Every January 28th, the World Day for Reducing CO2 Emissions is observed, an initiative by the United Nations aimed at raising global awareness of the effects and consequences of global warming. Aware of this urgency, SMU—the parent company of Unimarc, Alvi, Super 10, and Mayorista 10—managed to prevent the emission of 4,655 tons of CO2 equivalent in 2024 thanks to the initiatives implemented through its Food Waste Reduction Program.

Since its inception, the Food Waste Reduction Program has prevented the disposal of 23,970 tons of food, equivalent to 15,025 tons of CO2e. A significant 89% of this achievement was made possible through "Pronto Consumo," an initiative offering products close to their expiration date at discounts of up to 50%. In 2024 alone, this action prevented 6,571 tons of food from being discarded.

Additionally, SMU has implemented various initiatives to donate food to NGOs. As part of its "- Waste + Awareness" program, the company donated 677 tons of food to charitable institutions and foundations last year. Furthermore, the retailer facilitated the delivery of 97 tons of food to shelters and zoos for animal consumption. The remaining 81 tons were repurposed through food recovery efforts, where inedible items were redirected for the production of other raw materials.

"Food waste is closely linked to climate change, as discarded food ends up in landfills that generate greenhouse gas emissions. At SMU, we are committed to giving food a second life to prevent waste, addressing one of the key sustainability challenges in our industry," explains Marcela Salas, SMU’s Sustainability Manager.

Energy Efficiency

SMU has also made progress in reducing CO2e emissions through the use of energy from renewable sources. In 2023, renewable energy consumption reached 12.1%, preventing the emission of 7,317 tons of carbon dioxide.

At the same time, the company avoided the emission of 332 tons of CO2e through the implementation of its Energy Management System (EMS), which includes various measures aimed at optimizing energy consumption.

"The EMS has been implemented in 382 of the company’s facilities, including stores across all our formats—Unimarc, Alvi, Mayorista 10, and Super 10—as well as our Lo Aguirre distribution center. This demonstrates our commitment to environmental protection as part of our Corporate Sustainability Policy, as well as our dedication to operating more efficiently and responsibly," adds Salas.