Einfluss gesetzlicher Nachhaltigkeitsanforderungen auf die Strategie und Prozesse eines Diskont-Lebensmittelhändlers

Abstract

In recent years, the topic of sustainability has become very popular in our society and is therefore frequently in the headlines of the media. In view of the current global challenges, the topic of sustainability in the economic sector is increasingly becoming the focus of consumers, companies and governments alike. Companies are faced with the challenge of adapting to volatile market conditions while at the same time meeting the needs of customers for transparent and ecological products. Using the example of the food retail company, HOFER KG, the question is examined of what specific impacts, opportunities and challenges retailers might face. This involves the implementation and execution of various sustainability initiatives in light of the required current legislation. This research paper is based on relevant literature on current legislation in the context of sustainability. It takes a closer look at EU regulations such as the European Green Deal and the ESG criteria, the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. At national level in Austria, the focus is on the amendment of the circular economy (deposit system) and the obligation to retrofit electric charging stations for the food retail sector. Semi-structured interviews with experts from strategic and operational departments are used to gather their experiences and future prospects with regard to legal sustainability requirements and their influence on processes. This information serves as the basis for answering the research question. Legislation at EU level has been transparently included throughout the entire company (global Aldi Süd corporate strategy) and there is an internal Sustainability Committee to derive specific measures. This committee is responsible for overall coordination within the corporate group and monitors the strategic sustainability goals. The analysis of the expert interviews illustrates the complex and multi-layered nature of the task of retrofitting deposit return stations and electric charging stations for food retailers. It can be stated that national legislation has a major influence on the operational processes within the HOFER KG. Project groups are set up to implement sustainable legal requirements in order to monitor processes and make continuous adjustments in the event of deviations. Close departmental co-operation and ongoing target and strategy adjustment are present in all areas of the company´s value chain. Despite legal obligations in the area of sustainability, HOFER clearly focuses on its customers.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Maximilian Gruber (Supervisor)