint

Delhaize wants to do better. Better for the environment. Better for our future.
Because what we do today will matter tomorrow. That’s why we created The Lion’s Footprint: a solid action plan with which we are 100% committed to:

Less Plastic

We eliminate plastic wherever possible and prioritize recyclable packaging and reusable alternatives.

  1. Eliminate non-reusable plastic bags by 2020 throughout Belgium*
  2. Provide an alternative for every non-reusable plastic item by 2020 (such as cotton swabs, cutlery, glasses, plates…)
  3. Reduce the amount of plastic by 25% by 2025 for our private-label products
  4. Use rPET packaging for 50% of our beverage packaging by 2025
  5. Use 100% reusable or recyclable packaging by 2025
*In addition to the existing legal obligations for the Walloon Region and the Brussels-Capital Region.

Less CO2

The second objective of this wide-ranging program is to achieve a net zero CO2 footprint within two years. Regarding our CO2 footprint, we are tackling multiple challenges at different levels: at headquarters, in stores, with suppliers, and of course, in transport. We have already reduced our emissions by 44% since 2008 and we are not stopping there.

To calculate our footprint and establish a reduction plan, we work with CO2logic. For example, we plan to review our mobility policy to make it more sustainable. We aim to make our headquarters and stores fully CO2-neutral through new technologies, equipment, green energy, and behavioral changes encouraged daily among all our employees.

We also plan to optimize our supply chain by favoring new transport technologies and introducing new delivery methods. For example, we are promoting double-decker trucks.

For refrigerated transport, we use CryoTech technology, a solution using a recycled natural refrigerant. From June, for the last kilometers of delivery to our new Fresh Atelier convenience concept in Brussels, we will use cargo bikes in partnership with Urbike. Finally, we will ask our suppliers, through a pact, to help us achieve our ambition.

Less Waste

Delhaize is among the top-performing companies in food donations. Since 2012, we have implemented a food recovery program, providing local food banks and charitable organizations with products nearing the end of their cycle in our stores. 2018 was a record year with more than 4.3 million meals distributed, avoiding 2,905 tons of food waste thanks to the contribution of over 145 local organizations.

Ambitious from Producer to Customer

As you can see, our goals are ambitious, but we do not rush headlong. We will advance this major project step by step. In this battle for the future, everyone is involved: Delhaize employees, suppliers, producers, experts, customers… all together, we are determined to reach our goal.
So that you, too, can make a difference. And because every step counts, together, we will succeed.