Principles and Guidelines

The REWE Group set core values for the company in its guiding principle 2008. The objective? “The best service – for customers, retailers and employees”:

• We take personal responsibility and act in the interests of society!
• We act for customers - we are at the heart of the market!
• We welcome new directions. Standing still means going backwards!
• We act with integrity and treat one another with respect. We keep our word!
• We strive to find the best solution, make considered decisions and act consistently!
• We are aware of our responsibilities and act sustainably.

The basis for acting sustainably in the REWE Group is the Guideline on Sustainable Business Practices, which the company has already published in 2008. It specifies the basic value “We are aware of our responsibility and act sustainably!” and serves as binding orientation for employees, executives, business partners and suppliers.

In its Declaration of Principles updated in late 2022, the company undertakes to strengthen human and environmental rights and prevent them from being violated, minimise them and take remedial action. This commitment applies to own business operations as well as to the global supply and value chains.

Moreover, in October 2022, the Supplier Code of Conduct of the REWE Group to comply with its corporate due diligence in the supply chain was updated. It applies as of 1 January 2023 and outlines the minimum standards that suppliers must observe and comply with when doing business with companies of the REWE Group. Furthermore, it takes into account the requirements of the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (LkSG).

In 2021, the REWE Group’s approach for creating more sustainable supply chains was published. It is the clear strategic commitment to reduce and avoid social and ecological impacts and shows how the effects of private label products on people, animals and the environment are identified, evaluated and processed.

Regulations for the moral conduct of all employees and executives including Executive Board and Supervisory Board are specified and bindingly set out in the Code of Conduct of the REWE Group. It should serve as guidance for all people cooperating with the REWE Group.

Guideline on Critical Raw Materials

The guidelines are important tools to make supply chains more sustainable. They outline the strategic approach to the topic and define a binding framework for business relationships with its contractual partners for the respective corporate units and supply chains. The scope is clearly defined and specified in the individual guidelines. Furthermore, they describe processes and define requirements, standards and measures as well as objectives which serve as a basis for responsible action within the meaning of society and environment.

The following guidelines have been adopted by the end of 2022; in 2023 it is envisaged to publish further guidelines or update existing guidelines.

• Guideline on Living Wages and Incomes
• Guideline on Fairness
• Guideline on Women in the Supply Chain
• Guideline on the Prevention of Child Labour
• Guideline on Water Protection in the Supply Chain
• Guideline on Fish and Seafood
• Guideline on Coffee
• Guideline on Cocoa Products
• Guideline on Juices
• Guideline on Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil Products
• Guideline on Organic Products
• Guideline on Soy in Animal Feed
• Guideline on Tea Products
• Guideline on Animal Welfare
• Guideline on Microplastics in Cosmetic Products
• Guideline on More Sustainable Textiles
• Guideline on Natural Stone Products
• Guideline on More Eco-Friendly Packaging
• Guideline on Circular Economy

Data (according to the clearly defined scopes in the guidelines) on the status and target attainment of the guidelines are reported in the sections Focus Raw Materials – Food and Focus Raw Materials – Non-Food and Services.