Towards a sustainable future
Strong awareness of sustainability
Sustainability has been enshrined in the Coop Group Cooperative’s Articles of Association since 1973 and has long since become part of the corporate DNA. Sustainability targets are thus systematically incorporated in the goal-setting process, in the training of employees and in operating processes and procedures. Through its comprehensive approach to sustainability, the Coop Group sets itself apart as a sustainability leader by delivering added value in the various markets and secures access to resources. Sustainability is one of the three strategic framework conditions of the Coop Group and is incorporated into the strategies of all business areas. Expectations of customers as well as requirements of stakeholders such as NGOs and authorities are also taken into account.
The strategic basis
Coop promotes the interests of its members and consumers. Economic, environmental and ethical principles secure its competitiveness. The Coop Group’s sustainability strategy encompasses 26 fields of action and 61 measurable targets in the areas of «Sustainable product ranges», «Environmental and climate protection» and «Employees and social commitment». By taking this approach, the Coop Group is helping preserve natural resources for the long term.
The detailed «Sustainability Progress Report» for the Coop Group is available here: Sustainability report
Pillar 1: sustainable product ranges – 2025 highlights
- Expansion of the sustainable product range in retail and wholesale to over 21 600 articles
- Increase in Group-wide organic sales to CHF 2.4 billion
- Introduction of the own-label sustainability brand Nice to Save Food for the utilization of by-products from food production and the prevention of food loss
- The own-label brand Naturaline Textiles celebrates 30 years
- Strengthening living wages and incomes along our Fairtrade banana supply chains, Action no. 391
Pillar 2: environmental and climate protection – 2025 highlights
- Opening of the railCare rail hub in Zurich to reduce 58 000 truck journeys in and out of Zurich each year for the supply of 70 sales outlets
- Launch of the «Making Hamburg greener» project at Transgourmet Germany with a truck fleet converted primarily to biogas and HVO fuel
- Commissioning of the new cattle slaughterhouse for the Bell Food Group in Oensingen (CH), which sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency, animal welfare and hygiene
- 24 500 m² of new PV systems in Switzerland, aiming to meet around 40% of electricity demand from in-house PV production by 2050
Pillar 3: employees and social commitment – 2025 highlights
- Sixth edition of the «Day of Good Deeds» together with 800 associations and the sale of 30 000 donation parcels worth CHF 750 000 in aid of people affected by poverty in Switzerland
- Donation of over 37 million meals to social organizations
- Coop Aid for Mountain Regions: record donations of CHF 8.5 million for a total of 212 projects aimed at improving the living and working conditions of mountain populations
- Transgourmet Switzerland is a founding member of «Tischlein deck dich» and supports the initiative not only through food donations, but also with financial and material contributions
- Successful negotiation of a new collective labour agreement with social partners, offering numerous benefits for Coop employees
- Awarding product and service contracts to 82 social institutions and workshops that employ people with disabilities
