Sara Pineda
Marco Crisigiovanni
Beatrice De Vercelli
Beatrice Ortoleva
Giacomo Ballardini
Tommaso Ravaioli
Mattia Dell’Arciprete
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)
Riccardo Torelli
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In the picturesque landscape of Liguria, Italy, Coop Liguria emerges as a pioneer in retail innovation and sustainability. Since 1945, Coop has evolved its mission, addressing contemporary challenges to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Coop Liguria's solution involves embracing cutting-edge technologies, such as blockchain, to revolutionize its supply chain. This initiative significantly contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Responsible Consumption and Production. Concerned not only about its own environmental impact but throughout the entire supply chain, Coop actively contributes to reducing food waste, minimizing plastic use, and lowering energy consumption. In the social realm, the company prioritizes the well-being of its employees, supports the community, and engages in various social initiatives. This is the story of a supermarket that not only embraces change but actively shapes a more sustainable future.
Coop Liguria embarked on a transformative journey, adopting blockchain technology to redefine its role in the retail landscape. More than a technological leap, it was a sign of its deep commitment to the community. This adoption wasn't just about improving the technology; symbolized transparency, authenticity and a deep connection to the community, by allowing consumers to trace products back to the origin of their farms, the company provides intricate details on quality and journey demonstrating its sustainable commitment throughout the supply chain and supporting as well as the SDG related to responsible production and consumption (SDG 12).
Beyond technological progress, this advancement represented a link between Coop Liguria and the community, fostering trust and empowerment in its customers through knowledge. Additionally, the creation of initiatives such as "buon fine" that seeks to reduce waste demonstrate another green side of the company in which environmental and social concerns are also addressed. This initiative, together with the reduction of plastic use and the incorporation of photovoltaic systems, also contributes to other SDGs such as poverty eradication (SDG 1), clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13).
Photo taken from the Coop website (www.coopalleanza3-0.it/cooperativa/comunita/buon-fine.html)
At the heart of Coop Liguria's inspiration lies a deep commitment to responsibility, echoing the sentiment that Coop was born in order to generate a positive impact, Silvia said: "today every company aspires to be responsible, we were born that way and we continue in the same direction trying to do more and more". This unbreakable spirit drives Coop Liguria to see every purchase as a catalyst for positive change, summed up in the belief that "A good shopping can change the world." The understanding that consumer choices have the power to influence producers toward responsible practices drives Coop Liguria's dedication to steering the retail industry toward sustainability. This ethos forms the cornerstone of the cooperative's enduring commitment to responsible consumption, perfectly aligning with its mission to create meaningful impact through every purchase.
Coop Liguria's strategic adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including blockchain, underscores the supermarket's commitment to innovation. At the corporate level, these innovations play a pivotal role in optimizing logistics and management operations. Digital business expansion, facilitated by these technologies, not only streamlines operations but also allows for personalized offerings, showcasing Coop Liguria's agility in meeting evolving customer needs.
On the social front, the supermarket takes a proactive stance by promoting digital training and inclusion initiatives. This not only enhances the skill set of its employees but also contributes to local community development in the digital age. The positive impact reverberates through improved quality of life for workers and stimulates economic and social development in the community. Additionally, Coop Liguria's "Buon Fine" initiative, where donations are made of food that can no longer be sold but is in good condition, provides tangible evidence of the company's long-standing commitment to waste reduction and support to the community.
From an environmental perspective, the adoption of blockchain technology and other low-impact solutions as the reduction of plastic and energy consumption exemplifies the company's commitment to responsible resource management, reducing environmental impact over time.
Coop Liguria strategically leverages innovation to achieve tangible benefits in operational, social and environmental dimensions. While the short-term gains include immediate improvements in operational efficiency and customer experience, the long-term impacts are profound by helping the company develop greater operational resilience and positioning it as a responsible industry leader through adoption of sustainable solutions.
As the company adopted all this innovative initiatives, It has experienced a number of positive results. Last year, through the "Buon Fine" initiative, Coop Liguria donated goods worth more than 1 million euros to around seventy local associations. By joining the European Commitment Campaign, the company actively contributed to reducing plastic consumption, saving 10,600 tonnes of virgin plastic in the last four years by using recycled materials in its packaging, earning praise for its sustainable practices. The focus on sustainability extends to in-store innovations, such as compostable bags and labels for weighed vegetables.
Regarding buildings, Coop Liguria uses advanced technology to improve efficiency, with constant investments in photovoltaic systems. Currently operating nine small photovoltaic installations, the company is investing 6 million euros to build seven larger ones, with the aim of covering 10% of its consumption with photovoltaic energy by the end of 2024. To reduce energy consumption, Coop Liguria has been pioneer in installing doors for fresh and frozen food counters in its stores.
Because the company made these innovative decisions, it not only significantly contributed to environmental sustainability, but also strengthened community engagement and gained recognition for its sustainable practices.
In essence, Coop Liguria's innovation serves as a guiding force for positive change in both society and the environment. Through initiatives like "Buon Fine" and a commitment to reduce plastic usage, the company actively contributes to local communities and environmental well-being. By embracing blockchain and sustainable practices, Coop Liguria not only optimizes operations but sets a new standard for responsible retailing. The ripple effect of its dedication to responsibility is witnessed in waste reduction, community support, and environmental stewardship. Coop Liguria's story is a testament to the profound impact that a responsible business can have on Liguria, Italy, and the world. As it continues harmonizing innovation, sustainability, and community welfare, Coop Liguria exemplifies the transformative power of responsible business practices.
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Silvia Pizzorno, Communications Manager
Coop Liguria, founded in 1945, stands as a cooperative powerhouse in the retail industry, particularly specializing in large-scale food and beverage distribution. Based in Arenzano-Genova, Italy, the cooperative has evolved over the years, incorporating technological advancements, sustainable practices, and community engagement into its core values. With a commitment to responsible business practices, Coop Liguria has become a symbol of innovation, dedicating itself to providing quality products while actively contributing to societal well-being and environmental conservation.