Pia Schnück is convinced that business success, resource conservation and climate protection do not have to be mutually exclusive, but rather harbour potential. The economist and environmental scientist is responsible for sustainability, packaging and circular economy within REWE Group and is currently working with her team on doubling the range of reusable and unpackaged products by the end of 2025.
As Head of Sustainability, Climate & Circularity, Pia Schnück is responsible for REWE Group's sustainability strategy in relation to product ranges and supply chains. Topics such as Supply chain management, circular economy, packaging and climate protection are a particular focus of their work. „For example, it's about ensuring the efficient use of resources within the Group and along the supply chain. Our goal is to move away from a linear to a truly circular economy,“ says the economist and environmental scientist, who has been working at REWE Group since spring 2020. „In addition, I am shaping the integration of sustainability requirements into purchasing and operational business processes and the implementation of increasing regulations.“
Pia Schnück studied economics and environmental sciences in Germany, Italy and Sweden, worked as a graduate student at the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy and later as a research assistant at the University of Wuppertal. in the recycling sector as a project manager active.
„It was clear to me very early on that I wanted to actively shape sustainability in companies and prove that business success, resource conservation and climate protection are not mutually exclusive, but also harbour potential. I am convinced that we need real change for effective resource and climate protection. And that's exactly what appeals to me. Because my department is working precisely on identifying and implementing these changes in the supply chains and product ranges.“
Pia Schnück, Head of Sustainability, Climate & Circularity at REWE Group
Retailers can exert influence
Projects on innovative reusable systems are currently on the sustainability expert's agenda, as are initiatives to implement sustainability issues more efficiently within the industry through standardisation and, of course, the PPWR and other regulations in the context of sustainability. „We also launched the climate protection funding programme at the beginning of the year in order to Implementation projects to reduce climate emissions together with our own-brand suppliers to move forward.“ This is because the majority of REWE and PENNY's emissions are generated in the upstream value chains - for example during the cultivation or harvesting of food, its transport or in animal husbandry.
Trade forms the Interface between the production of goods or their supply chains and the consumer. And they can exert influence in both directions, says Pia Schnück. „Sustainability in the supply chain can be promoted by formulating requirements for suppliers to improve environmental, social and animal welfare conditions and by designing the product range accordingly.“
Unpacked project also promotes reusable packaging
Since the end of 2023, REWE has been testing unpackaged stations for dry goods, such as rice, pasta and cereals, which also close reusable cycles, as customers can pay a deposit to Reusable cups and trays provided at the station or use your own break-proof containers.
„Reusable and unpackaged are exciting concepts for us, that have the potential to change the world of packaging in Germany and significantly reduce resource consumption and the climate impact of packaging. To achieve this, however, reusable packaging must become even more established on the market - even beyond the beverage segment. In order to be successful in the food retail sector, we need efficiency and scalability as well as industry standards instead of isolated solutions. Unfortunately, we are still a long way from this today.“
Women in management positions
Women often have a hard time in management positions. „Unfortunately, this is still the case in many instances. I was probably no different to many women who work in management positions. I was also repeatedly asked about the compatibility of work and family. I was also worried about finding childcare for my children and returning to work after parental leave. Fortunately REWE Group offers me a high degree of flexibility. Looking back, however, I wouldn't describe my path as difficult - you need clarity about what you want and certainly perseverance and good organisation.“
