Enjoy
sustainably.
Working together for more sustainability – every day anew
Sustainability guidelines of the ZHG
More sustainable behaviour both within the company and in relation to the environment and society – a goal to which Zentrale Handelsgesellschaft mbH (ZHG) has committed itself by implementing this sustainability guideline as a priority. We are committed to taking responsibility for these three components (economic, ecological and social) in order to make a significant contribution to sustainable global development – together with all stakeholders.
For suppliers, their understanding of sustainability is bundled by these guidelines. Our aim is to do something good for the environment and society by acting directly on the origins and sources of the raw materials used in the products together. In this way, responsible, resource-conserving, respectful and sustainable behaviour can be ensured.
Economic success is only achieved by those companies that embrace sustainability and implement and embed it in their organisation. We stand formore sustainability – Every day anew.
Palm oil
Almost half of all products in a supermarket contain palm oil as a raw material in their recipe. Foodstuffs and luxury foods with a high sugar content and ready-to-eat meals are particularly predestined for a high utilisation of the raw material. An increasing amount of palm oil is demanded and required all over the world.
Packaging
The demand for paper is increasing almost on a daily basis, especially in industrialised countries, as many everyday products, such as toilet paper, require wood as a resource. Also included is all product packaging made of paper or cardboard. The following statements apply to all articles falling under the responsibility of the ZHG that contain wood in the form of paper and/or cardboard in the primary packaging.
Recyclate
Recyclates are products that result from the recycling process. They are recycled plastics made from PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or from plastic waste. This helps to saves resources and protect the environment, as the reuse reduces the amount of raw materials used and at the same time reduces energy consumption. From an environmental point of view, the use of recyclates is therefore desirable.
Fish
Along with the growing number of inhabitants of this planet, fish consumption is also increasing. As a result, millions of fishing vessels are deployed every day, some of them using precarious fishing methods. The ZHG would also like to promote the sustainable use of fish and seafood as a resource. The following statements apply to all items under the jurisdiction of the ZHG that contain fish and seafood in any form in the recipe.
Organic
There are now a huge number of different identification options for agriculture that is carried out under particularly ecological aspects. To simplify matters for consumers, an EU organic logo was established in 2012. We are continuously expanding our organic range of products. This currently comprises about 100 items from the fruit/vegetable sector, including juices made from them, the frozen food range, the milk and dairy sector and the basic food sector.
Eggs
In Germany alone, about 217 eggs are consumed on average per capita every year, which means that millions of hens must serve the production industry. That over five million laying hens still spend their lives in cages is a fact. The ZHG would also like to improve the handling of laying hens and make it more sustainable. The following statements on the current situation and future vision apply to all items under the responsibility of the ZHG that contain hen's eggs in any form* in the recipe.
Without genetic engineering
Labelling of the use of genetically modified feed is not mandatory for meat products. However, such information should not be withheld from consumers. The ZHG would also like to improve the handling of genetic engineering and make it more sustainable. Certification in accordance with VLOG (in Germany) and "produced without genetic engineering" (for Austria) is to be examined and addressed across all sectors wherever it is possible and makes sense.
Washing, cleaning and laundering
A.I.S.E. is the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products. It is an international association for soaps, detergents and maintenance products based in Brussels. A.I.S.E. focuses on sustainable design, production and consumption, product safety and the safe use of products for consumers.
Textiles
OEKO-TEX® is an international community consisting of 17 independent research and testing institutes that jointly develop test methods and limits in the field of textile and leather environmental management. The OEKO-TEX® product label certifies textiles that have been tested for harmful substances.
