The food distribution sector in Spain continues its journey towards sustainability. According to the third edition of the indicators published by ASEDAS (Spanish Association of Distributors, Autoservices and Supermarkets), food waste has dropped to 0,45%, compared to 0,6% the previous year, on over 15 million tons of products distributed (an increase of 2 million compared to 2023).
This achievement was made possible by digitalizing assortment management and improving logistics, as emphasized by María Martínez-Herrera, ASEDAS's sustainability director.
The report also highlights significant progress in waste management: 91,7% of organic and inorganic materials were recovered through recycling or reuse to produce energy or feed. Household packaging contains an average of 22% recycled material, with a target of 25% for plastic; commercial packaging increased its reuse rate from 55% to 64%.
On the energy front, investments in efficiency accounted for 4,89% of the total in 2024, returning to pre-crisis levels. Several companies already use electricity entirely from renewable sources, particularly solar.
The sector's carbon footprint decreased by 16,6% compared to 2019, although direct and indirect emissions increased by 3% over the past year due to the expansion of the retail network. However, the average impact per store decreased.
Finally, 98% of logistics fleet vehicles are equipped with the ECO or Zero environmental label, and over 4.000 electric charging points have been installed in supermarket parking lots. ASEDAS notes, however, that regulatory uncertainties persist, slowing further development.
