"Sustainability is still a subject that for many is peripheral to doing business – a soft pledge from a company wishing to position itself positively in the eyes of customers and shareholders. But I'd like to be clear: People n Planet isn't just a part of our business – it is our business. It is a journey we have been on since the late 1980s. Our sustainability strategy is linked inextricably to our business strategy."
~ Gareth Ackerman
Chairman
in food waste by 2030
(Scope 1 and 2) by 2050
Pick n Pay branded packaging to be recyclable/reusable by 2025
CO2 refrigeration by 2040
of all waste diverted from landfill by 2025
reduction in water usage per store 2025
Strategic integration of ESG has never been more important. Working with a long-term view, sustainability has taught us much over the decades. We've learnt that, while philanthropic giving remains critical in the face of dire need, positive ESG impact achieves greater traction and scale when linked directly to the business model.
Our sustainability effort – and increasingly our strategic decisions – are guided by a framework focused on:
Each of these links directly to our business model, ensuring that our commitment, disclosure and transparency on ESG targets are sustainable for the organisation as well as delivering measurable stakeholder value and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Building on our core strengths, the Group's strategy continues to focus on:
Each of these elements opens an opportunity for greater ESG integration and positive ESG impact – at scale. We have included data on all of these elements, and more, in the 2024 ESG data-book. We remain committed to transparency in respect of our ESG targets, actions and outcomes.
As a retailer with thousands of suppliers and millions of customers, we are mindful of our wide reach and the environmental impact we have across our value chain. We're working on a broad set of solutions and targets to reduce our impact, with a particular focus on energy, refrigerants, water, waste and packaging, working with our suppliers and partners to innovate for a healthy planet and helping our customers play their part in protecting the environment.
Focus areas:
Dive into the details with our latest ESG databook and our climate change policies.
View our Environmental Impact Strategy for full details – 557KBOur CSI strategy is closely linked to our business strategy and our key focus areas are Food/Nutrition and Education.
Education is a key method for lifting people from poverty. The Pick n Pay School Club provides support to 3 185 schools with free education material, contributing to a pipeline of potential future employees. We believe that doing good is good business. Customers reward businesses which they believe are at the heart of society and give back to the communities they serve. As customers reward us with their loyalty, we can grow, serve more customers, generate more jobs, and help build resilience in more communities.
Focus areas:
Dive into the details with our latest ESG databook:
View our CSI: Investing in our communities and in our people – 576KBPick n Pay Clothing is increasingly investing in local manufacturers, and more than 40% of our clothing is now made in South Africa – up from 10% at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Unique to our proudly "Made in South Africa" range of quality wardrobe essentials is our collaboration with innovative local designers to curate limited-edition collections of on-trend pieces at accessible prices for everyone.
View our Partnering with local suppliers to shift the Food System – 298KB