Success Story: Ultrabox Earns Zero Waste Certification (Silver Level)

Founded in 1989 in Brasília as a small grocery store, BIGBOX has established itself as one of the leading retail chains in Brazil's Federal District, currently operating 23 BIGBOX supermarkets and 20 cash-and-carry/wholesale units under the ULTRABOX banner.

Over more than 34 years in business, the company has focused its efforts not only on convenience and competitive pricing, but also on embedding sustainability as a cross-cutting strategic pillar.

The BIGBOX Group's environmental commitment

The company has actively adopted circular economy principles through initiatives with measurable impact:

• Organic and recyclable waste management: It channels roughly 40% of its organic waste into composting or donation, and returns 46% of its recyclable waste to the packaging industry.

• Digital transformation ("Green Receipt"): It encourages digital invoicing, with 60% of the receipts it issues now digital, sharply cutting paper consumption.

• Animal welfare: It stands by its commitment to sell exclusively cage-free eggs by 2028, and already sources 31% of its supply under that scheme.

• Energy efficiency and carbon footprint: It runs on 100% renewable energy (Clean Energy Seal, Silver Level), avoiding 1,789 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

In 2024, the BIGBOX store in Castanheiras set a historic milestone by becoming the first supermarket in Brazil to earn Zero Waste Certification, with a 96% waste diversion rate. The group has recently taken a further step by certifying its first two ULTRABOX wholesale units.

The situation before the Zero Waste Management System (SGZW)

Before adopting the Zero Waste Management System (SGZW / SGLZ), waste management across the organisation was informal and disjointed.

The main challenges identified included:

• No centralised control over the volumes and types of waste generated.

• No formal system for documenting and tracing processes.

• Difficulty in standardising procedures and training staff consistently.

Although there was a positive internal perception of the importance of caring for the environment, a structured effort was needed to turn good intentions into efficient, measurable operational processes.

The road to Silver Level

The BIGBOX Group's motivation for pursuing certification grew out of a commitment to reduce its environmental impact, optimise operating costs and strengthen its reputation among customers and key partners.

Key implementation steps:

1. Operational assessment: A detailed review of the state of waste management to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.

2. Separation into three streams: Strict sorting at source, divided into:

   • Reject (non-recoverable waste).

   • Recyclables (technical cycle).

   • Organics (biological cycle).

3. Training and organisational culture: Aligning operational and management teams with the system's guidelines.

4. Specialist support: Technical advice to ensure compliance with the requirements of the international standard.

Results and impact after certification

Thanks to the implementation of the SGZW, the ULTRABOX ADE and ULTRABOX COLORADO stores radically transformed their environmental indicators:

• Landfill diversion above 90%: The stores now send less than 10% of their total waste to final disposal.

• Return to the circular economy: Around 90% of the waste generated is recycled or composted, going back into the production cycle.

• A culture of involvement: A significant rise in staff engagement, fostering a day-to-day culture of environmental responsibility.

• Monitoring and technology: Tools put in place for tracking and continuously improving the system.

Certification at a glance

• Organisation: BIGBOX Group / ULTRABOX Supermarkets

• Certified units: 2 stores (Ultrabox ADE and Ultrabox Colorado)

• Standard: Zero Waste Management System (SGLZ / SGZW)

• Level achieved: Silver

• Auditing / assessment body: Atzert ICQ Brasil Certificação

Testimonial

"For the Ultrabox ADE and Ultrabox Colorado stores, earning Zero Waste Management System certification is a landmark in our sustainability journey. This achievement not only reinforces our commitment to the environment, it shows that responsible practices can be built into our day-to-day operation, with tangible benefits for the organisation and the community.

Our special thanks go to manager Glauber, environmental officer Grazi and the Ultrabox Colorado team, as well as to manager Claudia, environmental officer Maria Cleonice and the staff of Ultrabox ADE. Their dedication made this recognition possible."

— Cleusa Skalee, representative of the BIGBOX Group

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