Initiatives and Memberships

The REWE Group is the trailblazing company that lifted the issue of sustainability from its niche existence and turned it into mainstream matter for society. In a reflection of its commitment to fostering and bolstering the issue of sustainability, the company supports a wide range of initiatives and organisations involved in sustainable commerce, environmental and animal protection, conscious diets and social issues.

The REWE Group is active in industry initiatives and serves as the driving force behind some of this work itself. The aim of these multistakeholder efforts is to integrate as many actors as possible into these activities through collaboration and opportunities to share experiences and to jointly create approaches that will have a positive long-term impact. This is the only way to meet a broad range of sustainability challenges.

The REWE Group is actively involved in the following sustainability initiatives (in alphabetical order), among others:

5 am Tag (5 a Day): As a charter member of the association “5 am Tag”, the REWE Group supports efforts to boost consumption of fruit and vegetables to five portions a day and to foster healthy diets for children. In an alliance with other sponsors, including the German Nutrition Society, the company has been actively working since 2000 to promote the consumption of more fruit and vegetables.

Aktion Mensch e. V. (Campaign for People): This initiative works to foster an inclusive society and supports socially sponsored projects and campaigns. The REWE Group works with the initiative on various projects – including the erection of inclusive playgrounds.

amfori Business Environmental Performance Initiative (amfori BEPI): amfori BEPI helps the company to improve its environmental-oriented performance in global supply chains. The REWE Group is represented in working groups and contributes to the initiative’s continued development.

amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (amfori BSCI): As a member of this initiative, the REWE Group, its suppliers and producers have committed themselves to observing amfori BSCI’s code of conduct. The REWE Group is an active member of working groups that are shaping further development.

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC): The quality seal for fish promotes aquacultures that are more environmentally responsible and recognises responsibly raised fish and seafood. The council and the REWE Group conduct a continuous dialogue and work constantly together.

Arbeitsgemeinschaft Ökologisch engagierter Lebensmittelhändler und Drogisten (Working Group of Environmentally Committed Food Retailers and Drugstores): This working group is made up of an alliance of food retailers and drugstores that sell a wide range of environmentally friendly products. The members work to enhance this segment, support organic farmers and add their voices to public debates about dietary questions.

ARGE Gentechnik-frei (ARGE Non-Genetic): The association Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Gentechnik-frei erzeugte Lebensmittel (Working Group for Non-Genetically Modified Foods) is an independent platform for member companies in the food retail sector, food production and feed production as well as of organisations and trade associations in the areas of environmental protection, consumer protection and farming. The organisation has been awarding the quality seal “Produced genetically free” in Austria since 1997. The REWE Group in Austria is a co-founder of the group and has a seat on the organisation’s board of volunteer directors.

Berufsgenossenschaft Handel und Warenlogistik (Occupational Cooperative Trade and Product Logistics): The statutory accident insurance institution for trade and product logistics supports the REWE Group through targeted prevention of occupational accidents and illnesses. The CEO is Roland Krämer. He heads the Centre of Expertise Health & Innovation at REWE Zentral AG and, thus, occupational health management of the REWE Group in Germany.

Bundesdeutscher Arbeitskreis für Umweltbewusstes Management e. V. (German Working Group for Environmentally Aware Management): The company network devoted to sustainable business practises interweaves environmental, economic and social questions together. As a member of the network, the REWE Group works with other companies to achieve the goal of sensitising the business community, municipalities and organisations about the vision of sustainable business practises and to facilitate the environmentally effective, economically sensible and socially just achievement of this vision.

Biodiversity in Good Company: This cross-industry alliance brings together companies that work jointly to protect and sustainably use global biodiversity. The REWE Group has committed itself in this initiative to integrating this effort into its operational sustainability management.

Bund Ökologische Lebensmittelwirtschaft (Alliance of the Organic Food Industry): This leading association of agricultural producers, processors and retailers of organic foods in Germany works to ensure that the environmental, commercial and social activities of the organic food sector are appropriately understood by political leaders and society. The REWE Group joined this alliance in 2017 as part of its work with the “Arbeitsgemeinschaft Ökologisch engagierter Lebensmittelhändler und Drogisten” (Working Group of Environmentally Committed Food Retailers and Drugstores). The REWE delegate has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2020 and represents the interests of retailers in the entire organic food sector.

Bündnis für nachhaltige Textilien (Alliance for Sustainable Textiles): This alliance is a partnership of various stakeholders who are committed to improving the global value chain of the textile industry. When it joined the group in 2015, the REWE Group committed itself to making long-term improvements to the environmental, social and commercial conditions in international textile supply chains.

Charta der Vielfalt (Charter of Diversity): The Charter of Diversity is an employer initiative that fosters diversity in companies and institutions. The focal point of these activities is a voluntary commitment that the member companies make to diversity management. The REWE Group signed the Charter of Diversity in 2016.

Competitive Cashew Initiative (ComCashew): ComCashew strives to increase the competitiveness of the cashew value chain in selected African countries. The initiative helps producers in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Ghana to increase their yields and the quality of their nuts. More than 170 pubic and private partners have joined the initiative. Other partners include research institutes. The REWE Group became a member of the initiative’s board in 2019.

Consumer Goods Forum: The global industry network made up of more than 400 companies in trade, industry and services in over 70 countries works to create a better life for all consumers through improved business practises. Positive changes are also fostered under the motto “Better Lives through Better Business”. The REWE Group is a member of the Consumer Goods Forum, serves on the Board of Directors and is an active member of two working groups that focus on the areas of plastic and human rights.

Consumer Insight Action Panel – Club for Sustainable Plastic Packaging: The Club for Sustainable Plastic Packaging was created in 2019 by the Collaborating Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP) and other stakeholders as part of an EU-wide project called the Consumer Insight Action Panel. In addition to the REWE Group, other members of the club include actors from trade, industry, system catering, packaging, collection and recycling as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and research institutes. The group’s goal is to accelerate the transition to a recycling economy for packaging by focusing on consumer behaviour. The club’s work is also supported by the German Federal Environmental Foundation.

Cotton made in Africa: The objective of the initiative’s work is to improve the quality of life for people who live in the cotton-growing regions of Africa. The REWE Group has been supporting the initiative since 2008 and is a member of its board.

Demeter e. V.: This organisation is Germany’s oldest organic farming trade group. Demeter growers and producers work in accordance with biodynamic business principles and guidelines that are much stricter than the European Union’s eco-regulation. The REWE sales line joined the organic food association Demeter in September 2020 in order to foster organic agriculture throughout Germany and agricultural structures in the region.

Demographie Netzwerk e. V. (Demographic Network): In 12 working and thematic groups, the network develops new knowledge and facilitates the sharing of know-how – with the aim of bringing about commercial, social and technological changes and tackling the related challenges in a network with other companies and organisations. As part of its membership in the network, the REWE Group committed itself in 2006 to non-discriminatory, age-neutral human resources policies, a balanced age structure in its workforce, holistic health-promotion programmes and knowledge sharing among generations. The company ended its membership in the network effective 31 December 2021.

Detox Campaign: As part of Greenpeace’s Detox Campaign, companies have pledged to reduce the use of hazardous materials in textile products. The companies outline the results of their work and data in a progress report. The REWE Group joined the Detox Campaign in 2014. Its membership officially ended in 2020. Nonetheless, the REWE Group remains committed to the goal of eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals in textile production.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen e. V. (German Sustainable Building Council): The sales lines REWE, PENNY and toom Baumarkt DIY stores are members of the non-profit German Sustainable Building Council. As members, they promote sustainable construction practises.

Deutsche Stiftung Verbraucherschutz (German Consumer Protection Foundation): The foundation is committed to strengthening consumer work in Germany. It supports projects that foster consumer skills particularly among children and adolescents. The REWE Group is a member of the foundation’s Advisory Board.

Deutscher Reiseverband (German Travel Association): DER Touristik has been an active member of the German Travel Association’s working group on child protection since 2010. Members of the travel association, NGOs and government representatives work to fight the sexual exploitation of minors in tourism. One aim of these activities is to sensitise and provide information to tourists and employees for the purpose of preventing children from being sexually abused. DER Touristik is also the vice chairman of the travel association’s Sustainability Committee. This committee focuses on the issues of environmental and climate protection, human rights and social responsibility. It acts as a catalyst for ideas in the travel industry.

Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross): The German Red Cross helps people during crises and fosters the observance of humanitarian international law. The REWE Group works with the German Red Cross and provides financial support to the initiative after disasters like the devastating floods that struck parts of Germany in 2021 or the Ukrainian conflict occur. It also supports projects designed to help children and adolescents.

ECPAT Deutschland e.V. – Arbeitsgemeinschaft zum Schutz der Kinder vor sexueller Ausbeutung (Working Group for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation): This alliance of 28 institutions and groups across Germany is committed to protecting children from all forms of commercial exploitation and sexual abuse. The association is also a member of the children’s rights organisation ECPAT International based in Bangkok, Thailand. The network has 122 members from 104 countries. To promote the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ECPAT highlights the causes of abuse, investigates violations, develops prevention measures, sensitises the general public about the issue and plays an active role in politics, justice, commerce and education. The association also helps DER Touristik to develop and implement measures. ECPAT instructors train employees and partners about child protection and the implementation of the Child Protection Code (The Code).

Fair Trees Fund: The Danish organisation Fair Trees promotes fair working conditions during the harvesting of seeds used to produce Nordmann firs in Georgia. toom Baumarkt DIY stores have been a member of the Foundation Council of the Fair Trees Fund since 2019. The foundation supports a broad range of social projects in the harvesting region of Racha and promotes the health and education of the region’s residents.

Fairtrade Deutschland e. V.: With its fair trade seal of approval, this non-profit organisation, which is known internationally as TransFair, promotes fair trade relations worldwide. The Fairtrade label is awarded to products that come from fair trade and that meet certain social, environmental and commercial criteria during production. The aim of Fairtrade is to improve living and working conditions of disadvantaged small farmers and workers, strengthen domestic economies and abolish unfair global economic conditions in the long term. The REWE Group works on various projects with Fairtrade Deutschland e. V. and certifies a large number of products with the Fairtrade seal.

FEMALE RESOURCES – MIT FRAUEN IN FÜHRUNG (WITH WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT): The companies that are part of this Cologne-based alliance strive to provide women and men with equal professional growth opportunities and promote the hiring of women in management positions. The companies’ work focuses on the sharing of good practises, participation in cross-mentoring programmes, networking events and training courses. The REWE Group became a partner in the group in 2016 and regularly participates in the cross-mentoring programmes, among other things.

Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI): This Dutch organisation promotes responsible production practises and responsible trade with plants along the entire supply chain. As a member of the initiative, toom Baumarkt DIY stores are striving to obtain at least 90 per cent of ornamental plants on the basis of the initiative’s criteria starting in 2020 and afterwards. Under these criteria, suppliers must employ environmental and social standards based on such certification systems as GLOBALG.A.P. and MPS GAP or GRASP and MPS SQ. toom Baumarkt DIY stores are also active members of working groups that are striving to make the ornamental plant business more sustainable.

Food for Biodiversity: The REWE Group joined forces in March 2021 with other companies, trade associations, certification organisations in the food retail sector, environmental groups and research institutes to create an organisation called Food for Biodiversity. This alliance, the first of its kind in the industry, strives to make the protection of biological diversity a key focal point of the entire food retail sector, extending all the way to upstream value chains.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®): This organisation works to promote sustainable forestry and strives to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards. This goal is achieved through global standards, the involvement of all relevant interest groups and support from widely known companies as well as independent environmental and social organisations. toom Baumarkt DIY stores have been a member of FSC® since 2018.

Forum für nachhaltigere Eiweißfuttermittel (Forum for More Sustainable Protein Feed): In this dialogue forum, the food retail sector, the feed retail sector, civic society actors, environmental NGOs and political representatives discuss the opportunities and goals associated with the use of more sustainable protein feed in Germany. The REWE Group joined the forum in 2014.

Forum Nachhaltiger Kakao e. V. (The German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa, GISCO): This multistakeholder initiative has been working since 2012 to improve the quality of life of cocoa farmers, protect natural resources and biodiversity and promote the production and marketing of sustainable cocoa. As a charter member, the REWE Group has joined forces with other companies to support a project called PRO-PLANTEURS, a joint cocoa project in Côte d’Ivoire.

Forum Nachhaltiges Palmöl (Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil): The objective of this multistakeholder initiative is to significantly increase the volume of sustainably produced palm oil and improve existing certifications and standards. The forum was created in 2013 by the REWE Group and other partners.

Fur Free Retailer: This global programme strives to create networks between fur free companies and interested consumers. The REWE Group joined the programme in 2018.

Futouris e. V.: The goal of this sustainability initiative of the German travel industry is to promote tourism destinations by providing long-term support to projects being conducted in the areas of environment, biodiversity and responsibility for society and culture. DER Touristik joined Futouris in 2015 and was a member of its Board of Directors until the end of 2021.

GLOBALG.A.P. Arbeitsgruppe zu Umweltaspekten im Kulturpflanzenanbau (Working Group on the Environmental Aspects of Cultivated Plant Production): In this working group, the REWE Group and other members focus on the refinement of GLOBALG.A.P. standards. The focus of this work is environmental sustainability in the certification of agricultural crops.

GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice (GRASP): GRASP is a model used to conduct social risk assessments of companies that have been certified under the GLOBALG.A.P. standard. The REWE Group is a member of the Technical Committee, a group that advises the Steering Committee about strategic and technical enhancements.

Haltungsform (Livestock Farming Conditions): The REWE Group is working to improve sector-wide animal welfare standards. The four-stage label for livestock farming conditions for the REWE Group’s fresh store-brand items was converted into an industry solution in 2019. The uniform label “Haltungsform” is used to provide transparent information about livestock farming conditions. It consists of four stages and defines criteria for chicken, turkeys, pigs, cows, ducks and rabbits.

HolyGrail 2.0 – Digital Watermarks Initiative: The pilot project HolyGrail 2.0 was initiated by the European Brands Association for the purpose of continuing the HolyGrail project supported by the Ellen McArthur Foundation. Its goal is to develop improved conditions for a recycling economy in the packaging area. A digital watermark on packaging has been designed to promote improved sorting behaviour and thus facilitate high-quality and high-quantitative recycling. The REWE Group joined the project in July 2020.

Initiative für nachhaltige Agrarlieferketten (Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains): The initiative promotes increased sustainability in global agricultural supply chains and works to improve the quality of life for small farmers. The REWE Group is a member of the initiative and active in a working group that focuses on living wages and incomes.

Initiative Tierwohl (Initiative Animal Welfare): The aim of this alliance of farming, meat industry and food-retail representatives is to create more animal friendly meat production. The participating companies in the German food retail sector finance the extra work required by the animal welfare measures, which extend well beyond legal requirements. The REWE Group is a charter member of the initiative and has been active in it since 2015.

Interessengemeinschaft FÜR gesunde Lebensmittel e. V. (IG FÜR – Interest Group FOR Healthy Foods): The interest group promotes social awareness about healthy diets and sustainability. The REWE Group is a member of the group’s Board of Directors.

JOBLINGE e. V.: Companies, government authorities and private individuals work together in this group to help young people with difficult starting conditions in life to gain real job opportunities and to integrate these individuals into the labour market and society. The JOBLINGE Compass integrates young refugees. The REWE Group has been a premium partner since 2016. As part of a programme called “Ehrensache” (Act of Honour), employees at REWE, DER Touristik and PENNY act as volunteer mentors. The JOBLINGE participants receive work placements that provide them with insights into the work world and are given trainee positions or full-time jobs.

Kindernothilfe e. V. (Emergency Help for Children): The association works on behalf of children in difficult circumstances by providing access to education and creating fair living conditions. The REWE Group has been working with the organisation since 2010 to provide children and adolescents in Haiti with better access to education.

klimaaktiv pakt2030 (climateactive pact2030): The “klimaaktiv pakt2030” is Austria’s climate package for large companies. Eleven major companies have joined forces with the Sustainability Ministry for the purpose of achieving Austria’s climate goals by 2030 as part of company-driven climate protection efforts. As the group’s largest member, the REWE Group in Austria is playing a major role in the pact’s success. The project’s progress is tracked in an annual report.

Land schafft Leben e. V. (Land Creates Life): This Austrian organisation transparently shows consumers how food is produced in Austria – from on-site cultivation and processing to the final product in stores. The REWE Group in Austria, which consists of the trade companies BILLA, BILLA Plus, PENNY and ADEG, was one of the group’s first supporters. It became an official sponsor in 2014.

Lean & Green Initiative: The non-profit initiative recognises the successful reductions that participating companies have made in the carbon emissions of their warehousing and logistics processes. Lekkerland in Germany has been part of the initiative and a member of its advisory board since 2014. Lekkerland in the Netherlands has been a member of the initiative since 2012 and has already been awarded three Lean & Green Stars.
Conway Spain has been a member of the AECOC Lean & Green Committee since 2016 and received its first Lean & Green Star in 2021.

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC): The MSC is an independent non-profit organisation that awards a seal for fish and seafood from sustainable wild-fishing practises. The certified fisheries work to create sustainable fish stocks, foster intact marine habitats and protect endangered species. The REWE Group conducts a regular dialogue with the organisation.

Naturland e. V.: With approximately 140,000 farmers, beekeepers and fish farmers in 60 countries, Naturland promotes sustainable agricultural and food practises that produce unadulterated high-quality organic products. Naturland’s requirements extend beyond the requirements of the EU organic farming regulation by covering many more areas. As a result, they help to conserve resources, promote biodiversity, facilitate increased animal welfare and improve working conditions in risk countries, among other things. The REWE sales line has maintained a close partnership with Naturland since 2009 for the purpose of bolstering organic farming practises and making organic products available to a broader market.

Naturschutzbund Deutschland e. V. (NABU – Nature Protection Alliance Germany): In 2015, the REWE Group entered into a strategic partnership with the German environmental group NABU in a step that intensified the collaborative relationship that the two groups initiated in 2009. As part of this effort, the joint project work being conducted in the areas of biodiversity and PRO PLANET was expanded and an agreement was reached to collaborate on such issues as protection of the seas, packaging, conservation of resources and the fostering of biological diversity. During working groups and strategy workshops, NABU and the REWE Group drew up roadmaps covering the achievement of the sustainability goals set by both groups. One new aspect of this partnership is the NABU Climate Fund that was initiated in 2021. The fund purchases or leases former moors and wet meadows. These areas are then rewetted to create effective carbon sinks.

Partnerschaft für Nachhaltigen Orangensaft (Partnership for Sustainable Orange Juice): This partnership promotes social justice, worker rights and environmental protection in the orange juice supply chain. The long-term objective of its work is to increase the share of sustainably produced orange juice in the German and European market. The REWE Group is a charter member of this partnership.

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC^TM): The system to ensure sustainable forestry encompasses the entire product-creation process, from raw materials to the end product. Inspections are carried out by independent specialists. All protective functions in forestry receive appropriate consideration. toom Baumarkt DIY stores have been a member of PEFC^TM since 2018.

Rainforest Alliance: The Rainforest Alliance is a sustainability standard used in the production of agricultural raw materials and products. The REWE Group joined the Rainforest Alliance in 2018 and is a member of its Standards Committee. This committee makes decisions about further steps in the alliance’s work on the basis of public standards. In 2018, the Rainforest Alliance merged with the standards organisation UTZ to create a bigger impact.

Recyclat-Initiative: The Recyclat-Initiative was launched in 2012. This alliance of partners from various sectors intensively promotes effective recycling. The members work to develop sustainable material loops and use materials found in Germany’s yellow bag programme in which plastic rubbish is collected from private households in the country. As a member of the initiative, the REWE Group promotes value chains shaped by recycling economies.

Regionalfenster e. V. (Regional Window): The “Regionalfenster” seal provides consumers with verified information about the source of ingredients in products and the processing location. In this manner, it creates transparency that complements store-brand-specific information. As another way of promoting regional products, the REWE Group became a charter member of the supporting association Regionalfenster e.V. in 2012 and has been applying the group’s seal to selected products in PENNY and REWE stores since 2014.

respACT: The company platform for responsible business practises in Austria provides information about sustainability, creates networks for the issue and serves as a driving force behind it in the country. REWE Group in Austria has been a member of respACT since 2009.

Roundtable for Human Rights in Tourism e. V.: The roundtable is a non-profit group and an international multistakeholder initiative that promotes human rights in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The initiative acts as an open network and helps tourism companies to observe human rights in tourism by preventing, addressing and eliminating human rights violations in the supply chain of their business activities. DER Touristik Switzerland is a member of the roundtable, and the DER Touristik Group is a partner in many projects.

Runder Tisch für nachhaltiges Palmöl (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, RSPO): This non-profit organisation works with its members to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil. Companies must fulfil a broad range of environmental and social criteria in order to produce sustainable palm oil. The REWE Group joined the organisation in 2011.

Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung e. V. (Study Group for Tourism and Development): This study group critically and constructively examines the opportunities, risks and responsibilities of tourism developments and focuses on development-related information and training work in tourism. It releases publications on this subject, conducts advanced training courses, works in the area of tourism research and consultation, and participates in a dialogue about questions of tourism development. In addition, the study group organises such international competitions as the TO DO Award, a prize that recognises the participation and voice of local citizens in tourism projects and programmes. DER Touristik is represented in the Study Group for Tourism and Development and is a member of the jury for the TO DO Awards.

SÜDWIND e. V. (SOUTHWIND): The association promotes fair commercial relationships and supports women and people in need. SÜDWIND e. V. is represented on the REWE Group’s Sustainability Advisory Board by a research associate who primarily provides insights into the area of action “Fairness”.

Sustainable-Finance-Beirat der Bundesregierung (Sustainable Finance Board of Advisers of the German Government): This board of advisers is made up of representatives from finance and business, the civil society and the scientific community. It advises the German government regarding the development and implementation of its sustainable finance strategy. The REWE Group was represented on the board of advisers for the 19th legislative period by its Head of Finance.

Sustainable Juice Platform: The platform strives to improve social and environmental conditions in the supply chains of the fruit juice industry. It was created for the purpose of helping fruit juice producers to integrate CSR measures into their company strategies. The aim is to make a long-term sustainable contribution along the global value chain of fruit juices on behalf of all stakeholders. The REWE Group became a member of the Sustainable Juice Platform in 2016 and plays an active role in a working group that focuses on orange juice from Brazil. The REWE Group was also a member of the steering committee from 2017 to 2021.

Tafel Deutschland e. V. (Tafel Food Banks Germany): The organisation collects surplus, qualitatively flawless food and distributes it to people in need. The REWE Group has been one of the main sponsors of the more than 950 Tafel food banks in Germany since 1996. CEO Lionel Souque and Dr. Daniela Büchel, a member of the Divisional Management Board of Retail Germany, have two seats on the organisation’s advisory board. The REWE Group has also sponsored a large number of events held by Tafel Deutschland e. V. over the years.

The Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety: The accord is designed to increase safety in the textile industry by employing independent inspectors who check on building safety, fire prevention and electrical safety during factory visits. The REWE Group signed the accord in 2013. It signed the follow-up document, the 2018 Transition Accord, in 2017. Since this accord expired, the REWE Group has been supporting the RMG-Sustainability Council (RSC) that was set up in 2020 to officially take over the responsibilities for the accord in Bangladesh. In May 2021, the REWE Group signed a three-month extension of the 2018 Transition Accord. The company is also planning to sign the new International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry once the new version has been prepared and reviewed. This document would remain in effect through October 2023.

The Centre for Child Rights and Business (formerly the Centre for Child Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility): The centre helps member companies like the REWE Group to implement child rights policies. DER Touristik has been a member of the group since 2018.

The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism (The Code): “The Code” is a multistakeholder initiative made up of governmental and non-governmental organisations, trade associations and initiatives. Its members have committed themselves to observing a voluntary catalogue of six criteria to prevent children from being sexually exploited in the travel and tourism industry. The group’s local organisations also work around the world to implement the criteria and sensitise people about the issue. DER Touristik has been a member of the group since 2016.

Travelife for Tour Operators and Travel Agents: The training, management and certification initiative has been working since 2007 to promote sustainable practises in the travel and tourism industry. It helps travel operators and agencies to monitor and improve the social and environmental impact of their business activities with the help of training courses, a sustainable management system and a company certification programme based on international sustainability standards. As a member of the initiative, DER Touristik has access to the know-how and resources of Travelife and profits from the certification of its own designation agencies and their service providers.

Travelife Stay Better (Travelife Accommodation Sustainability): Travelife Stay Better is an internationally recognised sustainability programme for accommodations. About 1,500 members in more than 50 countries use Travelife instruments and resources like e-learning courses and checklists to improve the environmental and social impact of their commercial activities. The standard recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) consists of criteria used to evaluate the quality of accommodations in the areas of human rights, work conditions, social commitment and environmental impacts. A global team of independent inspectors visits every accommodation to determine whether it meets the Travelife standard . The hotels of DER Touristik Hotels & Resort are currently undergoing the certification process with the Travelife standard.

Verband für Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik e. V. (VLOG – German Association of Non-Genetically Modified Foods): In Germany, non-genetically modified foods may be labelled by the German Association of Non-Genetically Modified Foods e.V. (VLOG). REWE Group in Germany has been a member of VLOG since 2012.

VERBRAUCHER INITIATIVE e. V. (CONSUMER INITIATIVE): The initiative conducts environmental, health and social work with consumers. The managing director of the VERBRAUCHER INITIATIVE e. V. is a member of the REWE Group’s Sustainability Advisory Board and provides insights in particular to the needs of consumers.

Verein Donau Soja (Donau Soja Association): REWE International AG is a charter member of the association “Verein Donau Soja”. This group has been promoting the cultivation of non-genetically modified soybeans since 2012. This work resulted in the organisation of a joint project in the Zupanja region of Croatia to help farmers in 2017 and 2018.

Verein für kontrollierte alternative Tierhaltungsformen (Association for Controlled Alternative Livestock Farming Forms): The association acts as an inspection authority that vouches for the origin and tracing of eggs produced by free-run, free-range and organic farms. As an association member, the REWE Group supports the group’s interests and applies its decisions and requirements.

Women Empowerment Principles (WEP): The seven principles of the Initiative of UN Women and the UN Global Compact focus on international labour and human-rights standards, the equal-opportunity aspects of the Agenda 2030 and the objectives of the United Nations for Sustainable Development. This includes equal pay for equal work, gender-specific measures to promote women and zero tolerance of sexual harassment in the workplace. The REWE Group joined the initiative in November 2020 and is committed to strengthening the role of women in the company and society.

World Banana Forum: The forum brings together a wide range of stakeholders in the global banana supply chain to promote sustainable cultivation practises, the observance of human rights and improved working conditions. The REWE Group is a member of the World Banana Forum and has served on its advisory board since 2014.

XertifiX: To seamlessly track the supply chain of natural stones all the way back to the quarry and independently monitor the observance of social and environmental criteria, toom Baumarkt DIY stores work with the autonomous experts at XertifiX.

You will find information about other partners and memberships in the section Sustainability on the REWE Group’s website.