Eroski is reducing the environmental impact of its containers and packaging, with the help of a computer tool developed in cooperation with the AZTI-Tecnalia Technological Centre.

An example is the substitution of PE labels by new paper, linerless FSC with which EROSKI has managed to make a total saving of 43 tons of CO2 in 2010.

Using this tool, the effect of different formats of packaging can be compared, both in costs arising (materials, productive process, transport, final management) and as regards the overall environmental impact and emissions of greenhouse effect gases, and throughout the whole life cycle of the packaging, thus giving rise to solutions for the packaging analysed.

In this way, sustainability criteria can be introduced - choosing the most suitable packaging format for a product, and enabling combining different materials, processes, transport systems and kinds of management. The priority target is reducing or minimising the environmental impact of the containers and packaging used in shops.

Currently, the food industry is in a highly competitive market and in an increasingly global one, which has to find solutions to reduce production costs and be able to maintain profit margins.

At the same time, consumers, industry and the public at large are more aware and the demand for sustainability-related aspects and respect for the environment is increasing.

This is why ongoing efforts are required to enhance the design and control of all the processes and products.