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Supporting our customers on their journey to more sustainable stores

As more and more retailers and brands pledge their ambition to become more sustainable, we want to support them on their journey, while reducing the footprint of our own operations.

Sustainability is on top of the agenda for many retailers and branded goods suppliers and we want to do our part in supporting our customers to reach their sustainability objectives.

We also recognize our own responsibility in reducing the impact of our operations. This is why we are committed to the Science Based Targets initiative. As many of our customers, our targets have been approved and we are making progress towards reaching them every year. Read our press release about approved targets.

How we can support you to reach your sustainability goals

We offer solutions that help you to:

  • Reduce the usage of virgin plastic
    We offer HL Sustainable Choice, solutions made from more sustainable materials such as recycled plastic. We also have successfully closed the loop on plastic, by recycling datastrips and dividers from stores at end-of-life and recycling them into new products. 
  • Reduce packaging waste
    With our solutions for packaging-free merchandising you can create the perfect display of unpackaged goods your store. Building on more than 20 years of experience in the area, our team of experts brings insights, tips and design expertise to the table. We also offer a range of solutions for loose merchandising of fresh produce. 

  • Reduce food waste
    A large share of a store’s food waste is generated in the fresh produce department. Sigma™ is a merchandising solution for chillers which allows stores to create abundant fresh produce display with less inventory that can be lost to shrink.
Every 1,000 Optimal™ black dividers save about 170kg of virgin plastic.
Browse our Sustainable Choice offer
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Read more about how to reduce packaging waste

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Packaging-free
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Bulk foods
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Fresh produce - coolers
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Sustainable Choice

How we are decreasing the footprint of our own operations

Reducing CO2 emissions to reach our Science Based Targets is a priority for HL. The majority of our emissions fall within scope 3, and are mostly connected to the raw material we use in production. Therefore, we are continuously working to reduce the usage of virgin material in production, for example by collaborating with our suppliers to be able to source more high-quality recycled material, recycling our own production waste and sourcing recycled plastic through our circular offer.

Our emissions:

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To ensure our progress, we are tracking our emissions compared to the base year of 2019 on an annual basis, and while there is more work to be done, we are making progress towards our goals. 

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Our four focus areas

Improving our own operations is just one of our four sustainabiity focus areas. These are based on the knowledge of our full value chain.

Our value chain:

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HL's key priorities:

  • Helping customers to create more sustainable stores

    HL provides sustainable solutions with a focus on end-of-life product treatment. We aim to expand the Sustainable Choice offer and apart from addressing matters such as food waste and consumer packaging, we offer products that are resource efficient and lasting.

  • Creating the best workplace

    HL continuously invests in inclusive and safe work environments for our employees - embracing diversity and equality. We create a workplace where people live the HL values, and where all employees adhere to the Code of Conduct.

  • Driving continuous improvement in operations

    HL's ambition is to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations and to increase the use of recycled and environmentally friendly materials. We are committed to decreasing raw material and water consumption, as well as improve the efficiency of transportation.

  • Ensuring responsibility throughout the supply chain

    HL has a comprehensive supplier risk assessment and requires all suppliers to sign and adhere to the Code of Conduct for Suppliers. It establishes the company's strong position against corruption, ensuring employees and stakeholders practice honesty, integrity and responsibility.

Targets 2023

  • Helping customers to create more sustainable stores

    To increase sales of the HL Sustainable Choice offer by 10 percent year on year, and launch our circular offer to more markets.

  • Creating the best workplace

    For the HL’s annual employee engagement survey to show at least 73 percent of employees experiencing equal opportunities. To achieve an overall engagement index of 76, and secure no accidents leading to absence. Also, to reduce Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate by 5 percent year on year.

  • Driving continuous improvement in operations

    Deliver on CO₂ reduction plan set in line with the SBTi. As well as increase the use of recycled material by 10 percent year on year.

  • Ensuring responsibility throughout the supply chain

    Have suppliers account for 90 percent of spend to be covered in our supplier self-assessment. Also, to have 85 percent of our important suppliers sign our Code of Conduct for Suppliers. Lastly, have ten on-site conducted audits.

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Corporate responsibility at HL

Would you like to know more about how we work with Corporate responsibility at HL?
Click here