E.Wedel, one of Poland’s most iconic confectionery brands, is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact through comprehensive sustainability initiatives. The company’s 2023 report, published by the end of 2024 in Sustainable Development Report, highlights its approach to environmental management, responsible sourcing, waste reduction and carbon footprint minimization.

By adhering to strict national and European environmental regulations, E.Wedel integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations.

Compliance with environmental regulations

E.Wedel operates in full compliance with Polish and European environmental laws, including integrated and water permits. The company continuously monitors its environmental impact by measuring emissions from its boiler house, noise pollution and wastewater parameters. In 2023, E.Wedel did not receive any penalties for non-compliance with environmental regulations, reflecting its commitment to meeting and exceeding legal requirements.

Beyond mere compliance, E.Wedel proactively seeks new opportunities to reduce its ecological footprint. Key sustainability projects include responsible raw material sourcing, a comprehensive packaging and recycling strategy, carbon footprint measurement and employee education on environmental protection.

Reducing resource consumption

For many years, E.Wedel has implemented the Media Savings Program, which encourages employees to engage in initiatives that lower energy and water consumption. The program fosters technological and organizational improvements while optimizing resource use. Additionally, E.Wedel supports environmental community projects, such as the revitalization of the Polish-German Gardens adjacent to its headquarters.

In 2023, E.Wedel volunteers, in collaboration with REKOPOL- the longest operating packaging recovery organization on the Polish market, conducted eco-awareness workshops in seven Warsaw educational institutions. The workshops focused on proper waste segregation and the importance of recycling, reaching 330 children in local schools and kindergartens.

Sustainable supply chain practices

E.Wedel’s commitment to sustainability extends to its supply chain. Since 2023, new suppliers are required to adhere to the company’s Sustainable Development Policy, formulated in 2022. This policy mandates environmental protection, legal compliance and continuous monitoring of environmental impact indicators.

To enhance supply chain transparency, E.Wedel introduced a detailed supplier questionnaire in 2024, covering environmental, corporate governance and social responsibility aspects. The data collected will help strengthen partnerships that prioritize sustainability and minimize negative environmental impact within the value chain.

Ethical and sustainable raw material sourcing

Ensuring the highest quality and ethical standards in its products, E.Wedel maintains stringent internal guidelines and high expectations for raw material suppliers. The company’s Sustainable Raw Materials Program, part of its ESG strategy, focuses on global standards for supply chain transparency and certification of key raw materials.

E.Wedel prioritises four key raw materials with high social or environmental risk:

• Cocoa & Palm Oil: ensuring sustainable production and preventing deforestation.

• Eggs: eliminating cage-farmed eggs by 2025.

• Soy: using only non-GMO lecithin.

The company collaborates with suppliers to mitigate the negative impacts of raw material production, including certification of palm oil and cocoa and the complete transition to non-cage eggs.

Certified cocoa and palm oil

Cocoa is E.Wedel’s primary raw material, sourced exclusively from Ghana due to its superior taste and government-controlled quality assurance. The company ensures fair trade conditions for farmers through Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) programs, which enhance income stability for cocoa farmers.

E.Wedel also adheres to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standards, ensuring full traceability of its palm oil supply. The company achieved 100% certified palm oil sourcing in 2023, with 42% through the Mass Balance model and 58% through the Segregated model. E.Wedel is a member of the Polish Coalition for Sustainable Palm Oil (PKZOP) under WWF, advocating for 100% certified palm oil usage in Poland.

Eco-friendly packaging initiatives

As part of its Eco-Packaging Strategy, E.Wedel aims to make all packaging recyclable and incorporate recycled materials. The company has committed to:

• Implementing an eco-packaging policy by the end of 2024.

• Ensuring that 100% of plastic packaging is recyclable by 2030.

• Using 100% FSC-certified paper packaging since 2023.

In 2023, E.Wedel modified its Ptasie Mleczko® packaging, reducing plastic use by 13% and switching to environmentally friendly coatings. By reducing paper consumption, the company saved approximately 90 tons of paper annually.

Carbon footprint reduction and renewable energy

E.Wedel actively works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes. Since 2020, the company has sourced 100% renewable electricity for its factory and offices, preventing 12,000 tons of CO2 emissions in 2023.

Key initiatives to reduce fuel consumption and emissions include:

• 66% hybrid fleet adoption and phasing out diesel vehicles by 2026.

• Employee public transport incentives, with discounted train tickets.

• Encouraging bicycle commuting and providing cycling infrastructure.

• Route optimization for sales representatives to minimize travel distances.

These actions have led to a 30% reduction in fuel-related emissions since 2019.

Comprehensive waste management

E.Wedel enforces strict waste segregation at its facilities, sorting waste into five categories to enhance recycling efficiency. The company collaborates with certified waste recovery organizations and in 2023:

• Recovered 1,458 tons of waste.

• Recycled 49% of packaging waste through an extended producer responsibility system.

Employee engagement and community initiatives

E.Wedel actively involves employees in sustainability through initiatives like:

• “Keep an Eye on Eco” campaign: educating employees on waste segregation.

• TrashTag challenge: A company-wide waste collection initiative inspired by the global #TrashTag movement.

Commitment to continuous improvement

E.Wedel’s sustainability journey is ongoing, with new projects and policies continuously being developed. By integrating environmental responsibility across its operations, supply chain and community initiatives, E.Wedel is setting an example of how a strong confectionery brand with 170 years of heritage can contribute to a more sustainable future.