Plastic-free July: SPAR launches awareness campaign

Responsible waste management is an important part of the sustainability programme of SPAR Hungary, including the reduction of plastic waste as a key objective. The company also pays great attention to raising awareness. The ten-part animated series ÖKO KALAND (ECO ADVENTURE), available on SPAR’s YouTube page, tells preschoolers and pupils about topics such as the importance of sorted waste collection and avoiding single-use plastics. The “Tervezz okosan!” (Plan smartly!) publication, also available online, issued in partnership with Nestlé Hungária, supports the development of environmentally-conscious consumption habits with comprehensive information and practical tips that are easy on the wallet.

“Plastic waste generated in households is a major challenge in waste management. This is why our company has launched the Plastic-free July campaign from the first day of the month to raise awareness among our customers and almost 14 000 employees about the importance of reducing plastic use. In addition to the SPAR website, the initiative is also launched on store posters, the company’s Instagram page, flyers and the MySPAR app during the month of July,” explained Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.

The company is offering its customers a reusable, easy-to-clean fruit and vegetable bag package at the special price of 99 HUF, to support cutting the amount of non-degradable waste. At the same time, shoppers are also reminded that reusable bakery bags are suitable for buying vegetables and fruit as well. According to SPAR, it is also important that consumers choose reusable shopping bags made from recycled materials and that they use their own flasks instead of disposable bottles.

With rethinking consumer habits, planning shopping well and using environmentally-friendly products, everyone can minimise waste. SPAR will also be publishing useful tips on its Instagram platform, and will be encouraging its conscious shoppers with a prize draw during the campaign.

The company is also trying to reach its almost 14 000 employees with useful sustainability messages that will help them to reduce the amount of paper and water they use at work and at home, in addition to the plastic waste they generate. For example, using their own mug and aluminium flasks, saving energy in common areas, using water sparingly, using elevators less and collecting waste separately. The company will also organise biodiversity and sustainability presentations for its employees on 22 July 2024, which will be made available for them to watch.

The SPAR ÖKO KALAND animated series is available at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRb8nyc9fvU&list=PL7ShKg970sBDwhWud5KomzqkakUfP-oe4

The “Tervezz okosan!” (Plan smartly!) publication issued jointly with Nestlé Hungária is available at: https://www.sparafenntarthatojovoert.hu/tervezzokosan/

The SPAR Instagram page is available via the link: https://www.instagram.com/sparmagyarorszag/