You are here: / / / 2025

Only change is permanent: update on the CAFE regulation

Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (vans) account for about 19% of total CO2 emissions in the EU1. To reduce emissions, the EU has set vehicle emission standards for new cars and vans, also referred to as the CAFE standards (corporate average fuel economy). Under the regulation, car manufacturers are required to align production with the emission targets set, but it is far from easy as demand is not yet keeping pace with this dynamic change and the transition to electric cars is still not happening at the pace expected by the regulation. The newly appointed Commercial Director of Ayvens, Viktor Hegedűs, gave a progress report on the details of the regulation and what it means for car manufacturers and companies with company fleets.

Key cornerstones of CAFE regulation:

2020 – 2024 (based on NEDC2):

  • Cars: 95 g CO2/km
  • Vans: 147 g CO2/km

2025 – 2034 (based on WLTP3):

  • Cars: 93.6 g CO2/km (2025-2029) and 49.5 g CO2/km (2030-2034)
  • Vans: 153.9 g CO2/km (2025-2029) and 90.6 g CO2/km (2030-2034)

2035: All new passenger cars and vans sold in the EU must be zero-emission.

Fines and flexibility

Starting in 2025, manufacturers will face fines for not meeting these targets, with estimates suggesting potential fines could reach around €20 billion if trends continue. This has led manufacturers to lobby the European Commission for more flexible targets. While the overall targets will stay the same, the European Commission may allow manufacturers to average their emissions over a three-year period from 20254. This means they can have some flexibility in how they meet these targets, but the 2035 goals will (until now) remain unchanged. This is therefore seen as a temporary fix, as the industry must ultimately move towards more sustainable practices. This amendment is now subject to approval by European Parliament and Council.

The changing automotive landscape in 2025

The demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is rising, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are declining. Local laws and fiscal regimes are increasingly supporting EU’s strive for decarbonisation, adding more pressure on manufacturers to speed up their shift to electric vehicles. An example of this are the recent changes in benefit in kind taxation in France and Italy or the recent clampdown on plug-in hybrid vehicles in Hungary, which removes the tax and parking benefits for this type of vehicle.

In 2025, there will be more BEV models available than ever before, but there is still a gap between what is offered and what consumers expect. Although the average range of BEVs is improving – now reach 460 km in practice, not just on paper, for some models – the options are still limited for vehicles priced below €25,000.

Global electrification trends towards 2030

Europe and China are expected to lead in electrification, while the pace of change in the United States and other regions may be slower due to different regulations. Other parts of the world will also move towards electrification but at a slower rate.

As the EU aims to reduce CO2 emissions, car manufacturers face both challenges and opportunities in adapting to these new rules. With fines for non-compliance on the horizon, manufacturers must embrace more sustainable practices. Strategies such as increasing sales of electric vehicles, collaborating with others to meet emissions targets, and offering competitive pricing are becoming essential.

As the demand for electric vehicles grows, fleet managers need to keep an eye on the new laws and their potential impact on costs. Efforts to reduce emissions are significantly reshaping the industry, highlighting the need for strategic planning and the involvement of experts to effectively navigate this new landscape in the long term.

 

Sources:

CO₂ emission performance standards for cars and vans – European Commission

NEDC: New European Driving Cycle – previous standard emission test for vehicles. Replaced by WLTP

WLTP: Worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure

Commission proposes flexibility to help manufacturers comply with 2025 CO2 emission targets

The Carbon Cost of the Digital – Carbon.Crane at UNICEF Conference

At the UNICEF Climate Heroes Conference, György Huszics, co-founder and CEO of Carbon.Crane, joined a panel discussion focused on the carbon footprint of technology. Speaking directly to an audience of 13–18-year-olds, he addressed the environmental impact of digital tools, highlighting issues such as digital carbon emissions and energy efficiency.

During this unconventional session, the audience had the chance to measure the carbon footprint of their own social media use in real time using their smartphones. The collective annual footprint—more than 20 tonnes—was visualized instantly through an interactive display, sparking surprise among the attendees.

UNICEF Hungary’s flagship event gathered nearly 1,500 participants, mostly upper primary and secondary school students. The tech-focused panel also featured Péter Szabó, Managing Director of Microsoft Hungary, and Dr. András Márton, Assistant Professor at Corvinus University and sustainability expert. The discussion was moderated by UNICEF Youth Ambassador Anna Bársony.

Following the roundtable, Carbon.Crane experts led a hands-on workshop for interested students and teachers. The interactive session explored key questions about digital carbon footprints and gave participants the opportunity to test professional tools and learn practical tips for improving the energy efficiency of their devices.

Carbon.Crane developed its educational program in 2023 and tested it in collaboration with four Hungarian universities. By 2024, the CarbonClass program became available nationwide to partner institutions. Alongside its original interactive workshop format, the company has also introduced two new versions: a condensed, gamified edition tailored to younger audiences, and a version adapted for corporate sustainability trainings. The gamified format was showcased for the first time at the UNICEF conference.

Budapest, 2025.04.09.

 

A new workplace baseline is emerging – find out in Randstad Workmonitor 2025 report

This year’s report reveals a new workplace baseline, where success is no longer just about what we do, but also why we do it, how we do it, and who we do it with.

This new baseline is grounded in three pillars shaping the future of work:

🙋Personalization – talent want work to align with their unique values, ambitions, and life circumstances. Employers are catching on, with 32% now prioritizing personalized skills development and career mobility opportunities.
🤝 Community – a sense of belonging is essential for performance, well-being, and supportive workplace relationships. Yet, 44% of talent said they left jobs last year due to toxic workplaces—a wake-up call for leaders.
🧰 Future-ready skilling – opportunities to develop and sustain skills for tomorrow are now a deal-breaker for many workers. Nearly 90% of employers agree reskilling is critical, but over half remain unsure how to implement more impactful programs.

Employers face a clear mission: embrace this new baseline and align talent expectations with business priorities. Doing so strengthens teams, boosts productivity, and attracts and retains the talent needed to stay competitive.

📖 Download the full report and discover actionable insights that will help you deliver for your workforce. ➡️ click and download it now.

Latest news on ESG legislative changes

CSRD: „Stop-the-clock”

On 3rd April 2025, the European Parliament voted in favour of the European Commission’s “stop-the-clock” proposal to delay the implementation deadlines for key sustainability regulations – the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

What does the proposal contain?

  • Large companies with more than 250 employees would start reporting CSRD in 2028 for the financial year 2027, while listed SMEs would start reporting one year later.
  • The first group of companies covered by the CSRDD, including EU companies with more than 5,000 employees and a turnover of €1.5 billion, would start applying the rules from 2028, with an additional year for Member States to transpose the rules into national law.

The European Commission has also instructed the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) to finalise technical advice on the CSRD’s European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) within seven months. This could allow companies to optionally implement the new standards as early as the 2026 financial year.
The decision was approved by the European Council on 14 April. The proposal requires Member States to transpose the changes into national law by 31 December 2025.

Amendments to the ESG law expected

On 19 March 2025, the Ministry of National Economy submitted a draft law amending the ESG legislation for public consultation. Under the proposed changes, large companies covered by the law will have an additional two years to prepare their first certified ESG report, so that they will have to publish their first public report in 2028.
Another important element is that under the amendment, domestic micro, small and medium-sized enterprises would be fully exempted from all ESG reporting obligations until mid-2027, after which they would only have to complete a significantly shorter questionnaire.
Information on the public consultation has been shared by BCSDH with all its member companies.

 

More information: EUR-Lex

More than 1.1 million Munch food rescue packages have sold across SPAR stores

In total, more than 1.1 million Munch food rescue packages have been purchased by SPAR customers since the launch of the innovative service in 2022. Among these, around 500,000 bakery product and more than 400,000 vegetable packages were sold at up to 60 percent cheaper than their original price.

“Food waste management is a global problem. Even though only 5% of food waste is generated in trade, SPAR Hungary treats this issue as a priority within its strategically important sustainability programme. Our company joined the Munch food rescue in 2022, through which the remaining, but still good quality food can reach our customers at a significantly lower price compared to their market price. Following the test period, we introduced the service in all SPAR and INTERSPAR stores because of the positive experience. It has become part of our employees’ daily routine to separate fresh products by determining what might go into a Munch package. We are very pleased that the programme was a great success among our customers, and more than 1.1 million food rescue packages have been purchased to date,” said Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.

“The results of the Munch and SPAR collaboration clearly demonstrate that significant progress can be made towards food waste reduction. These results reflect not only our efforts, but also the commitment of customers to saving food. Together, we are proving that small steps can make a big difference in the fight against food waste. Based on the feedback of our community, using Munch is easily integrated into everyday life. Not only do we do good for our environment, but we can also save time, energy and money while trying new types of food,” said Albert Wettstein, co-founder of Munch.

Up to 60% discount on Munch packages

In SPAR Munch food rescue packages, shoppers can find vegetables, fruits, juices, pre-packaged and unpackaged breads, various bakery products, savoury and sweet delicacies, dairy products, pasta, salami, cold cuts, fresh eggs and other products that do not require refrigeration.  These packages can be purchased for almost a third of the original price, with a discount of up to 60%. In practice, this means a “Munch price” of 1200 HUF for a package worth around 3000 HUF, and 600 HUF for a package worth 1500 HUF. The operation of the system is simple: the selected package must be reserved via the free mobile application or the website, then paid for and collected in the store within a specified time slot.

Customers took home almost half a million Munch bakery packages

Since the launch, the most popular SPAR Munch packages have been bakery products, with approximately 500,000 being sold since the service was introduced. More than 400,000 of the fruit and vegetable Munch packages, 203,000 of the refrigerated Munch packages, and 23,000 of the packages that do not require refrigeration were sold. Customers show the greatest interest in these packages in the cities of Szeged, Debrecen, Győr, Miskolc, and Pécs, as well as Budapest. There is significant interest in baked goods in Hatvan and Dunaújváros, while fruits and vegetables are the most popular in Sárvár and Kozármisleny. The strongest demand for refrigerated food is in Abony and Hatvan. According to statistical data, the busiest months are January, February, and September, but a higher demand is experienced in summer and during the Christmas period.

In the SPAR food rescue programme, food that isn’t sold through Munch is not wasted either. The high-quality products are given to people in need in cooperation with the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta. Finally, food that is not purchased through Munch before the expiration date or does not reach the Charity Service is offered by SPAR to animal shelters and wildlife parks. As a last resort, animal food waste is turned into biogas, while non-animal waste is composted as biowaste – where possible.

Further information on the operation of the food rescue initiative can be found at the following link: https://www.spar.hu/munch

E.ON installs kestrel boxes on the banks of Rákos stream

  • Red kestrel nesting boxes have been placed on E.ON Hungária Group’s high-voltage pylons in the Zugló district of Budapest.
  • The nest installations were done by a specialist from the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society according to Zugló’s request.
  • More than 170 artificial nesting boxes host birds of prey on E.ON’s network in Pest County, Budapest and Transdanubia.

E.ON Hungária Group has placed red kestrel nesting boxes on pylons along the Rákos stream. The 132 kV high-voltage network’s pylons along the stream are suitable for nesting, according to Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society recommendations. The installations also provide a safe breeding site for red kestrels, free from human disturbance and other predators. The wild and tended areas of the stream’s banks are an excellent place for the kestrels to find food such as voles, lizards and grasshoppers.

These shelter areas for birds are made of wood, are waterproof, and are protected from the sun by an aluminium cover. E.ON mounted them at a height of 6 metres on the high-voltage poles. The condition of the nests, their occupancy and the development of the nestlings inside will be monitored by volunteer experts from the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society.

The red kestrel is a common bird in the capital, breeding in tall buildings, fixed windows, gaps in buildings, and occasionally occupies the nests of other birds, such as crows and magpies. It nests in a number of streets in Zugló, and breeding pairs are known to inhabit the roofs of Budapest’s Geological Museum and Hungary’s Parliament building.

Last year, E.ON measured an 80 per cent occupancy rate for these artificial nest boxes on high-voltage power poles. So far this year, the electricity company has provided more than 170 artificial nests for birds of prey, and plans to install more throughout the year.

 

Sustainable aviation fuel available in Budapest from January

Budapest Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, has achieved an important milestone in sustainability. Budapest Airport’s subsidiary, Airport Fuel Supply Ltd., has successfully passed the audit criteria for the introduction of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Certification is a prerequisite for the airport operator to provide airlines with the minimum 2% sustainable aviation fuel from 1 January 2025, as required by the relevant regulation.

One of the biggest current challenges for airports operators is combining the increase of air mobility demand with the need to protect the climate. In addition to all actions implemented to reduce direct airport emissions (such as energy efficiency, the electrification of vehicles, the development of renewables, etc.), in the short to medium term, the introduction and wider use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is currently one of the solutions to act on airport scope 3, by reducing aircraft emissions.

Budapest Airport tested the commercial use of SAF in 2023, in cooperation with MOL, Wizz Air and AFS Ltd., with the aim of preparing Budapest Airport’s fuel supply system for the obligation coming into force in 2025, which requires airport operators above a certain level of traffic to provide a minimum 2% sustainable aviation fuel to airlines from the beginning of this year. A prerequisite for fulfilling this obligation is to meet a stringent set of sustainability criteria, which Budapest Airport’s subsidiary, AFS Ltd. successfully passed last November, and thus acquired the required ISCC EU certification.

The raw materials used in the production of SAF include vegetable or animal fats, that cannot be recycled elsewhere, which are converted into a premium-quality renewable product through special processes, thus reducing the greenhouse gases emitted by aircraft. This new generation of sustainably produced fuel, in its pure form, could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle, compared to fossil jet fuel. SAF is currently permitted to be blended with conventional fossil-based kerosene of up to 50%, to ensure compatibility with aircraft, engines and fuelling systems. SAF is also compatible with existing airport infrastructure, minimizing additional investments.

“Sustainable aviation fuel emits about 80% less carbon dioxide compared to conventional kerosene and can therefore make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of the aviation industry,” emphasized Francois Berisot, the CEO of Budapest Airport, who also underlined: “The availability of sustainable aviation fuel at Budapest Airport is a very important milestone and will greatly contribute to the future reduction of Budapest Airport’s indirect carbon emissions from its corporate value chain activities.”

In addition to reducing indirect emissions, and in line with VINCI Airport’s environmental policy, Budapest Airport’s priority is to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions from direct airport operations by over 90% by 2030 at the latest, and achieve Airports Council International’s (ACI Europe) Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 5, which certifies that the airport has reached and maintains a net zero carbon balance in its direct scopes (Scopes 1 and 2) and has addressed indirect emissions sources (Scope 3).

ReFuelEU Aviation promotes the increased use of sustainable aviation fuels, as the single most powerful tool to decrease aviation CO2 emissions. The measure is part of the Fit for 55 package to meet the emissions reduction target of 55% by 2030. It sets requirements for aviation fuel suppliers to gradually increase the share of SAF blended into the conventional aviation fuel supplied at EU airports. The RefuelEU directive requires (at certain airports above certain traffic levels) the provision of at least 2% sustainable aviation fuel for airlines from 01.01.2025.

The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Commission. The opinions expressed are those of the author only.

Our Grandfathers Cooled Themselves Under Trees, Today We Go to Air-Conditioned Supermarkets—The Urgency of Climate Adaptation Is Undeniable – Jan Pokorný at BCSDH’s Business Breakfast

Extreme climate and weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. The cost of the resulting damage and losses is $16 million per hour globally. A significant part of this stems from our lack of understanding of nature’s interconnections. Our current systems and infrastructures are no longer sufficient to handle these challenges—we must urgently adapt to the changing climate. And once again, nature itself offers solutions, as highlighted by Jan Pokorný, co-founder and research director of the research organization ENKI, o.p.s., at the BCSDH Business Breakfast and Forum held on March 25, which focused on climate adaptation. The event was hosted by Dr. Csaba Kandrács, Vice President of the Hungarian National Bank, who welcomed the participants.

According to a report from 2025 by the World Economic Forum, the leaders who were surveyed ranked extreme weather conditions as the second greatest risk factor using a two-year outlook and the top risk from a ten-year perspective.

 

“Improper landscape management—stemming from ‘plant illiteracy’, i.e., the low level of human knowledge about plants—is leading to an increase in continental droughts, rising local temperatures, and the development of an arid climate, interrupted by torrential rains and extreme weather events. This ignorance also affects climate adaptation, as we fail to properly utilize nature in this process. People do not understand the role of plant transpiration in the ‘air-conditioning’ function of vegetation, its impact on the water cycle, or the interactions between plants and the atmosphere. By gaining a deeper understanding of these processes, we can equip ourselves with numerous tools for both climate mitigation and adaptation.”- said Jan Pokorný, co-founder and research director of the research organization ENKI, o.p.s., in his thought-provoking presentation.

The BCSDH’s Towards Net Zero survey, published in January 2025, highlighted that while 91% of companies are feeling the impacts of climate change, only 16% have a climate adaptation action plan. Moreover, Hungary is disproportionately vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change relative to its small contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

“The frequency of extreme weather events has increased, and the business sector must also prepare for this. We need to assess how these changes may impact business operations and develop strategies for adapting to our changing world,” – said Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH, in his opening speech. – “Although several international developments are working against sustainability efforts, this does not mean that companies can relax their commitments regarding climate change. The climate change is not slowing down—it is becoming increasingly severe.”

Increasing reporting obligations have led to growth in the number of sustainability strategies and the use of related metrics, significantly impacting climate adaptation and the assessment of physical risks. Integrating sustainability considerations into financial decision-making clearly facilitates resilience planning.

Global and European trends may lead to a softening of sustainability goals and expectations about decisive action. However, regardless of what happens with climate targets, conditions are already changing, and this process will only intensify. The need for climate adaptation is unquestionable.

Following the presentations, a closed forum brought together business leaders, and corporate, scientific, and civil experts to discuss the best methods for preparing for climate adaptation, key considerations regarding implementing successful adaptation measures, and the role of water as a critical element in climate resilience. The forum also highlighted numerous business-related best practices.

The discussions were led by Dr. Barbara Wassen, Climate Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Energy; Dr. Gábor Bartus, Secretary of the National Council for Sustainable Development; and Dr. Károly Kovács, President of the Hungarian Water and Wastewater Technology Association and CEO of Pureco Ltd.

The findings from the forum—covering Hungary’s current situation, key challenges, and driving factors—will be further explored in executive roundtable discussions in May. The goal is to develop recommendations for companies on climate adaptation, which will be presented at the BCSDH Business Lunch in October. Encouraging companies to act and supporting them in taking the most critical steps remains a top priority.

Great ideas emerge from many ideas!

Why do we (unconsciously) resist change? What is necessary for successful innovation? What are the biggest challenges of innovation? What is an ant mill? How does a circular economy resemble a well-functioning kitchen? Which is the most innovative country in the world? – These were among the key topics discussed at the third professional day of the Future Leaders program, focusing on sustainable innovation, products, and services. The event was opened by our host, Maria Rita Maresca, Managing Director of EUROAPI Hungary Ltd.

At the beginning of the program, Zita Szederkényi, the head of the program, introduced participants to the day’s theme with an interactive time-travel game, emphasizing the essential role of innovation.

The first presentation was delivered by Prof. Dr. Csaba Deák, a professor at the University of Miskolc, who illustrated various aspects of innovation through well-executed examples, including its risks, timing of implementation, and the relationship between innovation strategy and technological maturity. He highlighted six key factors for successful innovation, particularly emphasizing the importance of having a Plan B and the critical role of execution.

Dr. György Purebl, Director of the Institute of Behavioral Sciences at Semmelweis University, gave a lecture on the human aspects of innovation and change. He discussed learned helplessness, our attitudes toward change, and how those with better failure management skills are more likely to undertake innovation initiatives, thereby increasing their chances of success. He emphasized the importance of switching flexibly between decision-making strategies, which is crucial in innovation. On one end of the spectrum is the “Zombie” mode, where everything follows automated routines, while the other extreme is the “Hamlet” state, where every decision is overanalyzed. Recognizing one’s position on this scale is essential for successful innovation.

The latter part of the morning focused on project work related to climate adaptation. Andrea Nagy, professional project manager at BCSDH, highlighted in her introduction that climate adaptation must be addressed alongside emission reduction, always considering a comprehensive approach.

The project teams then applied the BricksMagic Lego® Serious Play® method, using creative construction to define sustainability challenges they aimed to solve with their projects. Their work was supported by Richárd Hlavay, founder of BricksMagic.

The afternoon program continued with an engaging panel discussion featuring Dr. Gábor Ligeti (Heineken), Péter Chrabák (Bay Zoltán Institute), and Rajmund Percze (AGROLOOP), who shared their insights on ensuring continuous renewal in companies. The discussion covered how sustainable innovation can be a key factor in the long-term success of both large corporations and startups. Participants emphasized the increasing role of sustainability in innovation and investments, as well as the importance of collaboration between research and development companies and multinational corporations to drive sustainable solutions forward.

Róbert Nádasi, Deputy CEO of Masterplast Nyrt., presented the company’s achievements in sustainability, as well as their innovative insulation solution, the Green Hungarocell Program, which is the first certified circular economy model in the Hungarian construction industry. The program focuses on collecting and recycling polystyrene-based construction waste, thereby reducing environmental impact.

After a brief introduction by Melinda Sárközi, EUROAPI’s internal communications colleague, the participants took part in a factory tour in three groups, guided by expert EUROAPI colleagues. During the tour, they visited a production facility, the laboratory, and one of the warehouse buildings. The groups were welcomed by well-prepared colleagues, who provided insights into how sustainability elements are integrated into warehouse processes and also introduced a digitalized daily capacity planning tool in the quality control area.

To conclude the day, the participants had a discussion with Maria Rita Maresca, Managing Director, who shared insights about her career, experiences, key aspects of leadership, and managing culturally diverse teams. She emphasized that one of the simplest yet most effective indicators of good leadership is the smile on people’s faces.

The photo gallery from the professional day is available at the following link.

SPAR Hungary spent nearly 220 million forints supporting social causes last year

Since its founding, more than 30 years ago, SPAR Hungary has been committed to social responsibility and supporting charitable causes. The company helps thousands of families in need by collecting school supplies and non-perishable food, while also supporting healthcare and animal welfare organisations, as well as cultural and sports programmes. Last year, SPAR spent nearly 220 million forints on these causes.

Cooperation for families in need

SPAR and its strategic partner, the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, organised the Joy to Give! (Adni Öröm!) school supply collection campaign for the fourth time in 2024, through which SPAR customers helped disadvantaged families to start school with a total of about 71,000 items of school supplies. Supporters also purchased donation cards worth 1.4 million forints, and the Charity Service also used the money to provide school supplies to those in need. On top of this, SPAR donated a further 1 million HUF to the initiative.

As a result of the 28th Christmas Joy to Give! non-perishable food collection campaign organized by the company and the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, more than 26,000 food packages were distributed to disadvantaged people before the holiday. Customers of SPAR and INTERSPAR stores contributed 223 tonnes of food to the donations and by purchasing donation cards for almost 5.5 million forints, which SPAR Hungary matched with an additional 5 million forints. The Charity Service spent this amount on buying even more food products.

The Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta has been producing canvas shopping bags for the SPAR national network in Tiszabura, one of the poorest corners of the country, since 2019. In the past six years, the organisation has produced more than 424,000 bags in the Máltai Manufaktúra sewing shop, involving people in difficulty, for whom the program provides training and jobs.

As part of the strategic partnership, in 2024, the company donated more than 1.1 million kilograms of food, vegetables, and fruit from 66 SPAR stores that were withdrawn from sales but still suitable for consumption, to the Charity Service, who then distributed them to the people in need.

In 2024, the 200 and 500 HUF donation cards for the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta were also available for purchase in SPAR and INTERSPAR stores and in the SPAR online shop. The amount of the cards purchased has exceeded 50 million forints since the start of the initiative. In addition, in each SPAR and INTERSPAR store, the company donates 1 forint from the price of every degradable carry bag to the Charity Service. Thanks to this, SPAR supported the organisation’s work with more than 10 million forints in 2024.

SPAR supports animal welfare

The retail chain has been helping animal shelters in Hungary for more than a decade by donating products that are no longer commercially marketable but can be used to feed animals. Last year, the company donated more than 2,900 tonnes of food to 156 organisations.

The chain also works closely with the National Animal Protection Foundation (Országos Állatvédőrség Alapítvány).  During the jointly organized Paw in Trouble! pet food collection weekend, customers of INTERSPAR stores donated nearly 12,000 cans and 9,500 kilograms of dry pet food. Additionally, large quantities of pet equipment and cleaning products were donated. SPAR also contributed 1 million HUF to support the work of the National Animal Protection Foundation.

The company provides opportunities for animal protection and rescue NGOs to organize collections in SPAR and INTERSPAR stores throughout the year.

Runners from 107 countries arrived for the SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival

The country’s largest and oldest running competition, the SPAR Budapest Marathon® Festival, took place for the 39th time in October 2024. As the main sponsor, SPAR has been supporting the event since 2008 as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle and the love of exercise. Around 30,000 participants from 107 countries took part in the competition, which took place across the most beautiful parts of the capital, in various categories. SPAR employees could register for the competition for free, and in the spirit of social responsibility, the company supported the Utcáról Lakásba! (From the Streets to a Home) association with a 2,000-forint donation for every colleague who took part.


SPAR offsets carbon footprint of its events by planting native trees

SPAR Hungary’s exemplary practice of striving for environmental awareness with its own events continued in 2024: the chain already organized two of its events in a carbon-conscious spirit this year. With the corporate partner event held at the Budapest Wine Festival and the annual business results press conference, SPAR compensated for the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the organisation, energy consumption, guest travel and meals by planting a total of 418 native fruit trees.

SPAR supported a paediatric ear replacement operation

SPAR Hungary contributed to the introduction of a revolutionary new medical intervention: the first successful ear replacement operation was performed at the Heim Pál National Paediatric Institute on a 10-year-old child in December 2024. The support related to the operation will also enable the healthcare institution to purchase the implants necessary for the surgery for three additional children.

Direct support for civil society organisations

SPAR Hungary is pleased to support organisations that are dedicated to socially significant causes.  Therefore, the company launched the SPAR Helping Hands application system through which it supported 145 NGOs last year.

SPAR Regional Treasures programme helps small businesses

Over the past year, SPAR Hungary has further expanded its small producer business partnership programme. Launched in 2021, the award-winning Regional Treasures programme has made it possible for more than 500 products from more than 100 suppliers to be available in stores. The company also provides professional support to the partners to further improve their progress and market position, and has developed a new application for more effective communication. The participating companies and small businesses together employ more than 600 people.

Plastic-free July: focus on creating awareness

The store chain joined the Plastic-free July campaign in 2024, to raise the attention of its customers and 14,000 employees through various communication channels to rethink everyday consumer habits, to well-planned and conscious shopping to generate as little waste as possible. In addition, the company offered customers a reusable, easy-to-clean fruit and vegetable bag package at a special price of 99 forints.

Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary
1118 Budapest, Ménesi street 9/a.

About us
Our mission
Our vision
Our Members
Annual Report
Contact

Carbon-aware events
Gallery

Policies and statements
Privacy policy
Competition Law Statement
Code of Ethics

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) National Partner