The preservation of the environment is one of our priorities, by taking into account issues of sustainable development in our internal practices. Although its business has little impact on the environment, the Group is nevertheless committed to reducing it and to improving its environmental performance in all the countries in which it operates.

ECO-Design of our products

Today, the Group’s products are still mostly produced on paper, although the use of new electronic media is increasing. In 2009, the printed medium represented around 68% of the total volume issued by Edenred, against around 32% for new electronic media, mainly in the form of magnetic cards with magnetic stripes or chips. The Group estimates that the transition to paperless products on electronic media is likely to increase over the next few years, because it makes its products more flexible and helps to reduce the consumption of paper.

For tickets printed on paper, Edenred encourages the use of recycled paper or paper carrying the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label, which certifies sustainably managed forests that are harvested in a reasonable manner.

In this respect, Edenred in Brazil can be considered as a pioneer within the group: 100% of Ticket Alimentaçao® and Ticket Car® products are cards, and 71% of Ticket Restaurante® products. Furthermore, Edenred in Brazil has joined forces with 30 other large corporations to set up the “Entreprises pour le Climat” (Businesses for the Climate) working group to look for solutions and measures to reduce carbon emissions.
Find out more about this programme "Businesses for the Climate" 

Office Environmental Charter

Edenred has drawn up an Environmental Charter for the offices of the different subsidiaries containing around fifty key points. In 2009, 29 countries implemented the Environmental Charter in their offices and organized awareness campaigns among their employees.

ISO 14001 Certification

France, the UK and the Netherlands are ISO 14001 certified. Edenred France was the first issuer of restaurant vouchers to obtain this environmental certification in 2005. The deployment of the certification initiative at Edenred subsidiaries is due to be extended in 2011.

Participation in the United Nations “Billion Tree Campaign” reforestation programme

The campaign to plant a billion trees, with the slogan “Plant for the Planet”, is an initiative launched by the United Nations Environment Programme to plant trees all over the world. Individuals, community groups, companies and industries, civil society and governments and the populations of the whole world are being encouraged to sign up online and pledge their commitment to planting trees. As part of this initiative, Edenred Belgium and Edenred Netherlands are taking part in the programme by financing a reforestation project in Romania.
To find out more about the United Nations programme