Public Syntagmatos becomes the first zero-waste store in Greece

Public pioneers and presents an innovative program of sustainable business operation that focuses on the environment and climate change. Entitled Love Earth, the program begins with the opening of the first zero-waste Public store in Syntagma and the Just go Zero platform, giving together with Polygreen, a leader in the fields of circular economy and environmental protection, the message for importance of recycling. At the same time, Public inspires consumers to change the way they shop and adopt a greener life through environmentally friendly options, while setting a new standard for retail in the country.

It is a program that combines a series of practices implemented by Public Group to reduce its environmental footprint, as well as new services that will be gradually available to consumers, supporting their choice for a life with less impact on the environment. The goal of the Public Group is to integrate sustainability into its operation, focusing on the implementation of a circular economy model that encourages reduction-reuse and recycling, as well as the use of green energy. It innovates with a new purchasing model, through services such as the repair or disposal of remanufactured electronic devices, as well as the availability of environmentally friendly products or services. The employees and the suppliers of the company will have an important role in this program, through training initiatives, new commercial proposals or joint actions.

Regarding the program, Nikos Varvadoukas, VP Brand & Customer of Public Group said: “The pandemic showed how vulnerable our ecosystem is but also the need to work together to form a better and more sustainable model in our economy. Public we recognized the need for a new model in our operation and a new shopping model, which is why we present “Love Earth”, a comprehensive program that reduces our environmental footprint, all adopting new shopping habits, with products and services for a “Eco-friendly life. Starting from the first zero waste store in Greece, we join forces with our customers and partners and invite the whole market to work together in search of solutions for a more sustainable planet.”

Zero waste in the first zero waste store in the country

The public flagship store in Syntagma becomes the first zero-waste store in the country, inviting its consumers and visitors to participate in the Just Go Zero movement, through the implementation of a complete model of circular economy. In collaboration with the company Polygreen, which specializes in applications for the circular economy, Public starts from the store of Syntagma, integrating both in the Public Café and in the entire operation of the store, integrated streams of reduction, recycling and reuse, covering all organic waste, coffee grounds, tobacco products, paper, glass, aluminum and plastic. By shopping or enjoying their coffee at the Public store in Syntagma, consumers support the effort for a better future, without waste!

Ms. Elli Panagiotopoulou, Group Communications & Corporate Affairs Director of Polygreen, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Public Group to Just Go Zero, the first movement for the circular economy in Greece. The importance of our cooperation is great, as , the Public Group not only becomes the first retail company to adopt the philosophy of Just Go Zero, but chooses, with the flagship store of the Constitution, to become a multiplier of the message, inspiring employees, customers and partners to become part of the effort for a world “We hope the pioneering role of Public Group will inspire other companies from similar or completely different industries to join forces with us. Let us all become part of the solution.”

Less paper consumption with electronic receipt

Aiming to reduce paper use in all stores, Public encourages consumers to opt for e-invoicing during their purchases, taking advantage of the option of queuing checkout if they wish. At the same time, they have started the process of transition to more environmentally friendly packaging, which will be fully recyclable or reusable.

Green energy everywhere

Public reduces the energy footprint of its physical network, making the walk of consumers more environmentally friendly. For 57 stores, where there is a direct contract with the electricity providers, Public utilizes energy from renewable sources, thus significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions from their operation. At the same time, Public reduces energy consumption by utilizing LED lamps in all installations, but also by using modern air conditioning units and automatic light sensors.

Second Life

At the same time, Public gives a second life to products, through the specialized repair centers of electronic devices iRepair that operate in their store network, but also by inaugurating the possibility of purchasing refurbished, fully functional devices from the Glyfada store – a service that will be expanded and elsewhere in the network.

At the same time, Public inspires consumers by offering a range of home and other energy-efficient appliances for a greener home, special series of toys and gifts from recycled or sustainable materials, and offering books or remanufactured gadgets, PCs or laptops for community needs. .

Sustainable facilities

Public houses its headquarters in a building made of environmentally friendly materials, offering a modern, sustainable and upgraded working environment. The facilities allow natural light and ventilation, while ensuring significant energy savings. The building operates 9 recycling stations as well as biological treatment, while natural gas is used.