Auchan, ready for DRS: The retailer has already collected 32 million packages nationwide

The Auchan Romania stores are ready for the launch of the Deposit-Return System, a program that comes into effect from November 30th. As the first retailer to join the „recycling dance”, Auchan has provided customers with the opportunity to bring used packaging for collection and recycling at specially designated points equipped with automated collection machines (RVM) since April of this year. Thus far, Auchan has already collected 32 million packages nationwide. Packaging with the Deposit Guarantee symbol can be brought to all Auchan stores. Meanwhile, Auchan continues its incentive actions, offering a bonus of 50 bani per package to customers who bring in non-symbol-specific packaging. This bonus is provided in the form of a voucher issued based on the MyCLUB Auchan loyalty card.

The collection system for plastic, metal, and glass packaging is already available to customers in Auchan stores, with Auchan supporting them since April. The retailer installed Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) devices and provided vouchers worth 50 bani for each collected package through the MyCLUB Auchan loyalty card. This solution was implemented in advance to encourage as many citizens as possible to test and become accustomed to such a systematic packaging recycling system.

“Practically, the Deposit-Return System has been operational for over 7 months thanks to the joint effort of all our teams, whom we thank for their exemplary involvement. We also extend our gratitude to Auchan customers, who have been particularly receptive in adopting responsible consumption behavior. We are pleased that they have understood the importance of recycling, contributing to the launch of the largest circular economy project in Romania. Nationally, we have already collected an impressive number of 32 million packages, investing over 16 million lei in rewards for recycling, alongside our partners. We congratulate RetuRO and all the associations involved in this essential initiative for the environment for all the hard work. We also acknowledge the Ministry of the Environment for the extraordinary initiative. Moving forward, we rely on the continued high level of responsibility from our customers, whom we encourage to recycle as much as possible,” stated Corina Dospinoiu, Sustainability Director at Auchan Retail Romania.

With the launch of the national program, both types of packaging, with and without the Deposit Guarantee symbol, can be received at the same collection points but at different machines in the following Auchan stores, regardless of where the products were initially purchased: Baia Mare, Brașov Coresi, Vitan, Drumul Taberei, Berceni, Cluj Iulius, Cluj Iris, Constanța Sud, Constanța Nord, Craiovița, Craiova Electroputere, Oradea, Pitești Găvana, Târgu Mureș Nord, Târgu Mureș Sud, Timișoara Nord, Timișoara Iulius, and Timișoara Sud, at specially designated recycling points.

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For packaging with the Deposit Guarantee symbol, initially, a bonus of 50 bani per package will be granted directly through the voucher issued by the machines, which can be used for shopping at any Auchan store (except for Petrom gas station stores). As products with the Deposit Guarantee symbol enter the stores, the cash guarantee will be returned to customers. Meanwhile, campaigns with benefits through the MyCLUB Auchan loyalty card will continue for those who recycle packaging without the specific symbol, following the information and regulations published by the retailer.

Auchan, a pioneer in recycling, is also the first retailer to introduce, in 2011, RVM-type machines for the recovery of PET bottles in some of its stores. Throughout the years, Auchan has consistently undertaken social responsibility and circular economy actions to protect the planet.