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Beyond Buzzwords: How Rimi Baltic is Reshaping Sustainable Retail



This blog post is part of a series highlighting tangible insights and practical takeaways from companies actively driving sustainable transformation across the Baltic region. 


The path to sustainability isn't linear – it's a complex journey that requires vision, commitment, and most importantly, action. As we celebrate the fourth year of the Baltic Sustainability Awards, our founding partner Rimi Baltic Group stands out for turning ambitious goals into tangible results, offering invaluable lessons for organizations across all sectors.


From Rimi Baltic Group's Leadership: A Vision for Regional Sustainability


As a founding partner, Rimi Baltic has been proud to contribute to shaping the Baltic Sustainability Awards which is a platform that celebrates and encourages innovation in sustainability across various sectors, from small changemakers to large enterprises.


"Partnering with the Baltic Sustainability Awards allows Rimi Baltic to recognize and celebrate innovative initiatives that inspire sustainable change in our region," shares Rimi Baltic Group's leadership. "With over 180 applications successfully moving past the first round this year, it's clear that sustainability has moved from the periphery to the core of business strategy in the Baltics.”


This year Rimi will be represented in the CEO panel, awards jury work, and also with a keynote from our parent company, ICA Gruppen, alongside other activities.


“Rimi has been an ambassador for categories like food innovations and circular economy practices, reflecting our belief in more sustainable food retail. Just as sustainability is part of our company's DNA and business strategy, we hope that our partnership with the Baltic Sustainability Awards will inspire others in the region to integrate sustainable practices into daily lives."


From Commitment to Results: Rimi's Sustainability Journey


Rimi Baltic Group is a company with a deep commitment to sustainability and its role in fostering regional collaboration. As the Baltic Sustainability Awards continue to grow in influence, such partnerships between industry leaders and sustainability initiatives become increasingly vital for driving meaningful change across the Baltic region.


But what are the main facts that represent the progress of Rimi becoming more sustainable? The numbers tell a compelling story of transformation:


  • Food waste reduced to just 1.4% of total sales

  • 29% reduction in waste since 2016

  • Over 2,700 tons of surplus food donated across the Baltic region

  • 70 tonnes of plastic saved annually through innovative logistics solutions


These results have been reached by implementing several key initiatives, like:


  1. AI-Driven Solutions

    • Implementation of smart markdown technology for near-expiry products

    • Creating win-win scenarios: #savefood - #savemoney

    • Automated optimization of resource efficiency

  2. Circular Economy Integration

    • Replacement of traditional plastic stretch film with reusable walls in logistics

    • Introduction of zero-waste shopping stands

    • Piloting smart reusable shopping bags "goodbag"


Practical Takeaways for Organizations


All of this has been achieved through several practices that any company that wants to become more sustainable can implement. Here the first steps how you can start you company's sustainable journey:


1. Start with Clear Metrics

  • Set specific, measurable sustainability targets

  • Implement tracking systems

  • Regular progress assessment and reporting


2. Leverage Technology

  • Explore AI solutions for resource optimization

  • Automate where possible

  • Use data to drive decision-making


3. Build Collaborative Networks

  • Engage with industry partners

  • Participate in sustainability initiatives

  • Share knowledge and best practices


4. Focus on Win-Win Solutions

As demonstrated by Rimi:

  • Markdown solutions that reduce waste while offering customer savings

  • Donation programs that benefit communities and reduce disposal costs

  • Packaging innovations that save money and reduce environmental impact


The Path Forward


The success of the Baltic Sustainability Awards and Rimi's journey demonstrates that sustainable transformation is not just possible – it's profitable. By focusing on tangible actions and measurable results, organizations can create lasting positive impact while building resilient business models.


As we look toward a future where sustainability is no longer optional, Rimi Baltic Group's experience shows us that meaningful change is possible when vision meets action. Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or looking to accelerate your impact, remember: every step counts, and the time to act is now.

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