Behind the scenes of Silpo: over 22,000 tons of utility waste have been recycled 02.03.2021

In 2020, the Silpo chain, part of Fozzy Group, collected and sent for processing 22,205 tons of utility waste. Currently, about 92% of the supermarkets in 60 Ukrainian cities are involved in waste sorting. This number will reach 100% soon.

Silpo separates the collected waste into four main categories: paper, metal, plastic, and glass. In particular, in 2020, the following were recycled:

  • 19,631 tons of waste paper,
  • 2,436 tons of plastic,
  • 101 tons of metal, and
  • 37 tons of glass.

The Silpo chain began implementing a separate waste collection project in the summer of 2020. Instead of the usual rubbish bins in supermarkets, there are sorting mini-stations installed behind the counters, in the kitchen, in the production shop, in the hall, in the office, on the platform for receiving goods, on the retail floor, and even at the exit. Therefore, rather than decomposing for centuries in a landfill, tons of waste get a second life.

To feel confident about the reuse of the waste, we choose reliable contractors. In total, there are 46 companies, including: Vtorresursy of Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill, Obukhivmiskvtorresursy, Rubizhne Cardboard and Packaging Mill, the Vtorma group of companies, LEK HRUP, Yevrovtorsyrovyna, Vtorresursy Skhid, Lion Recycling Ukraine, and Svod LTD. They take waste from the stores, sort it, and then process it themselves or sell it to their trusted partners.

Our contractors sort plastic to process it into pellets, which are then used for the needs of various areas of production: from cookware to car parts. Part of the plastic is manufactured into pipes. Cling film again becomes cling film.

The bulk of the waste paper collected in Silpo goes to such recycling industry giants as Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill, Obukhivmiskvtorresursy, Rubizhne Cardboard and Packaging Mill. They make hygienic paper goods, chipboard, and corrugated cardboard with the waste paper, and then leading brand products are packaged with it.

‘Deployment of the separate waste collection system is one of our steps in implementing a sustainable development strategy. It is a relatively new project for us that requires a continual process of adjustment and improvement: we plan to have total control of the waste movement to processing facilities, expand staff knowledge on the aspects of separate waste collection and enhance the environmental awareness of our visitors. Thanks to our environmental initiatives, we strive to mitigate the negative impact on the environment and preserve our planet for generations to come,’ said Hanna Zadorozhna, Environmental Manager at Silpo.

During the existence of the project, we have collected more than 100 tons of cans. Every single one of them would have decomposed in landfills for centuries. Now, however, in the recycling scenario, they can be part of about 140 cars and save 95% of the energy which it would take to produce primary products.

For example, the waste glass which is collected at Silpo and sent for recycling has helped to save at least 9 tons of limestone.

Our first step towards saving the environment was the opening of the first #SilpoRecycling station in 2018. There are now nine such stations. They accept recyclables from the public, and they encourage those who choose to act responsibly and dispose of household waste charging eco-points to the Vlasnyi Rakhunok card.


About Silpo

Founded in 1998, Silpo is one of the biggest national supermarket chains in Ukraine. As of March, 2, 2021, there are 273 supermarkets and four Le Silpo gourmet stores. This store chain is a part of Fozzy Group, one of Ukraine’s biggest commercial groups.

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