At EROSKI, sustainability is more than a goal—it's part of our cooperative identity. Our mission extends beyond providing high-quality products at fair prices. We are committed to protecting health, communities, and the planet, and one of the most visible expressions of that commitment is our approach to sustainable packaging.

Why Packaging Innovation Matters

Packaging is not just functional—it connects our values with our customers' daily choices. As part of our strategy to reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy, we are investing in biobased packaging solutions derived from renewable, plant-based sources such as starch, cellulose, and agricultural byproducts.

This shift represents a key step forward in reducing plastic waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing dependence on fossil-based resources.

How Biobased Packaging Supports Our Sustainability Goals

As part of our 10 Commitments to Health and Sustainability, we are focused on solutions that protect products efficiently while also respecting environmental limits. Our use of biobased materials helps address urgent climate and resource challenges by:

• Reducing carbon emissions across the product life cycle

• Supporting the transition to circular, low-waste systems

• Responding to growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging

Biobased packaging is particularly impactful in categories like fresh produce, private-label items, and ready-to-eat foods, where packaging must both preserve quality and communicate ethical intent.

Taking a Responsible, Science-Based Approach

Not all biobased materials are equal. At EROSKI, we apply strict sustainability criteria and conduct life cycle assessments (LCAs) to ensure the materials we use offer genuine environmental benefits. We avoid options that compete with food crops or perform poorly in real-world conditions.

While availability, cost, and performance remain challenges in scaling biobased alternatives, we take a pragmatic and phased approach. We focus on packaging formats and use cases where these materials offer clear functional and ecological advantages.

Empowering Consumers Through Communication

We recognize that labels such as “biobased,” “compostable,” or “plant-based” can cause confusion. That’s why we’re strengthening consumer education efforts—through packaging design, in-store communication, and digital content—to help shoppers make informed choices and dispose of packaging correctly.

Part of a Broader Circular Packaging Strategy

Our biobased packaging initiatives are one piece of a larger circular strategy. In parallel, we are:

• Reducing unnecessary packaging

• Increasing recyclability

• Incorporating post-consumer recycled materials

• Collaborating with suppliers and partners to drive systemic change

As a cooperative, we measure success not just by financial results but by our social and environmental contribution. Transitioning to biobased packaging is part of our responsibility to future generations, and we remain committed to continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration.