Avoiding plastic wrap, installing energy-efficient fridges and using recycling materials are among the main green measures, adopted by the Ukrainian supermarket chain Silpo, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Silpo Recycling supermarket, part of the Fozzy Group, has become one of the few supermarkets in the country to adopt the very latest in green technology.

Now the store, instead of freon-based cooling units, uses carbon dioxide-based refrigerators, which don’t release CO2. The company has also installed special doors on its refrigeration, cooling and heating units to reduce cold and heat loss, and has upgraded its building insulation.

To minimise packaging waste, Silpo Recycling no longer packs its fresh produce, wholesaling it instead. Customers can also use their own reusable packaging. Moreover, the supermarket only uses biodegradable and reusable bags alongside other recycled materials, such as shopping carts made from fish nets and ropes.

The company has also installed a recycling station, where customers can bring recyclable materials, such as paper, glass, plastics and metal, and receive vouchers in return to spend in the store. Silpo has also replaced its paper price tags with e-ink solutions. 

In addition, the supermarket has installed 664 photovoltaic panels, which it uses to generate maximum electricity at peak times. The store’s external lighting is also powered by solar panels, and the parking area has six charging stations for electric vehicles.

In addition to the new green store, with the US$60 million EBRD loan, the Fozzy Group will open or renovate 41 Silpo supermarkets and 29 stores across Ukraine. The loan was supported by the EBRD’s Finance and Technology Transfer Centre for Climate Change (FINTECC) programme. The EBRD has also provided comprehensive advice on integrating a sustainable facility and resource management system.

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